Costs and Benefits of 13 SEER
Complying with 13 SEER may mean spending more upfront, but the energy savings add up to smaller utility bills going forward.
What is 13 SEER going to cost me?
In order to be more efficient, 13 SEER systems must have larger condensers. Therefore, the system as a whole is larger.
Although no one can predict the exact impact 13 SEER will have on pricing, it?s clear the new size will affect the market in several ways:
- A bigger unit may not fit where a less efficient model did. There may be some equipment change outs needed to ensure compatibility.
- Larger size means fewer units can fit on a delivery truck or in a warehouse than before, and it may take more than one person to lift and install a system.
- As a result of the two items above, unit pricing may change.
How does upgrading benefit me?
Once your home is 13 SEER efficient, it?s likely you?ll see real savings on your monthly utility bill. Since more efficient systems use less energy to operate, there?s less to pay for each month:
- 13 SEER efficiency delivers about 23% energy savings compared to 10 SEER models *
- 13 SEER efficiency delivers about 8% energy savings compared to 12 SEER models *
Actual savings will depend on the age, efficiency, and condition of the unit the 13 SEER system replaces. An added benefit is that today?s 13 SEER prices may be more attractive than tomorrow?s.
Contact infomation if there are further questions.
American Home Shield—call 1-800-776-4663 (select the 13 SEER option)
Government / Department of Energy—www.energy.gov
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