conarb
Registered User
So why are the southern states being given a grace period when the rest of us aren't? After all, their prices are significantly lower.\ said:That's because increasing energy efficiency standards that go into effect in 2015 likely will result in a higher price tag for new air conditioning equipment and hot water heaters.
As of the first of this year, the minimum standard Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER rating for heating and cooling systems has increased in many areas of the country. The rating, which measures the energy efficiency of an air conditioning system over the course of an entire cooling season, has increased from 13 to 14 in many areas throughout the U.S. (visit tinyurl.com/SEER2015 for a map and info). Consequently, new installed A/C systems and related cooling equipment, including package air conditioners and split-system or package heat pumps, will need to be SEER 14 or higher going forward; for split system air conditioners, SEER 13 units can continue to be installed in northern states, but southeast and southwest states will require SEER 14 models.
“If there is no room for the newer unit, the consumer will be forced to either relocate equipment and install new venting and piping or downgrade to a smaller unit that fits within the designated area,” says Andy Rodenhiser, owner of Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning in Holliston, Massachusetts.
Depending on the existing heater size and space constraints, a new water heater could cost up to four times as much to install, says Turner.
“For example, if you currently have a standard vent 75-gallon natural gas water heater, which is being discontinued, it would normally install for around $1,500. The replacement could require a power vent water heater that needs a different flue, costing you upwards of $3,500 installed,” Turner adds.
The good news for homeowners in southwest and southeast states is that they have a grace period—expiring July 1, 2016—in which they can still have SEER 13 A/C systems installed, “so if budget is your main concern, replace your system now with a SEER 13 one, while they’re still available,” says Turner.¹
¹ http://www.nwitimes.com/lifestyles/home-and-garden/lower-energy-costs-at-a-price-new-efficiency-standards-may/article_0f6f5c0f-1e16-56a3-8309-5ac00f92e3c3.html