Carrier Corp. and the Air-Conditioning Refrigeration Institute (ARI) withdrew support to a legal challenge of the 13 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) for residential air conditioners and heat pumps in the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Carrier Corp. said in a statement it is the “right environmental choice” and the 12 SEER rating will save energy and reduce homeowners' energy bills.
ARI said in a statement it withdrew pursuit “due to the likelihood of a long and uncertain legal process.” It wants manufacturers to have time to prepare for the 13 SEER standard, which goes into effect in January 2006. “The industry needs to know with certainty what the standard will be in order to meet the needs of the marketplace,” said ARI President William G. Sutton.