2015 HVAC regulations are likely to make air conditioner replacement more costly to the consumer!

2015 HVAC regulations changes are going to re-define the contractors and manufacturers do business. Beginning January 1, 2015 air conditioning contractors and manufacturers will face strict penalties if they fail to adhere to new federal guidelines pertaining to energy efficiency standards of the equipment they install. For the first time in history there will be regional minimum-efficiency standards in place. A/C contractors will be required to stay up to date on any and all changes in regulations as are pertinent to their designated geographical region (North, Southeast, or Southwest), as well as how, when, and to what extent those new standards will be implemented.

When replacing old a/c equipment BOTH the indoor and outdoor units must have a combined SEER rating that falls within specified limits.

 Old air conditioner that is no longer cost effective to repair.

As an example … when installing a 14 SEER outdoor air conditioning unit the contractor must double check to ensure that the air handler, blower, and coil combinations on the inside do not diminish the overall efficiency of the system as a whole. All of the component parts in the entire system, inside and out, must have an aggregate SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating) that is in line with federal standards. What this means to the consumer is …

… beginning January, 2015 HVAC  regulations will require that when one of the two main

air conditioner units (inside or outside) fails, beyond reasonable repair,

the home owner may well have to replace both the inside and the outside units …

… even if one is still functioning well!

The good news is the home owners electric bill should drop significantly … and it will contribute greatly toward making for a “greener” planet.

The bad news is … the cost of replacing your air conditioner is bound to go up!

High efficiency air conditioning equipment typically costs more.  better, more expensive materials and components, constructed under greater scrutiny and conforming to specific tolerances simply cost more! A homeowner with an outdoor unit that is relatively new, and inside unit that is older, or vice versa, might well consider the option of replacing the older piece of equipment before the 2015 HVAC regulations are in place. If the available equipment that is available next year is not compatible with the newer equipment he bought just a few years ago … he may be forced to replace that newer piece even if it still works perfectly!

“Higher efficiency, lower emissions, better technology,and new refrigerants are the future of the air conditioning industry, and that’s a good thing. That said … the time to act is now if you want to keep replacement costs to a minimum!”

Kurt Hartmann,

Community Cooling and Heating Inc.

239-267-2117

 Kurt Hartmann, Owner/President Community Cooling and Heating