SEER Ratings for Texas Homeowners Explained

As a homeowner, you want to keep your energy bills as low as possible and reduce the chances of needing air conditioning services, and understanding how the rating system works can help with this. 

Many different efficiencies are available on the market, so here's more on SEER ratings for your Texas home!

What Is a SEER Rating?

If you have never heard the term before, the SEER rating is a way to grade the energy efficiency of your air conditioner or heat pump. 

The SEER system helps to establish efficiency by calculating the unit's cooling output and dividing it by the power input during the different seasons. This can help give you a better understanding of how your system will run and how much money you can potentially save by making your purchase based on this rating.

What SEER Rating Do You Need in Texas?

The SEER ratings can vary between 13 and 21 depending on the operating system. When it comes to ratings in Texas, the requirement is 14 because areas that have warmer temperatures will require more air conditioners than other places in the United States.

In most cases, getting an air conditioner installation with a higher rating will cost more money for the initial purchase. But because they will perform better, this can lower your monthly energy bills and pay for themselves. 

Keep in mind that there are a few factors that will affect the energy savings for your home, and those are:

What Temperature Is Your Thermostat Set To?

While everyone's comfort level varies, it is recommended during the summer to have your thermostat set around 78° when you're not there and between 72 and 75°F at night. In the winter, keep the daytime temperature to 68°F and the evenings between 62°F and 65°F. 

How Well Is Your Home Insulated? 

Energy Star has recommended home insulation R values, which measure the insulation's ability to be heat resistant, and the higher the value, the better performance. Texas varies depending on which section you reside in and if pre-existing insulation exists already, and the recommended ratings can range between R60 and R19.

Is Your Ductwork in Good Condition? 

Your ductwork is the pipeline that gets heat and cool air into your home, and if it's suffering from improper installation, it's been a while since it's been cleaned, or it's breaking down, this is going to decrease its efficiency and waste energy which will directly affect the SEER rating. Regular inspections and periodic cleanings can help reduce the risk of these problems developing and help your system run at maximum efficiency. 

How Often Do You Inspect & Maintain the Air Conditioning Unit? 

Even if you have a high energy efficiency system, if you are not getting annual inspections and keeping up on regular maintenance like changing out air filters, it will affect the entire operating system. SEER Ratings are in place to increase efficiency, but if you are not properly taking care of the system with regular inspections and maintenance, issues will arise and affect its performance. 

How Are High-SEER Systems Beneficial?

Choosing a system that has a rating of 16+ or more can offer several benefits, including:

• Some advanced systems have a blower with variable speeds or a two-stage compressor, which can help reduce cold and hot spots in the home and lower humidity.

• The higher-rated systems may be more eco-friendly than others because of their ability to conserve energy.

• You can also get a federal tax credit by purchasing some Energy Star-approved air conditioners.

• The right SEER reading will also deliver more comfort for your residence. Because of their advanced features, it supports precise temperatures so your home remains comfortable from consistent temperatures through the year.                    

• SEER rating systems also tend to be quieter than other models because they're built to be more efficient, giving you a more quiet and peaceful environment.

• Choosing a high-rated SEER system can increase your property's value, making it an attractive commodity for buyers who prioritize energy-efficient appliances. 

Trusted & Exceptional HVAC Services in Texas 

Having the right SEER rating in your Texas home can help conserve energy and save you monthly money. If you're looking for a company specializing in air conditioning and heating services or are concerned about indoor air quality, Smart A/C Services are your local professionals offering five-star results in Texas.

Don't wait any longer to upgrade your air conditioning system; message us online or call us at 832-439-0758 for your free estimate today.