First and foremost, Turnage said the HVAC industry must ensure that customers are getting what they pay for when they buy 13 SEER equipment. "Improperly installed 13 SEER equipment will not deliver 13 SEER efficiency," he noted. "There has to be a good distribution system, e.g., duct leakage is an efficiency killer."
With the increased cost of 13 SEER equipment over previously installed 10 and 12 SEER systems, customers may not want to make the increased investment, especially those who can least afford it. "Low-income families will be unable to afford 13 SEER equipment," said Turnage. "And those who can't afford to replace will continue to repair old equipment, which will continue to increase energy consumption."