|
Tuesday's Tour & Tip
There’s a New Minimum Efficiency Standard for 2006
Like many consumer products that use energy, air conditioners and heat pumps are manufactured to meet or exceed minimum efficiency standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy. For nearly a decade, that minimum has been 10 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). On January 23, 2006, the minimum will jump to 13 SEER, a 30% increase over the current standard. Who will this affect? The 13 SEER minimum applies to everyone - consumers, your local HVAC dealer and all manufacturers of air conditioners and heat pumps. However, it only applies to new equipment manufactured on or after January 23, 2006. In other words, you can continue to use your current system indefinitely, even if it operates below 13 SEER. Also, if you sell your home you are NOT required to replace your older system with a 13 SEER system. However, if you own an older system that often needs repair, or if it is simply time to replace your current system, purchasing a 13 SEER model will give you two advantages: You'll
start saving money on your monthly utility bills with a newer, more energy efficient system. You'll be able to advertise that as a “highlight” if or when you try to sell your home. What does it mean to me? For many homeowners, a 13 SEER air conditioner or heat pump will represent money saved on each month's electric bill. Exactly how much you can save will depend on the efficiency of your current system. Here's a comparison: 13 SEER Efficiency Delivers about 23% energy savings compared to 10 SEER models Delivers about 8% energy savings compared to 12 SEER models Actual savings will depend on the age, efficiency and condition of the unit being replaced, but for anyone currently considering a new air conditioner or heat pump, it makes a lot of sense to replace it with a 13 SEER product, especially considering resale value.
FOR QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS WEEK'S FEATURED PROPERTY,
OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS COMMUNICATION,
PLEASE EMAIL CHRISSY@CASTLESBYCHRISSY.COM
OR CALL CHRISSY AT 404.925.5335
FIRST ATLANTA
|
