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Survey of SEER Ratings for Independent Coil Manufacturer Mixed Systems Relative to Original Equipment Manufacturer Mixed Systems and Highest Sales Volume Tested Combinations
Survey of SEER Ratings for Independent Coil Manufacturer Mixed Systems Relative to Original Equipment Manufacturer Mixed Systems and Highest Sales Volume Tested CombinationsPayne, W. Vance
September 2006
Abstract:
This investigation compares the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings of independent coil manufacturers (ICMs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to determine the distribution of mixed system SEER ratings provided by ICMs and OEMs. ICMs match their indoor evaporator/air handlers with condensing units from several OEMs. If not laboratory tested as a complete system, these “mixed” combinations must be rated using a procedure based upon sound engineering concepts and approved by the United States Department of Energy (CFR 2006). This investigation takes the SEER rating published by the ICMs for their mixed systems and compares them to the SEER of the OEM condensing unit / indoor unit highest sales volume tested combinations (HSVTC) or matched systems. The SEER ratings are compared by looking at the percentage of units with SEERs that are higher, equal, and lower than the HSVTC.
This survey examines the existing Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute’s directory of unitary equipment (ARI 2006b). Only mixed systems with an active status and systems with the same ARI-type of indoor unit are compared; therefore, coil-only mixed systems are compared to coil-only HSVTCs and coil-blower mixed systems are only compared to coil-blower HSVTCs.
