How can I tell what the SEER rating of my current system is?

Usually SEER ratings are noted somewhere on the external unit, either on the top or sides. If you are unable to locate the rating on your system, you can contact the equipment manufacturer or an HVAC professional to help determine the rating.

I heard that getting 13 SEER equipment may cause significant out of pocket costs, what do you suggest I do to make my current HVAC system last longer?

Like any appliance regular maintenance helps all HVAC systems last longer. HVAC systems require regular maintenance not only to ensure proper year round operation but also to extend the life of the system to its full potential. Ignoring maintenance is a very common reason for premature malfunction and system failure. See your owner’s manual or contact a HVAC professional with any additional questions.

Why were the current SEER standards changed by the Department of Energy?

The U.S. charges the DOE with effectively managing the country’s use of gas, electricity, natural gas, and other forms of energy. The department is committed to continually providing the country with research and initiatives that will reduce America’s overall energy consumption as well as developing energy efficient technologies.

How long will these mandates be in effect? When can we expect the Department of Energy to pass more efficient standards?

It may be helpful to note that the current 10 SEER standard debuted in 1987 and was mandated in 1992. At this time we do not expect additional changes to impact Alliance Home Warranty for some time.

What is a Thermal Expansion Valve or TXV?

A Thermal Expansion Valve or TXV as its most commonly referred to is a metering device that helps to regulate the flow of refrigerant from the condensing unit to the evaporative coil. The metering device may solve some compatibility problems and may also be a sensible (and less expensive) repair for A/C systems.

In response to this mandate what will Alliance Home Warranty do to help me through the claim process?

Alliance Home Warranty will be covering the significant costs involved in providing the new equipment and labor when a new 13 SEER AC unit is required.

I still don’t know or understand what 13 SEER is. How can I get more informed?

More information can be obtained either online through the Department of Energy at www.energy.gov or by calling 1-800-DIAL-DOE.

Will the air conditioning system I have now still be legal once the new Federal mandate goes into effect?

Yes, any air conditioning systems manufactured prior to January 23, 2006 will still be legal; the Federal mandate only calls for energy efficient units to be manufactured beyond that date: eventually the older less efficient units will be replaced as they wear out.

If after the 13 SEER Federal mandate goes into effect a home covered by the warranty requires replacement of the air conditioning system with new energy efficient equipment, will Alliance Home Warranty pick up all of the cost associated with the replacement and installations?

No. Once the mandate goes into effect, Alliance Home Warranty will pick up the very significant cost associated with the purchase and installation of the energy efficient (13 SEER) unit, however, because the new units are significantly larger and heavier than the older units, there may be significant cost to our customers to either create access, modify existing components and/or alter structure to accommodate the new unit.

After this mandate goes into effect is there a possibility of delays with respect to the installation of the new energy efficient A/C units?

Yes. In many cases the homeowner may have to alter the structure to handle the additional weight of the new unit, or accommodate the larger size of the new unit, this can create delays in installation. Also, while not currently anticipated, the possibility that some HVAC manufacturers may incur short term factory shortages of the new air conditioning units does exist, which may also result in delays of equipment purchase and in turn installation.

Once the mandate goes into effect if my current air conditioning unit can be repaired will Alliance Home Warranty replace it with a new 13 SEER or energy efficient unit?

No, as has always been the case with Alliance Home Warranty, if the existing unit is determined to be repairable it will not be replaced: however, if a repair will not restore the unit to good safe working order, then it will be replaced by the warranty.

Why is the cost of the home warranty increasing?

Alliance Home Warranty is always assessing the price of its product to ensure customer satisfaction, price competitiveness as well as maintaining profitability and while the warranty company is assisting our customers in the majority of this cost it must pass along some of the cost in the purchase price.