"Puddin' Man" wrote

New "Fedral Gummint" AC SEER minimum, etc

Hi,

There was a feature on tv news here last nite, said that
the federal minimum on SEER ratings for AC units would
increase from 10 to 13 as of Jan. 1, 2006. Also implied
or stated the following:

a.) New 13+ SEER units cost lots more.

More, but not "lots more". Anytime you purchase something that will SAVE you
money, it will COST you money.

b.) Are lots bigger (condensing unit).

Depends on the manufacturer. Most will be bigger. Usually taller (as opposed
to wider) with the idea that more surface area on the coil means more
efficient operation.

c.) Folks should consider buying the old stuff now,
to avoid higher cost and "Gawd Knows What Else".
Implies a rush on the old stuff.

It's not that bad and I wouldn't panic-buy, though I know a couple
commercial customers (a church and a school) that are rushing out to buy
"new" equipment before the price goes up.


Is this accurate info?

See above. The other thing: There are many out there that aren't convinced
that it will go to 13. Many are fighting for 12 to be the minimum and many
don't want it raised at all. I think it will go to 13.


I have been out of the AC equipment loop for a
long time:

1.) What refrigerants are used in the old stuff?

Depends on HOW old you are talking about, but the majority of them use R-22.

2.) What refrigerants are used in the new stuff?

R-410A


What are the HVAC vendors doing?

As David Byrne once said: "Same as it ever was...."

Pushing the new for the additional revenue?

Most manufacturers are selling either unit at the same price.

Or could it be they are
promoting scare tactics to promote sales of the
old stuff?

They may lower the price on the R-22 units to make the move faster, but
don't hold your breath.


Any/all discussion of the old vs new stuff would be
much appreciated. "Los Federales" have made a hideous
mess of this kind of thing before, don't know why
they wouldn't again.

I think R-410A is here to stay. Most were apprehensive at first, but they
seemed to be doing O.K. I think the argument of "Well, it runs at a higher
pressure so you are going to have more leaks!" is unfounded.


Just my 2 cents, but wadda eye nose........