This past January, the United States Department of Energy’s new standards regarding residential air conditioners became effective. As a result, air conditioner products manufactured after this date will have to meet the new standards. Among new standards is the increase of the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) from 10 to 13 (SEER is the Department of Energy’s measure of efficiency for the seasonal cooling performance of central air conditioners and central air conditioning heat pumps). In addition, the refrigerant R-22 currently used in air conditioning units is to be phased out in 2010 and replaced with the refrigerant R-134.
The Department of Energy has stated that homeowners do not have to upgrade or replace existing central air conditioners. Rather, any new repairs or replacements will have to comply with the standards. Nevertheless, any homeowner who has a home warranty policy should check with the company to determine if his or her policy covers the replacement of components utilizing the R-22 refrigerant with the R-134 refrigerant in the event air conditioning unit needs to be repaired and the old component is no longer available.
– Andrew Berenson