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FAQ
What
is a "SEER" rating?
Cooling
efficiency for air conditioners and heat pumps is indicated by
a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, which tells
you how efficiently the unit uses electricity. Heat pumps also
have heating efficiency ratings, indicated as an HSPF (Heating
Seasonal Performance Factor). In general, the higher the SEER
or HSPF rating, the less electricity the unit will use to cool
(or heat) your home.
For
more details, go to Comparing Performance. In 1992, the government
established minimum efficiency standards for units installed in
new homes at 10.0 SEER and 6.8 HSPF. In 2005, the law moves the
minimum new air conditioning units to meet or exceed 13 SEER
. Most air conditioners and heat pumps manufactured before
1992 had SEER ratings below 7.0 and HSPF ratings below 5.0.
Air
conditioners and heat pumps manufactured today have SEER ratings
that range from 10.0 to about 17. Heat pumps are available with
HSPF ratings from about 6.8 to 10.0.
How
much does it cost to get a new air conditioner?
With
Nevada Power's 2006 Rebate Program, it costs less than you might
think to swap out that old clunker and get a new, higher SEER-rated
unit that will pay for itself and save you money over the long
run. Your HVAC contractor can give you price quotes.
What
is a Service Plan and it is worth it to have one for my home?
A
service plan is an agreement between you and your HVAC Contractor
to provide you with certain services at various times of the year.
These usually include tune-ups and refrigerant recharging or checks.
Most Service Contracts are priced very reasonably and include
considerable discounts on parts and labor should the need arise
for more comprehensive repair work.
I
have a complaint. Can you help?
Yes.
The State of Nevada has established a system for identifying and
rectifying customer complaints against contractors. The Nevada
State Contractors Board has all the information you need to file
a complaint in the event you have not been treated honestly or
fairly. There is even a Residential Construction Recovery Fund
that allows homeowners to seek financial restitution from contractors.
The Contractors Board can be reached at:
Nevada
State
Contractors Board
9670
Gateway Drive, Ste 100 , Reno
, NV 89521
(775) 688-1141 Fax (775) 688-1271
2310
Corporate Circle, Ste
200 , Henderson
, NV 89074
(702) 486-1100 Fax (702) 486-1190
http://nscb.state.nv.us
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