Efficiencies and the Realities

Since Jan 1, 2007, 13 SEER equipment is the least efficient equipment that can be produced and sold in the USA.  The sacrifice for this is small motors, etc., unsuited to our climate here in Arizona.  We are seeing ALOT more outdoor motor warranties and failures as they have decreased the size of these motors considerably in an attempt to drive up their efficiency rating.  Using lighter fan blades and blower wheels has resulted in units vibrating more and producing more noise.  We have even had to take the stop of reducing our labor warranty, on condensor motor replacements, from 1 year to 90 days because of this problem.  Though the mfg's warranty is still 1 year, we are unable to 'babysit' the mfg's products and we are unable to find any that are exceptionally better.  We've tried ball bearing motors, 8 different mfg's and still the same failure rate, regardless.  Its a sign of the times.

We do not recommend super high efficiency equipment for several reasons.  Part availablity and price, during and after warranty.  Much higher installation costs with minimal energy savings.  If you're upgrading from a unit that is 10 years or older, you're going to see some energy savings but more than likely, if you've taken care of your old unit, it won't amount to much. 

Though all mfg's are working on their individual problems, things are changing on the horizon.

Now for the next stage.  In 2010, they'll begin phasing out R-22 refrigerant.  they're going to R-410a, which has a MUCH higher operating pressure than R-22 and is currently running about 5 times the price, though it will, of course, increase in price as we get closer to the deadline and afterward, much like they did wirh R12 in the cars and low temp equipment.

Within the next 15 years, every unit in America will be replaced.  There's no two ways about it.

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