Coverage of 13 SEER for Our Home Owner Customers
Most central air conditioning systems contain two separate units, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit (Click to view). In order to meet manufacturer guidelines, the two units must be compatible in terms of efficiency. View a list of questions current customers frequently ask.
If the outside unit rated 10 SEER needs to be replaced once there are no remaining 10 SEER parts, it will be necessary to upgrade to a 13 SEER unit. This may require a modification to the inside unit to ensure proper compatibility between the inside unit and outside unit.
How contractors go about making the two units compatible can vary, depending primarily on the age of a system. In certain circumstances, a valve called a thermal expansion valve (metering device) can help the two units "talk to each other," and in other instances, the system will not work to peak efficiency unless the homeowner replaces the inside equipment. The cost for these internal fixes can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
To help our customers through the transition, AHS has modified our contracts to address 13 SEER compatibility issues. Each customer's contract will be upgraded to include the new coverage upon renewal of the existing contracts.
In addition, we will be offering each current customer the opportunity to purchase a 13 SEER upgrade option, where approved and available, to cover the remainder of their current contract. We expect the upgrade option will be available beginning February 2006.
This new legislation makes an AHS Home Warranty even more valuable than before. Please call 1-800-776-4663 with questions.
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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