Wayne Beck (right), president of Aladdin Air Conditioning and Heating Inc., Newbury Park, Calif., shakes hands with a happy customer. According to a survey conducted by Emerson Climate Technologies, consumers crave more education regarding 13 SEER and higher-efficiency equipment.

Emerson's research found that homeowners do not have a clue as to what is going on. Ninety percent of homeowners questioned did not know the efficiency rating of their central air conditioning system and are unaware that new air conditioners soon must meet a higher minimum federal efficiency standard.

"The lack of awareness of the SEER standard change is startling when contrasted to the fact that 98 percent of homeowners rank lower operating costs and utility bills as important when shopping for a new central air conditioner," said William Sutton, president of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute. "This survey shows that consumers crave more education on this issue."

In the minds of Sutton and others, contractors are the perfect source to bring the news to homeowners.

"The survey echoes what contractors are hearing when we talk with our customers," said Paul Stalknecht, president and CEO, Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).

Tom Bettcher, who heads up Emerson Climate Technologies, believes the survey proves that the industry needs to help homeowners understand the benefits of 13 SEER and higher-efficiency air conditioners.

"It's time to raise awareness of the technologies that enable more energy-efficient systems," he said.

Interesting Discoveries

1. An overwhelming majority of Americans are unaware of the new government regulation that requires a minimum 13 SEER rating for central air conditioners made after January 2006.

Breaking this down:

Eighty percent of homeowners with central air conditioning say there is a need for more consumer information on this issue.

Randy Gibbs (second from left), president of Brody-Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning, Los Angeles, makes a point regarding a system’s rating to his technicians. In a survey conducted by Emerson Climate Technologies, only one out of 10 homeowners claimed to know the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) for their home’s existing central air conditioner.

2. Few homeowners know the efficiency rating for their current central air conditioners.

Breaking this down: