2015 SEER Rating Changes Notice

Coming up this new year 2015 will be some interesting changes to the U.S. Dept. of Energy's requirements for SEER(Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings.  The new requirements state:

"Starting January 1, 2015, split system central air conditioners installed in the Southeastern Region of the United States of America must be at least 14 SEER. The Southeastern Region includes the following states:  Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Similarly, split system central air conditioners installed in the Southwestern Region must be a minimum 14 SEER and 12.2 EER beginning on January 1, 2015. The Southwestern Region consists of the states of Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico. Split system central air conditioners installed in all other states outside of the Southeastern and Southwestern regions must continue to be a minimum of 13 SEER, which is the current national requirement."

These new requirements are already being challenged by industry trade groups.  If you would like to learn more about SEER ratings and what they mean, just check out some of my earlier blogs on the subject.

The R-22 refrigerant phase out schedule is still on track for complete phase out by 2020.  Here is a link to the official EPA website with all the facts you need to know about this phase out and what it means for you, the consumer:  http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/phaseout/22phaseout.html

Hope this info helps you out!

-Nickadeemus
Environmental Heating & Air of NC
919-535-8422