COOLAdvantage Program

Electric Central Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Rebate Program

There's a New Minimum Efficiency for 2006

Like many consumer products that use energy, air conditioners and heat pumps are manufactured to meet or exceed minimum efficiency standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy. For nearly a decade, that minimum has been 10 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). On January 23, 2006, the minimum will jump to 13 SEER, a 30% increase over the current standard.

Who will this affect?

The 13 SEER minimum applies to everyone - consumers, your local heating and air conditioning installer and all manufacturers of air conditioners and heat pumps. However, it only applies to new equipment manufactured on or after January 23, 2006. In other words, you can continue to use your current system indefinitely, even if it operates below 13 SEER. However, if you own an older system that often needs repair, or if it is simply time to replace your current system, purchasing a more efficient model will give you several advantages:

You'll start saving money on your monthly utility bills with a newer, more energy efficient system.

You'll be able to make the switch at today's costs instead of tomorrows.

Plus, you may be eligible to receive a rebate from the CoolAdvantage Program for an energy efficient installation. However, systems with an efficiency rating lower than 14 SEER will not be eligible for a rebate after December 31, 2005.

What does it mean to you?

For many homeowners, a higher SEER air conditioner or heat pump will represent money saved on each month's electric bill. Exactly how much you can save will depend on the efficiency of your current system as well as your individual lifestyle.

Here's a comparison:

The new DOE efficiency standard, 13 SEER, delivers about 23% energy savings compared to 10 SEER models. 14 SEER equipment delivers about 8% energy savings compared to 13 SEER models.

Actual savings will depend on the age, efficiency and condition of the unit being replaced, but for anyone currently considering a new air conditioner or heat pump, it makes a lot of sense to start saving now with an energy efficient central air conditioner.