Are you looking for a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in or around Oro Valley, Arizona? If so, you'll want to read this first. Starting in 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be making two major changes to refrigerants used in HVAC systems. The first change is the implementation of a new test standard known as SEER2. This will require all new HVAC systems to meet a higher efficiency rating than before. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Index (SEER) measures the efficiency of the cooling system.
The higher the number, the better the efficiency. Starting next year, SEER ratings for air conditioning units and heat pumps will increase from 13 to 14 in the northern states and from 14 to 15 SEER in the southern and southwestern regions of the country. In terms of heating efficiency, air source heat pumps will go from 8.2 to 8.8 HSPF (seasonal heating performance factor). Increased efficiency means you'll use less electricity for the same amount of cooling. The second change is the switch from R-22 and R-410a refrigerant, which depletes the ozone layer, to the newer refrigerant R-454b.
This measure helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and makes air conditioning systems more environmentally friendly. However, manufacturers can be expected to increase prices to adapt to the new SEER ratings. Is your cooling system more than eight years old and less than 15 SEER? Now is the perfect time to replace it before prices rise next year. Why keep old and obsolete equipment that will increase your electricity bills? Call ACS Air Conditioning Services today for a free consultation and upfront pricing. The new test requirements mean that any equipment manufacturers produce must now meet SEER2 standards. The EPA will gradually reduce the manufacture and import of HFCs by 85 percent over the next 15 years.
This coolant is more environmentally friendly than its predecessors, but it is also slightly flammable. You can rest assured that our ACS air conditioning service technicians know how to handle it safely. There is no need to replace any equipment due to new coolant changes. A well-maintained air conditioning system will last 15 to 20 years. If you need a new unit, buy it this year.
There should be enough R-410a to last the life of your system, but the cost of replacing the refrigerant could increase over time if you need a repair. Even if you could adapt your equipment to handle different refrigerants, the cost of doing so would probably be close to the price of a new system. In addition, it will most likely void your current warranty. Contact the experts at ACS Air Conditioning Services for more information.
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