January 12, 2006 • ISSUE 50 / VOLUME 1

Best value versus lowest first-cost

Carrier air conditioning systems can improve the quality and comfort of your Island lifestyle.

By John Arizumi
Carrier Hawaii, President

In 2006, the federal energy guidelines will require all residential air conditioning to be a minimum 13.0 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The previous standard was 10.0 SEER.

This is requiring manufacturers to get more performance out of their already “stretched” chassis. And what this means is that the existing sizes of equipment are “maxed” out so that higher efficiencies will be difficult to attain in the future. 

To remain in the industry forefront, Carrier undertook a major initiative two years ago and invested $250 million to redesign its entire residential platform of equipment to meet the 13.0-SEER requirement.. This brand-new platform of equipment will remain the basic design for the next four to six years as efficiency mandates continue to increase. 

Simply said, Carrier is offering homeowners “completely designed from-the-ground-up” equipment rather than offering the old design with the final modification for 13.0 SEER compliance before being obsoleted. 

The new design offers equipment with less weight (minimum natural resources), less refrigerant (R-410a), and quieter operation to protect our fragile environment.

In addition to being efficient, Carrier systems include system monitoring for proper operation, maintenance and diagnostics and maximum efficiency; UV lights and higher-efficiency air cleaners for optimum air quality; multi-speed condensing units and fan coils for maximum part-load efficiency and indoor humidity control; and zoning capabilities for optimum comfort. 

Carrier offers systems that meet or exceed the government’s “Energy Star” energy efficiency program and are regarded as the finest systems on the market. 

Let the buyer beware of the old adage: “You get what you pay for.”

Many homeowners still get caught up in the price game where the lowest cost rules. 

Lowest cost usually ends up with a standard, oversized system, which allows minimal engineering design and fast cooling to disguise the systems shortcoming. 

Why do consumers fall for this price game? I think it’s mainly because air conditioning is probably the most intangible investment to the homeowner for lack of understanding. 

Unlike granite countertops, brand-name appliances, plush carpets, double-pane awning windows and items they can “touch and feel,” air conditioning to most homeowners is simply cold air to beat the heat.

It’s after the air conditioning system is purchased and operating that they realize the shortcomings of the low-cost system.

The more they use it, the more dissatisfied they become: Too little or too much air, too hot or too cold, noisy air rushing in the rooms, a noisy outdoor unit irritating neighbors, high energy cost, and eventual signs of mildew and mold in parts of the home. And when system breaks, the parts have to be back ordered and will take six weeks for delivery. 

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The air conditioning system should be likened to a good automobile engine: It should be reliable, consistent, comfortable performance quiet, and be easily maintained with replacement parts usually locally available.

You expect your car to perform every day reliably, efficiently and comfortably without you having to go without it even for a day.

The air conditioning system is very similar. 

Today’s Carrier systems offer the best value for the customers.

Yes, you hear all the other brands making their claims, but Carrier is the most recognized name in residential air conditioning. And we have more factory-trained technicians in Hawaii during the past 25 years than any other manufacturer.

In fact, the more you use a Carrier air conditioning system, the better you feel you made the right choice.