ST. LOUIS - Emerson Climate Technologies, a business of Emerson, announced that it has developed a detailed checklist to help contractors and distributors prepare for the new 13 SEER regulation, which goes into effect Jan. 23, 2006.

The checklist, available for download at Emerson's contractor portal (www.emersonclimatecontractor.com), provides a list of business and technical suggestions contractors should consider as they plan for the transition to 13 SEER. The checklist was compiled with the assistance of feedback gathered from contractor and distributor members of Emerson's Contractor Council and participants in Emerson's ongoing 13 SEER survey.

"It is important that contractors take a strategic look at their business and ensure they adequately plan for this massive transition," said Karl Zellmer, vice president of air conditioning sales for Emerson's Copeland Corp. "Emerson Climate Technologies has developed this checklist to help contractors stimulate ideas to prepare for the transition and understand some of the actions that may need to be considered. Of course, the list is meant as a starting point; there are many more details that should be considered to achieve a smooth and successful transition."

While the results from Emerson's second 13 SEER survey show that contractors are beginning to think about the coming 13 SEER regulation, it is evident that much more planning needs to be done and more action needs to be taken, says the company. The checklist is designed to encourage contractors to take a strategic look at their business and make sure they start to adequately plan for this transition.

The checklist includes such suggestions as:

  • Develop marketing plan for 13 SEER transition and 2006 selling season.

  • Understand product differentiation and identify opportunities to upsell homeowners with IAQ, comfort and modulation (humidity control), diagnostics, efficiency, sound, etc.

  • Set up increased credit line for your business to prepare for higher-cost 13 SEER systems.

  • Ensure your technicians have the required tools and education for R-410A products and services. It is estimated that up to six times more R-410A units will be sold and installed in 2006 than in 2005.

  • Prepare trucks, loading docks, and warehouses for larger-size 13 SEER systems.

  • Confirm the type of expansion device used on 13 SEER systems being installed and that it is the correct size for the selected indoor/outdoor combination for the house. More than 80 percent of the new 13 SEER equipment will require TXVs.

    For the complete 13 SEER contractor and distributor checklist, and to see results from Emerson's 13 SEER survey, visit www.emersonclimatecontractor.com.

    Publication date: 07/11/2005