New "Green" products are breaking into new territory that deserves a warranty professionals attention. Energy Star Logos, New 13 SEER Air Conditioning, and Furnace Manufacturer's must address a new claims challenge that arises from consumer demand for environmentally friendlier products.
Product warranties focus on repairs at the beginning of a product's life, but these warranties often do not explicitly address the energy usage reduction claims over the full life of a product or the recycling claim at the end of a product's life.
According to Eric Arnum of Warranty Week, one complicating factor for new requirements for 13 SEER Air Conditioner units could be the existence of a home warranty policy, which would cover repairs and replacements of defective items, but may not pay for the replacement of perfectly good components that need to be replaced solely for the sake of compatibility. Yes, we will pay for the defective outdoor unit, but no we will not pay for the replacement of the perfectly good evaporator coil indoors. The only thing wrong with it is it won't work with the new outdoor unit.
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute estimated increases of three to eight percent in equipment costs between 10 SEER and 13 SEER, which because of the projected 30% savings in electricity would pay for itself in about 3.5 years of lower running costs. More importantly, the electricity not generated and the power plants not built would reduce nitrous oxide emissions by up to 85,000 metric tons and would reduce carbon emissions by up to 33 million metric tons, the EESI estimated. But where do buyers send the bill if the unit uses only 20% less electricity per year?
Get more information regarding 13 SEER Air Conditioning Units and details about Energy Star and Finance Manufacturer's from Eric Arnum's recent article in Warranty Week.
