Our Gift to You - a FREE Furnace! Regulatory Changes, Inflation Reduction Act & More!

Cool Care Heating & Air | 803.772.7715 | CoolCareHVAC.com

⭒ Merry Christmas to You and Yours! ⭒

We are available, if you need us over the Christmas weekend as well as next weekend during New Year's.

With the super cold weather coming up, we want to make sure all of our clients are comfortable, so please call us at 803.772.7715, if you need us.

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New Minimum Efficiency Standards Set by the Department of Energy Start January 1, 2023

What is the Change?

Federal regulations in the heating and cooling industry are always changing. One of the newest updates is an increase to the mandated minimum efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps. As a trusted leader in home comfort, Bryant has thrived by continuously looking for the next advancement in comfort technology. That’s why we are prepared to meet the new efficiency standards with a full family of compliant products.

Why the Change?

Every six years the Department of Energy (DOE) reviews the effects of energy usage, sets minimum efficiency requirements, and manages the testing standards by which those efficiencies are measured. As a result of its most recent analysis, the DOE is increasing the minimum efficiencies for central air conditioners and heat pumps. The testing procedures for determining those efficiencies will change as well. These new standards will go into effect on January 1, 2023.

Homeowners Buying New 2023-Compliant Systems Will Benefit From:

• A higher efficiency system leading to potentially reduced monthly utility bills

• Enhanced comfort benefits such as more consistent indoor temperatures and improved humidity control

• High-quality products that have been in our development pipeline well in advance of the new requirements

For air conditioners, the Department of Energy’s new minimum efficiency standards will vary by region, so your choice of AC units will depend on where you live. For heat pumps, the new standard will be uniform across the nation. The DOE’s regional breakdown for South Carolina and the Southeast is:

2023 Air Conditioner Minimum Efficiencies

15.0 SEER/ 14.3 SEER2

2023 Heat Pump Minimum Efficiency

National Standard = 15.0 SEER/14.3 SEER2

Introducing SEER2 - A New Standard for a New Test

Increased efficiency ratings are nothing new; however, revised testing procedures are less common and have added another level of complexity. As of January 1, 2023, all new air conditioner and heat pump products sold and installed in the U.S. will be labeled with SEER2 cooling efficiency rating. A SEER2 efficiency rating indicates that a product complies with the new Department of Energy testing procedures.

SEER2 is simply the latest version of the pre-2023 industry standard SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Much like miles-per-gallon for a car, SEER and SEER2 offer an easy way to compare efficiencies of different products – the higher the SEER or SEER2, the more efficient the unit. Just be sure you are comparing either SEER vs SEER or SEER2 vs SEER2. Once an air conditioner or heat pump is installed, the SEER2 rating should be easy to locate – it will be displayed on the bright yellow EnergyGuide label on the unit.

If you have any questions about these regulatory changes, please call us at 803.772.7715.

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

Click here to see how you can save on your taxes! This information has been provided from The White House and is specific to South Carolina.

How to Safely Use Supplemental Heating

Portable electric heaters are convenient, affordable supplemental heaters when you need to warm stubborn cold areas in your home. Unfortunately, these heaters can be risky so you need to pay close attention to how you use them. Here are five safety tips for running your supplemental electrical heater.

Stay Away From Combustibles

That spot next to the curtains or laundry basket might seem ideal but it’s a definite no-no. Electric heaters should be kept a minimum of three feet away from fabrics and other combustible materials. Similarly, keep a safe distance while you’re curled up in that blanket or snuggled under a throw. Think ahead so there’s no risk of contact with nearby textiles. Monitor small children and pets so they don’t accidentally bump or drop a blanket or sweater onto your heater.

Place It on a Stable Surface

Newer model electric heaters have a shutoff feature in case of tip over. This safety feature is a definite improvement but that doesn’t mean you can rely on it exclusively. Ensure that the surface on which you place the heater is stable and solid (and free from fabric). Avoid shaky folded tables, carpets, the edge of a shelf, or any cluttered surface.

Never Leave It Running While You’re Away

Even if it means walking into a chilly space, never leave your heater running while no one is nearby to monitor it. If anything should go wrong, you need to be able to react quickly to prevent things from escalating into a full-blown disaster. Speaking of cost, your electricity bill can quickly get out of hand with one of these heaters running day and night so there’s yet another incentive to shut it off.

Don’t Crank It All the Way Up

Electric heating elements can burn out if you push them too hard. Having your heater fail is troublesome enough but it’s not the worst case. Cranking it up all the way increases the risk of a fire, both from the heater itself and from nearby combustibles. You also risk burns, especially for young children, pets or other vulnerable family members.

Avoid It Entirely

Ultimately, the use of portable electric heaters is avoidable if your home’s heating is done right. You’re guaranteed to be safe from risk if you never use it at all. If you have a cold spot in your home, or your home itself is uncomfortable in winter, talk to a professional about addressing the issues.

If you need help staying safe from portable electric heaters, give us a call at 803.772.7715, and we can take care of your heating system so you don’t have to worry.

803.772.7715 | CoolCareHVAC.com