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The DOE is phasing out AC units with SEER ratings that fall below 14 or 15. The exact minimum rating depends on your region. In the northern United States, new ACs must have a minimum SEER rating of 14, though you can still buy and install older systems as long as they were compliant when they were manufactured. In the southern and southwestern United States, you cannot buy or install older air conditioners with lower SEER ratings. The minimum rating is between 14.5 and 15, depending on the power of the unit.

A damper motor can last up to 15 years, but it can wear out more quickly than that if you run your HVAC unit a lot. So you might expect a longer life in a colder climate than if you live in a warmer climate.

A window AC unit is not completely silent. You’ll hear the sound of air blowing, and if you put your ear right up next to the unit, you may hear a slight hiss or gurgle as the refrigerant flows through the system. That said, if your system is making a running water sound, a loud banging sound, a grinding sound, or physically vibrating, you may be facing an issue or malfunction with your AC unit.

While many states do not have specific licensing requirements for HVAC companies, your local city or county might. It's always a good idea to check local requirements online and use a tool like Angi’s contractor license lookup to confirm that the company you’re considering is licensed. Regardless of licensing, you should always ensure the company you hire is fully insured to avoid potential lawsuits if a technician is injured on your property. Additionally, it is recommended to check if the company holds third-party certifications, such as North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification or R-410A certification, which qualifies them to work with HVAC refrigerants.