Silktech HVAC Products: Consumer Impact Of Class Action Allegations US federal law requires all HVAC systems to comply with the established performance and efficiency standards to be legally sold, installed, and used. Lately, an independent review has raised questions about the legal status of the Silktech Heat Pump. The reviewers have determined that the Silktech EcoAuro 1.0 Heat Pump lacks required certifications and does not meet federal minimum efficiency standards. Besides the sellers, distributors, and installers, the end-user—the consumer—bears the most impact, as the unit costs them more money every single hour. By using falsified and inflated performance and efficiency numbers for the unit, the company is deceiving consumers who believe they are actually achieving energy savings. This fabricated information not only increases consumers' energy bills but also causes discomfort. Here’s how Silktech’s heat pump is impacting consumers who may be eligible for compensation.
Fails To Meet Federal DOE Minimum Efficiency Standards The Silktech EcoAuro 1.0 Heat Pump has a published rated capacity of 8,000 BTU in its brochure. However, the same rated capacity, as published on the California Energy Commission website, is 8,831 BTU (10.4% higher). The federal law (10 C.F.R. Part 430 + AHRI 210/240) requires that any 8,800 BTU heat pump of this class must meet a minimum SEER2 of 13.4 to be sold, installed, or used in the US. The independent review attests that Silktech hasn’t provided any documentation or data to demonstrate that its unit meets the minimum SEER2 of 13.4, as it failed a certified lab test. This inconsistency between the marketing materials and regulatory filings raises concerns about the unit’s legality and warrants consumers’ attention. Consumers should never purchase a heat pump that fails to meet the minimum efficiency standards (e.g., SEER2, HSPF2).
Use Of Improper or Non-Compliant Rating Metrics Another key aspect of the alleged review is the use of the wrong rating metric in the published documentation. Like all HVAC systems, Silktech HVAC systems must use SEER2 and HSPF2 to publish a model’s cooling and heating efficiency. Instead, they have used EER and COP2 as if the unit were being advertised as a Packaged Terminal Heat Pump (PTHP). Misleading rating metrics can confuse consumers and lead to energy bills up to 30% higher.
Wrong Product Classification The reviewer also highlights that Silktech Systems is incorrectly classified. By using an EER instead of SEER2, the company classifies the EcoAuro 1.0 Heat Pump as a "Packaged Terminal Heat Pump" (PTHP). Under federal law, a lawful PTHP must have the following features: ● A wall sleeve
● A separate, unencased chassis ● Through-the-wall mounting The EcoAuro 1.0 Heat Pump lacks all these features, and using EER violates DOE rules, potentially making the unit non-compliant. If building owners install this unit, they may be exposed to tenant litigation. Additionally, it can cause voided manufacturer warranties and may lead to increased repair frequency or costly early replacements.
Questionable Discrepancies In Published Performance And Efficiency Data Silktech EcoAuro 1.0 Heat Pump has also misrepresented its performance numbers and efficiency data. For its cooling capacity, they claim 8,000 BTU at a power input of 750 W. When calculated, the EER comes out to 10.67, which differs from the advertised EER of 10.91. Likewise, the company has made questionable claims for the heating capacity. They list a heating capacity of 8,000 BTU at a power input of 700 W. These numbers correspond to a COP of 3.35, which they have advertised as 3.4. Both discrepancies cause consumers to experience unexpectedly high energy bills, reduced home comfort, and premature equipment failure.
Conclusion This article aims to draw consumers’ attention to the product’s failure to meet required federal standards. Silktech HVAC Products fails to provide valid data demonstrating compliance with the SEER2 value of 13.4. In the absence of efficiency certifications and supporting documentation, the product is considered non-compliant for sale or use in the USA, resulting in major losses for consumers, including inflated energy bills, reduced home comfort, and other discrepancies.
