Changes Mean Choices

The U.S. federal government has recently made some significant decisions that will immediately affect homeowners.  This includes regulations on energy efficiency and mandates on the production of certain refrigerants.

Energy Efficiency Considerations
Manufacturers must begin making air conditioning and heat pump systems with higher seasonal energy efficiency ratings (SEER). Production on lower efficiency units will cease and units will have to carry a 13 SEER rating or higher by January 1, 2006. Resultantly, as 2005 progresses, many manufacturers are curtailing their production of less efficient units. So, the availability of certain types, sizes, or efficiency of units will constantly change.

The 13 SEER technology demands a physically larger unit for higher effi-ciency than today’s 10 SEER minimum. The manufacturers are working on developing units that will have the same width and depth, but will probably be taller. This has implications for many existing applications that may have physical space constraints.

Should you be concerned about space constrained situations?

Single Family Home with outdoor condensing unit and indoor evaporator free from obstructions

No. When you’re ready to replace your air conditioning systems, you will be able to install a high efficiency unit.

Single Family Home or Town home with condensing unit under deck or porch

Somewhat. A 13 SEER unit may be too tall to fit. Currently, side discharge condensing units (with hot air sent through a side vent rather than from on top of the unit) are available only in 10 SEER.
Additionally, there may be difficulties if the indoor unit is in a small closet or space.

Townhome or Condominium with outdoor or indoor units in confined spaces

Possibly. If the system was a builder’s special, it is as physically small as possible. You may or may not be able to squeeze that larger unit in your confined place.

Condo with condensing unit on the roof, hanging outside the building or on patio

Potentially. Often, there are hatches leading up to the roof. Or, the unit has to be carried through the building to get to the outside wall or patio. If the 13 or 14 SEER unit can not fit, you will have the cost of a crane, plus permit costs, to put the new unit in the proper location.

Condominium with systems that are "Thru the Wall" types with wall sleeves

Potentially. The DOE regulations are unclear and there are a number of conditions and size limitations. When no longer available, condominium associations will have to make a decision as to where to put the conventional condensing units.

Refrigerant Considerations
Existing EPA mandates discontinue the production of NEW air conditioning units that contain R-22 (Freon®) refrigerant effective January 23, 2010. R-22 will continue to be available for many years afterwards for servicing of equipment already in the field. However, many manufac-turers are beginning to transition their production in alternative refrigerants such as R-410A. When installing units with the new refrigerant, it is necessary to change out the entire system (condensing unit, evaporator coil and refrigerant lines).

The good news is that the new 410A equipment technology makes for a radically different unit with enhanced reliability and perfor-mance.  So, those homeowners who do not have special physical space constraints can purchase a better system with great efficiency. And, those systems are available now.

How could this affect your home?
Often, the refrigerant lines running from the evaporator coil (furnace) to the outside condensing unit are concealed. They could be in a wall, under a patio, or in concrete. In a condominium, the lines may run in the wall through another condominium unit. So, there will be the extra cost of running new lines and a decision to remove or leave the old lines. You can expect the additional costs of dry wall and painters.

Actions to Consider in 2005
If your unit is in good working order and less than 8 years old, you should continue to have it regularly serviced by your quality contractor. However, if your unit requires extensive repairs, or is older than 8 years, you should make plans to replace it. Additionally, if your equipment is in a space-constrained situation, you should consider the structural changes that may be involved and replace the existing equipment prior to 2006. In this case, you will have far greater equipment choices.