Home Improvement Articles

There’s a good chance that any homeowner will get sticker shock when it comes time to replace or upgrade the home’s heat pump system, especially if it’s an older model from before 2006.  The reason for higher prices isn’t because the HVAC company is trying to gouge the customer. It is because in January of 2006, a federal mandate required the efficiency rating of all future HVAC systems installed meet a minimum of SEER 13, Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating.

SEER 13 heating and cooling units are not compatible with older units.  These newer units are physically different sizes internally and externally.  In addition to the physical size being larger, the diameters of copper lines running from the condenser(outside) unit many times are larger than the older units. 

While some technicians may try to retrofit a newer unit with an older evaporator or air handler, they may not be aware of the effect that this "rigging up" has on the functioning of the overall system.  By upgrading just part of the system , while it may work temporarily, it will actually increase energy consumption and costs.  In a relatively short time, early mechanical failure will result from this rigged up system. 

Due to the increased inefficiency of this mis-pairing of condenser and air handler units, it is actually against the law to retrofit newer SEER 13 units or higher with an older component of a lower SEER designation.  The resulting price hike when a homeowner inquires about upgrading and replacing part of the air conditioning system, is due to the fact that the condenser unit needs to be paired with the correct size and SEER rating of evaporator or air handler by law. Instead of needing to purchase just one component, the homeowner is having to purchase two units.  The U.S. Department of Energy’s goal was to increase the efficiency and reduce the energy consumption of air conditioning systems.

Unfortunately, the consumer is forced to spend more money to replace the entire heat pump system.  Even though the initial expense is higher, the monthly utility costs will be lower due to the more efficient HVAC system.  In the long run, the consumer only wins.

For more information and guidance about Heating and Cooling, visit http://www.aabbottferraro.com . Aabbott Ferraro specializes in installation, service, and repair of a wide range of heating and cooling systems and appliance repairs.

—

Daniel Elliott is an independent contractor who authors articles and media on a variety of topics for diverse audiences. WebDrafter.com, Inc. (http://www.webdrafter.com) produces Website design, hosting, and search engine marketing services for many of the clients, industries and markets related to the articles and media authored by Dan Elliott. If you would like Dan Elliott to ghost write or pen an article for you or your company, please contact him with your specifications.