Homeowners looking to purchase new heating & air conditioning equipment should consider new federal energy efficiency standard
Release date: 12/10/2005
With the U.S. Department of Energy mandating a 30 percent increase in the energy efficiency of new air conditioning units and heat pumps beginning in January, homeowners may want to evaluate their options for new home comfort systems now, rather than waiting until next year -- after the new standard goes into effect. The new national minimum energy efficiency standard will increase the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) from 10 to 13 on Jan. 23, 2006, which means the products that are manufactured today will start to be replaced with higher efficiency equipment come January.
To help homeowners better understand the new federal energy efficiency standard and how it could impact the cost of heating and cooling their homes, Service Experts is offering free in-home consultations. During these visits, a Service Experts home comfort advisor will provide consumers with information about the various types of air conditioning systems and heat pumps that are currently available and the ones that will be sold next year, to help consumers make educated purchasing decisions.
"We understand that major household purchases, such as a new air conditioning or heating systems, are investments, and we provide consumers with the best advice to help them make the right choices," said Ian McKeen. "There are a number of options available before the new standard takes effect, so now is a good time for homeowners to evaluate their specific needs, taking into consideration various factors, such as how much they want to spend and how long they plan to live in their house."
Once the new federal regulation takes effect in January, manufacturers will no longer produce air conditioning units and heat pumps with a SEER rating of 10 to 12, but consumers will still be able to purchase 10 to 12 SEER equipment until all of those products have been sold.
According to Service Experts, the lower efficiency units that are currently available still provide excellent heating and cooling capabilities and may help save homeowners some money in the short-term. However, there are limited quantities available as the date for implementation of the new standard approaches, and homeowners who want to save money up front may want to consider purchasing now.
"While the improved energy efficiency systems are more expensive initially, the new, higher SEER units can help save money on monthly energy bills, allowing the homeowner to recoup the cost of the unit over a number of years," said Ian McKeen. "And the newer systems can be much quieter than the lower SEER units."
In conjunction with the free scheduled home consultation being offered by the local Service Experts service center, a certified home comfort advisor will provide expert advice about the new energy efficiency standard and address individual needs. By assessing a homeowner's current heating and cooling system, the home comfort advisor will review and evaluate the current condition of the equipment, its energy rating and the life expectancy of the current system to help the homeowner determine the best available options.
Consumers who are interested in a consultation to assess the current heating and cooling system in their home can contact Service Experts at 1-888-HEAT-COOL to schedule a free in-home visit. These complimentary appointments are limited to schedule availability and are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Service Experts is a North American service company providing installation, maintenance and repair of heating, air conditioning, ventilation and indoor air quality systems. All Service Experts technicians are certified by NATE (North American Technician Excellence), the leading certification program for technicians in the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) industry. NATE certifies only those technicians who achieve mastery of an industryapproved level of knowledge.
Every home visit is backed by the Service Experts Five Standards of Excellence: Quality Service Every Visit; Daytime, Nighttime, On-Time; NATE-Certified Professional Techs; Respect For You & Your Home; and Always Easy To Work With.
The company's goal is to provide indoor comfort solutions to make homes and workplaces comfortable, healthy and safe -- backed by the Service Experts 100 percent Satisfaction Guarantee. Headquartered in Richardson, Texas, Service Experts has formed an extensive network of high-quality, well-established centers throughout the United States and Canada. To locate a Service Experts center or arrange for heating, air conditioning and indoor air quality products, service or maintenance, consumers may access the company's Web site, www.ServiceExperts.com, or call the Service Experts toll-free number at 1-888-HEATCOOL (1-888-432-8266).