Inflation, labor costs, and supply shortages have already caused HVAC costs to rise in recent years, but new regulations have driven prices to unprecedented heights. As a homeowner, it's essential to understand how these changes may affect you. The most important factor to consider is if you install a system before January 2021. Energy efficiency and cost are always linked; the more efficient the unit, the more it will cost to manufacture and, therefore, the higher its purchase price. Raising energy efficiency standards is beneficial for reducing carbon emissions and helping consumers reduce their energy costs, but it still means you'll have to pay more when it comes time to replace your old air conditioning unit or heat pump.
However, increasing efficiency standards also implies that all new units will consume less energy. You'll still have to pay more upfront when you replace your old unit, but the energy savings will help offset some or even all of the additional costs. For instance, compared to the old 13 SEER standard, a 14 SEER refrigeration unit will consume approximately 7% less energy. Unfortunately, as soon as the government announced the change, most HVAC manufacturers almost immediately stopped producing units that did not meet the new standards. This means that the supply of these less expensive units is quite limited, so you'll want to act quickly if you don't want to pay the higher cost. At Homesense Heating & Cooling, we install a full range of HVAC units, including heat pumps, air conditioners, furnaces and ductless minisplits.
Our team can help you choose the unit that best fits your home and budget. We're happy to provide free estimates for all replacement services, and financing for new equipment is available with approved credit. Our certified HVAC technicians also specialize in cooling and heating repairs and maintenance, as well as indoor air quality, ducting, thermostats, duct cleaning, and inspection services. The new SEER2 testing procedures for manufacturers, as required by the Department of Energy, will more accurately reflect the current field conditions of the equipment in use. This allows HVAC systems to last longer and meet these new efficiency standards.
For office owners and homeowners who think that a new heat pump or air conditioner will soon be needed, it may make sense to replace them before the end of the year in order to save money before prices go up. If you answered “no” to any of these questions or if your air conditioner emits a fetid smell or makes strange noises; both could be symptoms of problems - it's probably a good idea to call a professional HVAC company. Regular maintenance of HVAC equipment is imperative whether a new system is an expected cost or not; making the most of a system's lifespan should be a contractor's top priority. If you do need to replace your central air conditioner or heat pump before the new changes are fully installed, consider these new regulations and their potential reduction in monthly operating costs they could generate. Prices for HVAC systems will be calculated through installation and repair costs for home and business owners. At Homesense Heating & Cooling we are ready to help you make an informed decision about your HVAC needs. If you have any questions about the new efficiency standards or need any HVAC service in the Indianapolis area, call us today.
