Last Chance To Beat Big 2023 AC Price Increases
If your HVAC system struggled with the brutally hot Texas summer this year, you could save a lot of money by replacing it before Dec. 31.
The reason is the Department of Energy is raising the minimum Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) standards for air conditioning and heat pump systems effective Jan. 1, 2023.
New 15 SEER AC Minimum
In Texas, and throughout the South, the minimum rating for split-system AC equipment and heat pumps most common here will increase from 14 SEER to 15 SEER.
Efficiency standards constantly have been going up, most recently in 2015. While the higher standards have resulted in more efficient equipment that costs less to operate, they also have kept driving up prices for new equipment.
Higher Standard Drives New Product Designs
What’s Different: The changes that take effect on January 1 go deeper than previous SEER minimum rating increases. The way those ratings are calculated has changed, too, resulting in the new designation of SEER2.
Why It Matters: The net effect is that equipment manufactured to current SEER standards will receive lower SEER2 ratings. So, a 15 SEER AC system made to current testing standards receives a SEER2 rating of 14.3, which does not meet the 15 SEER2 requirements.
The go-to 14 SEER equipment that has provided a low-cost option since 2015 is going away – and HVAC companies will not be allowed to install 14 SEER systems after Dec. 31, 2022.
Why Air Conditioners Will Cost 20% - 30% More
Industry analysts forecast price increases of 20% - 30%, which is far more than the usual incremental price increases for inflation. There are many interrelated factors that may not be readily apparent. Here are the big ones.
- High-efficiency air conditioning systems will have more advanced capabilities and cost more to build. In general, these components are of higher quality and will last longer.
- To increase efficiency, the physical size of the air conditioner components inside and out will increase. This will require more steel, aluminum, and copper, which will raise manufacturing costs.
- Manufacturers have had to redesign AC and heater components, including compressor fans and air handlers, and then retool facilities to manufacture them.
- Shipping and handling costs will increase. That’s because the increased size of the equipment means fewer units can be loaded on rail cars and 18-wheelers.
Time Is Running Out To Get 14 SEER Bargain Prices
Last Chance: We have a few remaining 14 SEER units in our warehouse that we must clear out. Department of Energy rules do not allow HVAC companies to sell or install any 14 SEER equipment here after Dec. 31, 2022. They are no good to us after that.
If Your AC Uses Freon (R-22) refrigerant, this is an especially good opportunity to replace it. These older units have not been sold since 2010, so they are living on borrowed time.
If Your Central Air Uses R410A refrigerant but is more than 10 years old, you will never have a better opportunity to replace it at a bargain price.
To allow time for installation before the December 31 deadline, schedule now. You will save thousands of dollars and be AC worry-free for years to come.
Put A New AC Under the Tree
We know the holidays are coming and you have a lot of places for your money. Not a problem. We offer a variety of financing plans, some with 0% interest rates, for 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, or 60 months.
Get A Free Estimate: We encourage you to schedule a free AC system estimate now before you make a decision this important.
