As of January 23, 2006, central air conditioners and heat pumps manufactured or imported for use in residential buildings must meet a new, higher energy-efficiency standard, from a 10 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) to a 13 SEER. This is a major change for the air conditioning industry and will require a redesign of its offerings as the market makes the transition to the new 13 SEER. There are limited exemptions, for very small niche classes (such as small diameter, high velocity systems and a lower standard for “through-the-wall” equipment prior to 2010 (see discussion on pages 2 and 10.)
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