What to Know About the HVAC Refrigerants Phase-Out

We all love the being able to control the temperature of our homes. It’s something that’s easy to take for granted. Few people put much thought into the impact of air conditioning on the environment. Regulators and manufacturers are working hard to make the HVAC industry more energy efficient and less wasteful. The goal is protecting our planet for future generations. As part of this, major changes to the use of HVAC refrigerants will be taking place across North America through 2025.

What Does Refrigerant Do?

There are many different kinds of refrigerant, but they all do the same thing. As a part of your air conditioner or heat pump system, refrigerant helps transfer heat and humidity out of your home for cooling. It also draws heat from outdoor air and brings it inside for heating. Your system uses the refrigerant over and over again, as it cycles through. It is not like gasoline or propane fuel which always get used up to provide energy or heat. However, you can lose refrigerant over time through leaks in your system.

More About the Phase Out

R410 (Puron) refrigerant has been the standard for many years to help cool homes and buildings. Unfortunately, this refrigerant has been shown to have a negative impact on the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently passed a detailed plan to phase out R410. It will no longer be allowed in new systems beginning in 2025. In addition, increases in SEER efficiency requirements are rolling out at the same time.

What Will Replace the Old HVAC Refrigerants?

The EPA recommends several refrigerants. These new refrigerants have the same cooling abilities without the  high greenhouse gas and HFC emissions. Carolina Air is on top the these changes. We are training our technicians to be fully proficient with the new refrigerants.

What If I Have a System Using the Old Refrigerant?

The new refrigerants will not work on a system designed to run R410 refrigerant. Carolina Air will continue to service and maintain your system with whichever coolant it is using, for as long as possible. The older refrigerant will be available for repairs and maintenance for many years. You do not need to worry about trying to remember which type of system you have – we’ll take care of that for you!

If you are ready for a new system for your home or business call Carolina Air (843) 524-2581

AC Efficiency Requirements are Regulated

There are federal laws that set efficiency requirements for central air conditioning. The US Department of Energy regulates the laws. Manufactures must provide a SEER rating for every new system. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system is. The federal government mandated the first requirements in 1992, with a minimum of SEER 10. There have been several increases in the requirements over the years, and in 2023 the requirement will increase again. For systems installed in the Southeast, including the Lowcountry of South Carolina, the new minimum is SEER 15.

Benefits of More Efficient Systems

In addition to being good for the environment, these more efficient systems can be good for your wallet. Though they may be more more expensive initially, the energy savings they provide usually offsets the cost within a few years. If you are thinking about a new system for your home, you don’t need to worry about trying to keep up with the changing laws. Carolina Air ensures that any new system we install will meet requirements and that parts and supplies to service it will be available for years ahead. Plus, our new Carrier systems are already incredibly efficient and reliable, with some systems even achieving a SEER 24 rating!

We’d be happy to talk with your about the best options for a new system in your home. Call Carolina Air (843) 524-2581.

How Can a Programmable Thermostat Save Money?

A basic programmable thermostat gives you better control over your home’s energy use without sacrificing comfort. You choose different temperatures for different times of the day, and for different days of the week. This means your system runs less when you are asleep or when you are away from home. Carolina Air offers several basic programmable thermostats with settings for Home, Away, and Sleep modes. It’s quick and easy to set up your own comfort schedule to suit your lifestyle. If you are used to an older, manual thermostat, a basic programmable thermostat will increase your comfort, offer simplicity, and provide savings through added control and efficiency.

What does a Smart Thermostat Do?

Smart Thermostats provide extended programmable control over your home’s comfort and energy use, along with the option of wifi connectivity. In addition to setting daily and weekly comfort schedules, you can also program trips and vacations. Wifi access lets you control your system from anywhere through a computer or an app on your smart phone. More advanced smart thermostats, such as the Carrier Côr Thermostat, give you even more controls for extra savings and comfort. For example, multiple fan settings can help eliminate stale air or uneven temperatures throughout your home. You can set also set humidity profiles to ensure maximum comfort while being more energy efficient. Plus, you can access energy reports to monitor your actual usage and see your savings. Estimated savings with a smart thermostat are up to 20% on heating and cooling energy costs.

What about Home Automation?

As our homes and devices become smarter and more connected, there are more options than ever for home control. Some smart thermostats, such as the Côr Thermostat, are designed to integrate with home automation systems like Apple’s HomeKit or Amazon’s Alexa. When it’s all set up, your air conditioning, lighting, music, appliances, and other devices, can be programmed to your schedules. You can control your home with your voice or the touch of a button.

Which Type of Thermostat Is Right for You?

With a programmable thermostat, you get more savings and more comfort than a manual thermostat. With a smart thermostat, you get unprecedented control and the option for home automation. Contact Carolina Air to learn more and to find out which thermostat is the best option for your energy and comfort goals.

They Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used To…

That’s a good thing for your Air Conditioner! If you look at an HVAC system from twenty years ago and compare it with one from today, it might not look that different on the outside, but inside things have changed a lot!

As technology has advanced in engineering and federal requirements for HVAC systems have become more stringent, heating and air conditioning systems have advanced as well. The basic processes of air conditioning – invented by Willis Haviland Carrier – are still the same, but there have been several significant changes especially in the past 20 years.

Smaller Components

You’ve probably noticed how much smaller electronic components have become. This move to smaller and smaller components has affected air conditioning design and engineering. Components have become smaller, and materials thinner. It’s true that some parts are not as durable and may be more expensive to replace than on older systems, but the change also allows new systems to be much more efficient and less expensive to run overall.

More Complicated Components

Another big change has been the dramatic increase in features and functionality. Where there used to be a few vacuum tubes and mercury switches, HVAC systems now have circuit boards and microchips. Years ago the best recommendation was to dial your thermostat to one temperature and then to leave it alone. Newer heating and air conditioning systems take advantage of a greater variety of settings and controls. You can set up your system based on your preferences. There are more ways than ever to help you stay cool, comfortable, and spend less on energy bills.

Smarter Technology

With the integration of computer technology into modern HVAC systems, there is a tremendous amount control and information at your fingertips. Your thermostat can be programmed to adjust the air temperature based on your schedule. You can also schedule your trips so you aren’t wasting electricity when you are away. Reports give you detailed information about how much electricity your system is using. Plus, you can even control your system through your computer as well as access controls through an app on your phone.

We Keep Up with Air Conditioner Technology so You Stay Cool!

As technology advances, we think it’s important to stay on top of emerging technology. At Carolina Air Inc., we prioritize keeping our technicians up to speed with the latest advances. We always want to be able to offer new and better options to our customers. We know that to stay cool, we have to keep up!

Carolina Air Is a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer

We install new Carrier systems that have unmatched performance and efficiency.

It can be tricky knowing how to choose a new HVAC system

If you’re shopping for a new HVAC system, you may have noticed significant changes in newer air conditioners since your last model was installed. Modern systems are much more efficient than those manufactured even 10 years ago, which is good news. However, to get the most out of a new efficient system, there are some things you should know.

Higher efficiency means lower energy bills

Don’t look for the cheapest deal. Low cost doesn’t equate to the best deal. A higher efficiency system may cost more, but if it saves you a few hundred dollars on your energy bills a year – well, just do the math. Over the estimated 12-15-year life of the system, the savings add up. Pay attention to efficiency ratings. The tag that proclaims the air conditioner’s SEER, or seasonal energy efficiency ratio, is there to enlighten you, so pay attention. The higher the SEER rating, the more  efficient the appliance. Choose the equipment with the highest SEER you can afford.

The right-size HVAC system is the the best choice

When you choose a new HVAC system, make sure you get the right size equipment. Installing the wrong size air conditioner will adversely impact your comfort as well as the efficient operation of the equipment. A prospective contractor should visit your home before giving you an estimate for equipment and installation costs. If they offer you an estimate site unseen – run!

Save with rebates and a Service Agreement

Don’t ignore rebates. Some states and manufacturers offer rebates, especially on higher efficiency equipment. Consider maintenance contracts. No doubt about it, you’ll need maintenance on your HVAC system eventually. A qualified technician should inspect your air conditioner every year to ensure that it’s running correctly, then replace parts that may be worn or likely to fail. A maintenance contract is worth the money, as it ensures your air conditioner gets the attention it needs and stays running well for years.

What is SEER?

If  you have done any research on HVAC systems, you’ve probably heard about SEER numbers. SEER is an rating system that’s designed to give you a quick and easy way to compare the energy efficiency of systems. It’s also the efficiency rating that has federal requirements. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The number is generated from a formula that compares how much cool air is produced and how much energy is used. The higher the number, the more efficient the system is, and the less electricity it uses to run.

What about other efficiency ratings?

SEER is just one of several efficiency ratings that can be used to compare air conditioning  systems.  But it’s the one that has minimum requirements by federal law. It’s also the simplest to understand and use for comparison.  At Carolina Air, we can provide you with the SEER number as well as the EER number and the HSPF number for the systems we offer.

What are the minimum requirements?

The first SEER requirements were set by the government in 1992. At that time, a SEER rating of 10 was the minimum. Since then, the minimum requirements have been increasing over time. Currently, for those living in Beaufort, South Carolina and the surrounding Lowcounty, the minimum SEER rating for a new system is 14.

What is the maximum efficiency?

The highest efficiencies are achieved by ground source, or geothermal systems. These can be up to 75 SEER! Ductless systems are also very efficient, with ratings over 30. However, most homes in our area use a central system with air ducts, and these can achieve a maximum rating in the low 20s. At Carolina Air, Inc., we install air conditioners and heat pumps that achieve ratings from the minimum of 14 to over 20 SEER.

What’s the SEER of my existing system?

The rating of your existing system depends upon when it was first installed, and how well it has been maintained. Units installed after 1992 were required to have a SEER rating of 10. For systems installed after 2006, the minimum was 13. After 2015, the minimum for the Southeast is 14. However, the efficiency of any system tends to degrade over time. A well maintained system can run almost as efficiently as when it is first installed. If your system is older than 5-10 years, it’s rating is likely lower now than when it was new. For systems that have not had regular service, the SEER can be significantly lower.

How much can I save with a higher rating?

The total amount of savings depends upon multiple factors, but it can be very significant. The cost of electricity, the size of the system – as well as the SEER rating – contribute to how much energy you use, and how much you can save. To give you an idea, if you replace an older system (with a rating of 9) with a new system (with a rating of 14), you can save around 36% in energy used for heating and cooling. If you replaced that old system with an even more efficient new system (with a rating of 20+), you can save around 50% or more.

What other benefits are there for a high efficiency system?

Higher SEER will not only save you in energy costs, but it will likely also provide several other benefits. Many higher efficiency systems use multi-speed speed compressors and blowers. These can help reduce humidity in your home as well as keep the temperature more consistent throughout your house – and both will improve your overall comfort! In addition, higher efficiency means the system is using less energy and emitting less harmful greenhouse gases.

Call Carolina Air (843) 524-2581 to learn more about SEER ratings on our new systems.

What is the best size HVAC system?

The answer is simple in theory – get one large enough to do the job! But in practice, determining the right size unit involves using a complex formula that takes into account many elements. Carolina Air is trained to analyze your cooling and heating needs by taking into consideration the climate zone, size of the house, directional orientation, R-Value of insulation, tightness of envelope and U-value of the windows–just to name a few. With that information, precise recommendations for the best size HVAC system can be made.

What can happen if the unit is too large?

Too often an inexperienced or poorly trained contractor may suggest a much larger unit than needed. The results of this over capacity can be serious, such as: The unit cycles too often so proper dehumidification is rarely achieved. With heavy moisture still in the air, the interior may be cool, but it remains damp and feels like a cave! To be comfortable, reducing the humidity is just as important as reducing the temperature. This frequency cycling also means a unit is not likely to reach its maximum efficiency rating, so the operating cost will be higher than it should be. It is like an automobile that gets better mileage when driven on an Interstate highway versus the stop and go of city driving. Ask Carolina Air for a sizing and energy analysis. You might be surprised at how much more comfort you can get for less money!

Learn more about new systems from Carolina Air