Why is a 13 SEER air conditioner system not recommended for the Southwest?

This question about a 13 SEER air conditioner comes from Bill in the Southwest. Because of the government. Seriously. Government efficiency standards went up a couple of years ago, so you can't install a 13 SEER air conditioner in the Southwest anymore. Or in the Southeast. They are only for the north. Like Minnesota. Or Washington State. But not Washington D.C. You just can't put a 13 SEER air conditioner where you will use it a lot. It's inefficient. If you put it in the North, it's not a big deal. In the upper peninsula in Michigan you need an air conditioner for like an hour and a half in the middle of August. Have more questions? Just ask them in the comments below or on Facebook or on Twitter.