Energy efficiency and cost are always closely related. The more efficient the unit, the more it costs to manufacture and, therefore, the higher its purchase price. Raising energy efficiency standards is great for reducing carbon emissions and helping consumers reduce their energy costs, but it still means you'll have to pay more when it comes time to replace your old air conditioning unit or heat pump. That said, increasing efficiency standards also has an advantage, as it means that all new units will now consume less energy.
You'll still have to pay more upfront when you replace your old unit, but the energy savings will help offset some or even all of the additional costs. Compared to the old 13 SEER standard, a 14 SEER cooling unit will consume approximately 7% less energy. The only problem is that most manufacturers of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems almost immediately stopped producing units that did not meet the new standards as soon as the government announced the change. Unfortunately, this means that the supply of these less expensive units is quite limited, so you'll want to act soon if you don't want to pay the higher cost.
If you're looking to replace your air conditioner or heat pump before the new changes are fully implemented in 2023, Homesense Heating & Cooling can help. We install a full range of HVAC units, including heat pumps, air conditioning, furnaces and ductless minisplits, and our team can help you choose the unit that best fits your home and budget. We offer free estimates for all replacement services and financing for new equipment with approved credit. Our certified HVAC technicians also specialize in repair and maintenance of heating and cooling systems, as well as indoor air quality services, ducts, thermostats, duct cleaning and inspection.
The Department of Energy has recently announced changes to SEER2 regulations that will affect HVAC prices in 2023. This means that homeowners and small businesses should be aware of how these changes may affect them when it comes time to replace their air conditioning system or heat pump. The new SEER regulations will cause increases in the prices of new systems and will affect the costs of old SEER equipment and parts. The SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency index and is a classification system that refers to the measurement of efficiency given to HVAC equipment such as central air conditioning systems or heat pumps. Some homeowners or businesses may choose to replace their air conditioning system if their air conditioner is powered by R-22, a refrigerant that depletes the ozone layer.
The main way that upgrading your home's HVAC system can save you money is to reduce total energy costs and reduce your electricity bills. Intelligent service is an essential option for any HVAC company looking to learn and adapt to rapid changes in the heating and cooling industry. While it's true that a new HVAC system may cost more upfront than simple repairs to your current system, choosing a high-efficiency system that meets new compliance standards and regulations can save you costs in the long run. Homeowners and small businesses will benefit from understanding upcoming changes to HVAC systems and equipment.
While the price increase is worrisome for some, these changes are ultimately for the better and will help you access a system that lasts longer, thus reducing maintenance costs. With this knowledge in hand, you can make an informed decision about whether or not replacing your current HVAC system is worth it in terms of both cost savings and energy efficiency.
