Department of Energy standards will take effect October 1, 2005 which impact HVAC equipment specifications.  The new standard specifies that a minimum of 13 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) equipment be installed in all new residential tract homes.  Below is what you can expect as it applies to new and current projects:

 New Projects as of October 1, 2005:

Ø       All new projects with permits issued after October 1, 2005 must use the new Title 24 requirements.  The impact of these requirements include:

o        Minimum 13 SEER equipment.

o        Duct testing and TXV requirements.

o        Larger physical space requirements from the new (larger) units –outdoors.

 Existing Projects:

Ø       Existing projects can continue to use current equipment, assuming it is available. Lennox guarantees availability through December 2005.

Ø       Steps you can take to minimize impact on your bottom line:

o        Forecast phase(s) for each project which will migrate to the new 13 SEER standards and when the cut-off points will take effect.

o        Provide us with a forecast of equipment requirements through the end of the year, so we can ensure equipment availability.

o        Plan for larger physical space requirements for the units.

Equipment and meeting your needs:

This standard will change the equipment manufacturing process, handling, distribution and size of units.  As a result, most HVAC manufacturers will have some difficulty with equipment availability of the new 13 SEER units.  You will find a brief comparison for your awareness below:

 

Lennox Most Major HVAC Manufacturers

v     Guarantees that the new product Line will be available by October 2005.

v     The product in October 2005 will be the final solution (not an interim solution).

v     Lennox guarantees current 10 SEER product availability for existing projects through December 2005

v     The foot print of the unit will be the same relative size as the current 10 SEER and 12 SEER.

 

v     New product line will be available mid year 2006.

v     An interim product will be available but we do not have commitments on availability dates for the interim units.

v     Will not guarantee availability of equipment for existing project at the current SEER level.

v     The individual units are expected to have a larger footprint than current 10 SEER and 12 SEER models.