Energy Savings

13 SEER Requirements
R-410A Info

13 SEER Requirements - A Consumer Overview

1. Background

The Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) is directed by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to consider establishing minimum efficiency standards for various consumer products, including central air conditioners and heat pumps. Today’s final rule adopts standards that are consistent with these requirements of the law. The Department is amending the almost ten year old minimum efficiency standards for new central air conditioners and heat pumps. These amended standards take into account a decade of technological advancements and will save consumers and the nation money, significant amounts of energy, and have substantial environmental and economic benefits.

2. Central Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Features

The amended efficiency levels can be met by central air conditioner and heat pump designs that are already available in the market. We fully expect variations of these models to exist under the new standards, offering all the features and utility that are found in currently available products.

U.S. Department of Energy

from the Federal Register/ Vol. 66, No. 14/ January 22, 2001

High Efficiency Air Conditioners without HCFC

Concerns about the hole in the ozone layer have impacted many products we use, and air conditioners are no exception. Many air conditioning systems use a HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbon) refrigerant, a substance known to cause of depletion of the ozone layer. The EPA currently limits the amount of HCFC that may be produced, and intends to prohibit use of HCFCs by 2030.

The refrigerant R-410A is one of the substitutes currently accepted as a replacement for the commonly used HCFC-22 (also known as R-22). The new material is marketed under the trade names AZ-20, Suva 9100 and Puron.

Air conditioners use a system of compressors, coils, fans, pipes and controls to remove heat from the home. A refrigerant is the medium used to transfer heat through this closed loop system. In the past, refrigerants like HCFCs containing chlorine were widely used because of their excellent heat transfer properties with respect to the refrigeration cycle. While air conditioners don't normally release chlorine gas, it can often escape into the atmosphere through a leak or during service of the unit. Because of the potential damage to the ozone layer, several countries have agreed to reduce and eventually eliminate the production of HCFCs.

An air conditioner using R-410A has slightly different specifications than traditional cooling systems. Higher pressures are needed for the refrigerant to have the same cooling effect. This increased pressure requires design changes in the compressor and piping. An unfortunate consequence is that R-410A may not be substituted into existing systems.

Efficiency of the new refrigerant is comparable with the older product. There are models currently available that have a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) of 18.

Ease of Implementation:
Contractors may not be familiar with non-HCFC refrigerants or R-410A machines. It is essential that proper operating pressures are used during installation

Initial Cost:
Air conditioners with R-410A refrigerant cost somewhat more than those with conventional refrigerant.

Operational Cost:
Operating cost for R-410A air conditioners will depend on the energy efficiency rating of the equipment.

U.S. Code Acceptance:
By 2010, manufacturers will not be allowed to produce residential air conditioners that use R-22 refrigerant. Use of R-22 refrigerant will be permitted until the year 2030.

Installation:
Although installation and service procedures are similar for R410a as the methods for R-22, there are several critical differences. Systems using R-410a must be designed for the refrigerant, and components are not interchangeable and cannot be matched with R-22 components.

Systems using R-410a may be charged with liquid refrigerant only. Most installation tools are similar to conventional refrigerant installation tools, but special gauges are required for R-410A installation due to the higher operating pressure.

Follow manufacturer guidelines on the length of time and the pressure for leak testing. Because of R-410a is hydrophilic, it is vital to evacuate the system thoroughly before charging to eliminate moisture. Brazing using Oxygen Free Nitrogen (OFN) is the only acceptable joining method.

Benefits / Costs:
R-410A is not harmful to the ozone layer. While systems with the new refrigerant cost more, the price of servicing the older units is expected to rise because of limits on availability of R-22.