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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 power outage can damage your air conditioner, just like a power surge can damage any electrical device or appliance. In most cases, your circuit breaker or built-in surge protection on your AC unit protects your AC and just needs a reset. But in other cases, it might be that your AC compressor or capacitor was blown during the power surge. You’ll need to have an HVAC professional repair or replace any AC parts. 

AC evaporator coils should be cleaned at least once per year to keep your unit in good condition. For optimal performance, consider cleaning them twice a year—once before and once after the main cooling season. More frequent cleanings may be necessary for older systems, units with performance issues, or those in climates with high levels of humidity, dust, and dirt.

Yes, you can put an AC unit on the roof of your home or commercial building. For proper installation, you’ll need to ensure the roof surface is flat, it’s accessible for maintenance and cleaning, and an AC installation pro agreed that your home is a candidate for package units. Don’t forget to consider the climate in your area, as homes that experience frequent tropical storms or hurricanes may not benefit from this type of system.