Energy Efficiency

In 1992, the government mandated that all new furnaces installed must be at least 78% efficient. Before 1992, many furnaces manufactured were as low as 60% efficient, which means that nearly half of the fuel was being wasted! If you have a furnace that was manufactured before 1992, it is time to think about having it replaced and stop wasting your energy dollars. Rheem now offers furnaces that are 90% efficient and higher! Talk about energy efficient!

And what about air conditioning? Also in 1992, the government mandated that all new air conditioners manufactured must be at least 10 S.E.E.R. Those manufactured before 1992 could be as low as 6 S.E.E.R. S.E.E.R. stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and like furnaces, the higher the number, the greater the efficiency. You can now have air conditioning units installed that have S.E.E.R. ratings as high as 16! Imagine the savings from an old 6 S.E.E.R. unit.

More changes coming. Effective January 23, 2006, manufacturers will only be allowed to manufacture air conditioning units of 13 S.E.E.R. and higher. The time is now to have a new air conditioner installed while you still have the option of choosing a 10, 12 or higher S.E.E.R. air conditioner. Ask your Rheem Team dealer if your local utility company offers rebates on high efficiency air conditioners.

Along with the 13 SEER change, refrigerant usage will also be changing in the near future. On January 1, 2010, the use of R-22 (the current refrigerant of choice) will only be allowed for use as a service refrigerant. Manufacturers will no longer be allowed to product R-22 equipment after this date. The new R410A equipment will become the new standard. On January 1, 2020, chemical manufacturers will no longer be able to produce R-22 for any reason. Which means that any existing R-22 equipment will no longer be able to be serviced and will have to be replaced with a R410A unit.