Let's Not Become a Dumping Ground
for Low Effiency Air Conditioning Again!
Winnipeg - The wake up call has come - 13 SEER
air conditioners are coming to the US. "These words are echoing
around the Industry as manufacturers increase production of higher
efficiency air conditioners. Yet, Canada's Office of Energy
Efficiency has not made a decision to follow suit and implement
the higher standard of 13 (SEER) to coincide with the US date
of January 23, 2006," said Brian Baker, President of Custom
Vac.
The last time the US raised the minimum efficiency from 8 SEER
to 10 SEER, Canada did not follow the same timetable. We saw dumping
(large shipments) of lower efficiency, lower priced, noisy equipment
into the marketplace. While on the surface that it seemed to be
a real deal, in hindsight the result was a drain on our natural
resources and unhappy customers. "Its time that Canadian consumers
educate themselves, prior to purchasing lower efficiency air conditioning
equipment so they don't get sucked in again by the dumping of
lower efficiency equipment into Canada by US manufacturers," said
Baker.
In Manitoba, many contractors have been proactive by installing
13, 14 and 15 SEER units now for the last few years because as
Baker puts it, "There is more to higher SEER than efficiency."
Efficient operation is definitely something that we all want in
the face of higher energy prices no matter where we live, but
there are other hidden benefits of purchasing higher SEER units.
One such benefit explains Baker is, "These units use Ozone
Friendly Refrigerants, are much quieter due to the larger
coil surfaces, larger and specially designed fan blades that cut
almost silently through the air, in some units there are two-speed
compressors that are designed to better match the heat gain (load)
of the home, which means that a higher amount of moisture can
be removed making the home more comfortable." In a nut shell its
about much more that 13 SEER and the Canadian consumer will need
to remain cautious of great deals when buying air conditioning
this year and next.
Mismatching Equipment
As the hot Manitoba weather arrives customers who find themselves
in need of a repair or service to a unit no longer cooling should
understand the impact of replacing just one component and not
the entire system. Many consumers have been convinced to replace
outdoor unit and leave the refrigerant lines and indoor coil.
"The net result of installing a higher SEER unit and leaving the
low SEER indoor unit will result in a SEER just slightly better,"
said Baker. I.E. An 8 SEER unit is removed and a 13 SEER unit
installed with the old cooling coil left in the furnace can result
in a new SEER of 8.5, not the 13 SEER rating provided by the manufacturer.
In the case of a new 13 SEER R-410A indoor and outdoor coil being
replaced, and the refrigerant lines left in place, the result
will likely be a premature failure of the system because R-410A
operates at much higher pressures and incompatible oils. So, while
the job may cost less initially the long-term costs and inconvenience
are very high.
"When replacing older air conditioning units, replace the system,
the entire system," said Baker. A system consists of the indoor
coil, refrigerant lines and outdoor unit.
"For customers whose refrigerant lines are built into the structure
and inaccessible, there are drop-in ozone friendly refrigerants
and other alternatives."
The key to getting
good information is to deal with reputable HVACR contractors who
have taken Industry training relating to the new refrigerants.
And be cautious, just because a company has been in business of
30, 40, 50 years does not mean that they or their employees have
taken the necessary training to properly install, maintain or
service the new products or handle the new refrigerants.
Tips to ensure a more comfortable summer:
- Trim brush and shrubbery surrounding outdoor units to prevent airflow obstruction.
- Make sure the outdoor coil is free from grass clippings, leaves and other debris.
- Make sure your unit's air filter and blower are clean
- Keep in mind that a properly ventilated attic can reduce your systems cooling load.
It is important that homeowners educate themselves when purchasing
air conditioners and explore all their options and it's important
that contractors educate themselves and their employees.
Let's not become a dumping ground for low efficiency air conditioning
again!
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