(Editor’s Note: This letter is in response to the July 25 editorials “POINT: Green is Losing its Luster,” by Mike Murphy, and “COUNTERPOINT: Green Is Continuing to Grow and Improve,” by Kyle Gargaro.)

Both Murphy and Gargaro have valid points. I share a few with you. The green movement has flopped in some areas and succeeded tremendously in others. One thing I have come to realize is the negative effects, which super high efficiency HVAC systems can have on a given consumer.

Point one, in my opinion, the purchase of the top-of-the-line equipment is a waste of money. The upfront cost will almost always never be regained. The equipment cost for a 18 SEER system is about 35 percent higher than a 16 SEER system and in most cases only 10 percent more efficient. That being said, the consumer is essentially losing 25 percent of their investment. Point two, the newest and fanciest products have, for the most part, proven to be the most unreliable. Everyone set out to develop all these new gadgets and technologies and most have yet to perform as expected. The best thing for the consumer, and that is what we are here for, is to carefully weigh the options and, in the end, choose the system that has the greatest ROI. This mentality is applicable to all markets and areas of the HVAC community and is much more responsible to the consumer and environment.

Jeremy Mccranie, Manager
Bell Heating & Air
Twin City, Ga.

Publication date: 09/05/2011