New Policy in Effect
On January 1st, 2015 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) put into effect new energy efficiency regulations involving the regulation of air conditioning equipment. Manufactures will now be required to meet or exceed a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 14. Previously, the floor for SEER rating was placed at 13. The increase marks a trend in federal regulations aimed at preserving energy and conserving the environment.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio Explained
For those unfamiliar with the concept, a SEER rating measure the energy efficiency of an air-conditioning unit. It can be computed by comparing the total cooling energy expended with the total energy output of the unit. The higher the SEER rating the more efficient the unit. Essentially, the SEER rating is to an air conditioning what miles per gallon is to a car. Customers should be aware that higher SEER rated airconditioners tend to cost a bit more, but ultimately save money in the long run due to a decreased monthly energy bill.
What Consumers Ought to Know
We at Albuquerque Heating and Cooling interpret the new regulation as a policy gear toward the manufacturer, and ultimately benefits the consumer. The new regulation will no doubt drive down the cost of older models that fail to meet the SEER requirement. Moreover, the regulation policy comes with an 18 month stipulation, during which manufacturers can sell off their inventory of AC units below the SEER requirement of 14. In order to move out inventory before the deadline approaches, manufacturers will almost certainly be force to discount the price of AC units.
Auxiliary Benefit
We at Albuquerque plumbing consider the recent regulations put in effect by the DOE fair, and beneficial to the consumer. Ultimately, the end game of this regulation is a properly maintained environment, and another control to assure that we leave behind a slightly shiny earth to the next generation.