New Cooling System - Question on EPA SEER guidline

Hi all-

I'm in the market to replace my entire Heating/Cooling system and I have a question regarding the AC unit.

I've received a quote from a recommended area contractor and I'm very pleased with the price. However, I'm concerned that the low price is due to the fact that the unit being installed is a leftover (or no longer used) model. In doing a little research, I see that in 2006 the EPA raised the guideline for the minimum SEER rating from 10 to 13.

This contractor is quoting me for a 12 SEER unit.
The unit in question is a Nordyne Hi-E #036C4HPC 36,000 BTU Cased Coil.

My question is: Will I be 'legally' OK to install a 12 SEER unit when I know the guideline is for 13 SEER minimum? Is this actually just a guideline or is this the minimum allowable by law (county/state/township...etc...).

Thanks
Kev

 

Oh you can put it in. But that low seer you will pay and pay for it to run.
If you will stay in the home for 10 years . Go for a seer over 15. You can also get a tax credit from the IRS for it. Also look to change the furnace also. That way you can get a 10 year warranty on most lines of units. Stay with the R22 it will be made till 2030.

 

I usually, if ever, go with the lowest bidder. I ended up getting 4 quotes for replacement of my system and picked the middle guy, not just because his price was in the middle, but the install history for his company. "Usually" if the price seems really low it means they most likely cut corners and do shotty work. Make sure the person installing it is licensed and BONDED!