HIGH EFFICIENCY Air Units Maintenance and Installation

What is 13 Seer Upgrade?

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  A higher SEER means higher energy efficiency

  Effective January 2006, the Federal Government requires all air conditioning systems that are manufactured to have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of 13 or higher. Prior to this mandate the industry standard was a minimum energy efficiency rating of 10 SEER. The higher the (SEER) rating, the more energy efficient a unit is. The objective of this new law is to reduce national energy consumption and the need to build more energy production facilities that generate pollution.
  
  

  This new law will have a significant impact on the home industry and homeowners that use air conditioning systems in their homes. It is important to note that the new law does not require homeowners update older AC systems that are still operational. In fact, existing systems can continue to be maintained and repaired until they are no longer repairable. However, once they fail and require replacement after January 2006, the replacement units available on the market will likely only be 13 SEER rated AC units. AC units that are 10, 11, and 12 SEER rated systems after January 2006 may still be sold by suppliers and installed by homeowners until that equipment is no longer available. In effect, the new Federal law doesn’t prevent the sale, purchase or installation of older AC models. It just controls the future manufacturing of AC units.
  
  

  UPGRADE OR MODIFICATION OF YOUR SYSTEM TO 13 SEER OR HIGHER IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE A/C SURE PLAN.

  By way of explanation, it is estimated that 13 SEER AC units will cost at least 60% more than older less energy efficient models. In addition, the cost of the modification that will often be required to accommodate the new energy efficient units may be very significant. In many cases, the new more energy efficient units are larger and heavier.
  
  

  With a 13 SEER condenser change out the indoor evaporative coil must be evaluated. This is to ensure that the unit will work and for the manufacturers warranty to be in effect. If the evap coil is older than 1992 it must be replaced. The new coil will be a 13 seer coil and include a TXV (Thermal Expansion Valve). If the Evap coil is 1992 or younger then the evap coil must have a TXV. The A/C Sure Plan will not cover the cost of either the replacement cost of the 13 seer evap coil or the installation of a TXV.
  
  

  There are also some anticipated problems with the installation of the new 13 SEER equipment. First, roof mounted AC units will be bigger and heavier and may require additional structural support to the building structure. Second, units that are in attics or closets may not be having enough room to accommodate the new larger units. As stated, the A/C Sure Plane does not cover modifications required to provide adequate space and/or structural support; it will be the responsibility of the Member to make the required modifications prior to the installation of the unit should Member decide to utilize Plan Provider as a separately negotiated service provider for any upgrade or modification.
  
  

  As suggested above, Membership in the A/C Sure Plan does afford the Member the ability to upgrade or modify their system with the Plan Provider as a separately provided service outside of the A/C Sure Plan's general terms and conditions. Member will receives a significant discount on labor charges and other work typically not covered under the A/C Sure Plan, as well as receive the same published pricing discount for all system parts associated with the upgrade or modification.
  

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