“This is a huge win for homeowners, small businesses, and the environment,” stated William G. Sutton, president of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), one of the major proponents of 12 SEER. “The standard is fair because it keeps the equipment affordable and reduces operating costs for consumers. It encourages homeowners to replace lower efficiency equipment sooner, reducing electricity use and power plant emissions.”
Those pushing for 13 SEER did not have the same point of view.