May 2006 Articles

These are condensed versions of the Radio Program

 

05/03/06

The recent changes in the government’s efficiency standards for central air conditioning are continuing to have an effect. As we’ve told you, the minimum efficiency standard was raised from 10 SEER to 13 SEER. SEER is Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, and is a tool used to measure A/C efficiency and is very much similar to MPG in vehicles. When the government mandated that the efficiency be improved by 30%, that was a big deal. While it will save a great deal of energy in the long run, it is costing more right now. The new 13 SEER units must have larger coil area to reach that efficiency. That means the unit is bigger. That, in turn, means more materials, more trucks to ship, more warehouse space to store, more men to install, more training to work on, etc. That’s just one example of the cost chain. Manufacturers and dealers are working hard to keep prices reasonable, but there are certain things out of our control. For example, many people buy split systems (A/C condenser outside, and the rest inside) rather than packaged systems (Everything outside) because the heat and air portions can be replaced individually. That’s not always easy now. Every new system is supposed to operate at 13 SEER minimums.

Often, when you combine an old heating and blower portion with a new higher efficiency cooling unit, 13 SEER is not achieved. Many new 13 SEER condensing units will not match up or be backwards compatible with older indoor equipment. That means many people who could have just bought the outdoor unit before, now have to replace both at the same time. This will have impact for quite a while to come, and we’ll be here to make you aware of it. Change your filters!

 

05/17/06

We recently underwent some changes in the air conditioning industry. A government mandated 30% rise in minimum efficiency went into effect in January. Prior to this change, the minimum was 10 SEER, (SEER is a measurement of ac efficiency similar to MPG in cars), and now the minimum is 13 SEER. This has had a serious impact on our industry and our customers.

Here are some questions we’ve been fielding.

Since central air manufacturers already had equipment more efficient than 13 SEER, why was this such a big deal? Great question!

Only a handful of makers had units rated 13 SEER and higher. Others made the 10 SEER minimums and listed their 11 and 12 SEER units as “high-efficiency”. Trane, as an example, has always been a leader, making equipment up to 19 SEER for a long time. They made the 10’s and everything in between also. About 86% of new unit sales were 10,11, and 12 SEER, leaving only 14% or so using truly high efficiency equipment of 13 SEER and higher. Now, manufacturers that NEVER made equipment over 12 SEER are forced to make 13 SEER and up. Why is that so much different, and why will 13 SEER cost more? For one thing, to increase the efficiency you have to increase the size of the coils that move the heat. Bigger coils mean bigger cabinets. Bigger means more materials, more labor, changes in the manufacturing process, changes in the assembly lines and more. It also means more trucks to move the same number of units, more warehouse space to store the same number of units, and more labor to install and move about the larger units.

Was the change to the 30% more efficient minimum 13 SEER a good idea? Ultimately, the answer is yes.

Anything that makes us use less energy resources is a positive. The adjustment period will last a while and be challenging due to the 30% increase all at once. If you have a question for “Ask Mike”, call us at 635-3452.

Change your filters!

 

05/24/06

This week and next, we’re going to answer some questions about choosing a home comfort contractor for your service AND installation needs. Every day at Quality Service, Inc. we strive to be THIS contractor.

These guidelines can also be of help when choosing other types of contractors, too. We hope they help.

1.   Is the company referred by your friend or neighbor? Great source of accurate information.

2.   Are their vehicles clearly marked? You need to KNOW who is in front of your home.

3.   Does the company have a physical address?

Moonlighters and fly-by-nights often don’t!

4.   Are the employees neat, clean, and professional?

Not “dressed-up” but fairly neat for someone who does dirty work. Do their clothes let you know who they are?

5.   Does the company employ NATE certified technicians? NATE is the excellence program for HVAC professionals like ASE is for automotive servicemen.

6.   What brand (s) of equipment does this contractor carry? Manufacturers of better-known equipment are more selective about the contractors they allow to handle and install their equipment. The warranties tend to be a bit more complete, too.

This is half of the Quality Service “How to choose the right contractor” printout. If you’d like a copy just call us at 635-3452, and we’ll mail you one. Be sure to catch “Ask Mike” on WTRB every Saturday morning and remember to change your filters at least once a month.

We’ll be back with the remainder of our list next week.

 

 

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