Requirements before Your New Air Conditioning or Heat Pump Installation or Upgrade
As of January 1, 2015, the regulations regarding packaged heat pumps and air conditioning units became stricter. The governing body that rates energy efficiency made the move to increase the minimum Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) from 13 to 14. It also increased the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) from 7.7 to 8.2. While this may not qualify as breaking news to most of us, it is important information for any homeowner looking to replace or upgrade their HVAC system. Before you invest in a new air conditioning installation project, make sure that you go shopping armed with the latest information.
To learn more about SEER Ratings, please read:
For Air Conditioning Savings, get aquainted with SEER Ratings.
What’s the impact of higher SEER ratings on your air conditioning installation?
- Energy Savings
The good news is that new regulations mean that you will enjoy access to more energy efficient heating and cooling systems. While the purchase of new equipment may seem expensive, you will enjoy significant savings over time through lower utility bills. On average, homeowners spend almost 50% of their monthly utility budget on heating and cooling. Imagine the savings you could experience by reducing the cost of keeping your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year.
- Increased Home Value
Installing energy efficient heating and cooling units will also increase the resale value of your home. Down the road, when you are ready to put your house on the market, potential buyers will be looking to see that you have up-to-date equipment powering your home. A state of the art HVAC system that meets current industry standards can be a strong selling point that will drive up the value of your home and result in a higher selling price.
- Environmentally Friendly
High quality air conditioning installation and heat pump upgrades will also help your home be more environmentally friendly and reduce your carbon footprint. With so many energy efficient options available on the market, there is no reason not to purchase a high performance model. The benefits of it far outweigh any additional upfront costs.
Any qualified installer should be aware of new regulations and only provide work and products that meet and exceed the latest industry standards. That being said, as a homeowner, it is important that you are also aware of SEER standards and which HVAC units will work best in your home. Being an informed consumer and working with a trusted, reputable hvac expert like Edwin Stipe, Inc. will go a long way to ensure that you achieve the best possible results.
Fortunately, the new regulations also go hand-in-hand with a revised labeling system that makes it easier than ever to quickly gather important information concerning the energy efficiency rating of each unit. In the past, the FTC EnergyGuide label or hang tag, which is attached to each unit, only listed one specific rating point. The new tags rate each unit along a range, which provides a more accurate view of how all the components work together to provide optimal performance. This information is just another tool to empower consumers and help them choose the right unit for their home.
New regulations that require the installation of more energy efficient air conditioning systems provide a wide range of benefits, as mentioned above. The key is to be aware of recent changes so that you can make informed decisions about which unit is best for your home. Become familiar with the SEER and HSPF rating systems and common labeling terms so that you get the most for your money. Should you have questions, please call Edwin Stipe, Inc. at (610) 258-0201 and we’ll be glad to help you.
