Federal regulations (U.S.) require that home A/C units have to be replaced en masse?

Factual Questions
1

This federal regulation seems to govern manufacture of new components, which must have an efficiency rating of 13 SEER or greater. However, it doesn’t seem to require that if a component of someone’s HVAC system is broken beyond repair that the entire system – all parts at or over 13 SEER – must be purchased anew.

The GQ is – can air handlers and condenser/compressors legally be replaced independently of one another, regardless of SEER ratings? Whether or not it’s a good idea efficiency-wise need not be considered here.

Example: house has a 10 SEER condenser/compressor outside, and a 10 SEER air handler-gas heater inside (if it matters, think of the type of HVAC systems homes use in the Deep South … no separate furnace that needs heating oil or anything like that).

If the air handler goes to pot, and repair is not possible, the homeowner will have to replace the air handler. The new air handler will be a 13+ SEER air handler. Now then: does federal reguation prohibit the installation of a 13+ SEER air handler for use with a 10 SEER condenser/compressor?

2

Based on my experience with having my AC fixed, existing units can be repaired without requiring the repaired system to be brought up to current efficiency standards.

3

I understand that what you say is correct for simple repairs (e.g. a new fan motor in a condensor/compressor). The question, then, is the installation of a brand-new air handler considered merely a “repair”? Is the installation of a brand-new condenser/compressor a “repair”?

4

According to a local, licensed AC installer:

5

Thanks, beowulff. I wonder if the legalities involved can vary state by state.

6

Hate to bump my own thread … just wondering is this kind of thing varies state to state.