In an effort to provide consumers with energy-efficient air conditioning units, the U.S. government has implemented new standards for evaluating efficiency by way of the SEER rating. SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio as defined by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, determines the energy efficiency of a particular air conditioning unit.

SEER uses a calculation of cooling output during an average cooling period and divides it by the total energy output during that period. Higher SEER ratings indicate more efficient units. Each SEER point acknowledges about a 10% increase in energy savings. The minimum rating for a new residential unit as determined by the U.S. government is 13.0. In order to quality for an Energy Star rating, units must have a SEER of at least 14.0.

With consideration for refrigerants causing harm to the ozone, the government initiated a phasing out of the Freon traditionally used in air conditioning units. Per the Clean Air Act, new air conditioning units manufactured in 2010 and beyond may not utilize Freon as the refrigerant. Freon production will be completely banned by the year 2020 because of the harm that its release causes to the earth’s atmosphere. A new, environmentally sound refrigerant called R-410a, or Puron, is being used as the choice refrigerant in new, more energy-efficient units. Puron has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is the recommended refrigerant for all new units.

The EPA’s Energy Star program offers incentives to homeowners who purchase products with minimum SEER ratings as mandated by the government. For air conditioning system packages with a SEER rating of at least 14.0, a Federal Tax Credit is available for 30% of the cost (including installation) for up to $1,500 when placed in an existing primary residence. Additionally, the government has an appliance rebate program which gives a rebate of about $50-$200 to consumers who replace old units with new Energy Star units that meet the minimum SEER requirements.

Although it may be initially more expensive to install a new air conditioning unit, the credits and rebates offered by the government, the dwindling supply of Freon, and the environmental benefits of upgrading old units make the transition a cost-effective one for all consumers. Visit www.energystar.gov and www.puron.com for more information on this initiative.