SEER 13 AIR CONDITIONERS
The standard for newly installed air conditioners has
changed from SEER 10 to SEER 13: a 30% increase in
efficiency. However, for many with older homes (pre-1992),
the increase in efficiency can be even greater than 30%, due
to the older units much lower SEER ratings--usually around 6
or 7. Thus the “payback” will be even bigger, and faster,
and the reduction in electricity costs will be even nicer!
Initially, the up front costs for the new SEER 13 units are
going to be higher than the SEER 10 units. Talking with a
well respected Atlanta HVAC firm who represents several well
known brands, the representative noted the price difference
between a SEER 10 and a SEER 13 two-and-a-half ton unit,
including the cost of a matching evaporator coil (if needed)
would range about $600 higher on average.
There may be additional costs for sheet-metal work around
the new, larger sized evaporator coil at the furnace,
possibly new copper tubing from the compressor to the
evaporator. The new units require very clean plumbing, so
the current plumbing may need to be cleaned or replaced. The
new units required 40% more “freon”.
There has been much speculation about how much larger the
new outside units will be. Actually some manufacturers like
Amana, Goodman and Bryant (and perhaps others) new units
will be the same or smaller than their current SEER 10
units.
A new digital thermostat is recommended if your unit is an
older, say 15 year old analog thermostat, for more efficient
operation.
And, just like car a/c systems where the old R-12 was
changed, in 2010 the current R-22 air conditioner coolant
will be changed to the R-410A. At least one manufacturer,
Carrier, already includes the new freon, so you‘ll already
have an a/c that meets the SEER 13 requirements with the new
coolant.
A last thought. Some in-place a/c compressor units are
over-sized. When talking with a contractor let them know you
want a “Manual J” Calculation performed to confirm what size
unit is actually needed. (Some a/c firms tend to over-size
the units to make more money!) You may be able to down-size
somewhat, which could result in reduced replacement costs
AND more efficient, longer running operation which can
reduce humidity and repair bills from units that repeatedly
cycle on an off. Don’t forget to obtain at least 3 quotes!
There will be a lot of price volatility out there at the
beginning. And of course, servicing you old unit annually
just may pay off handsomely in putting the day of reckoning
off very nicely.
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