What SEER Rating Do I Need in Texas?
When installing or replacing an HVAC system in Texas, it’s important to understand SEER ratings and how they could impact decisions about which system is right for you. Regulatory requirements establish SEER rating targets that are not universal. In this blog post, we’ll discuss SEER ratings and how they relate to HVAC systems in Texas.
What Are SEER Ratings?
SEER is the acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s a number that indicates the efficiency of HVAC systems over a typical cooling season. This standardized measurement compares energy input with cooling output for a full cooling system. The results describe how efficiently the AC system operates. The higher a system’s SEER rating is, the more efficient it is.
Importance of SEER Ratings in Texas
Texas summers are hot. With June and July highs averaging in the 90s, residents use their AC systems a lot, which uses a significant amount of energy. The minimum required SEER rating recently changed to 15, reflecting the need for greater efficiency in new cooling units. This change will slow energy consumption and, in turn, lessen AC units’ impact on the environment. As a result, many Texas residents are changing to more efficient cooling systems.
What Is a Good SEER Rating?
SEER ratings reflect an AC system’s operating efficiency. Inefficient models tend to have SEER 8 to SEER 12 ratings. Units with standard efficiency have SEER 13 to SEER 15 ratings. SEER 16 to SEER 20 ratings indicate high-efficiency cooling systems, while SEER 21 and above indicate the highest-efficiency units with the best performance.
Though installing a cooling unit with a high SEER rating may have a higher initial cost, the monthly energy savings will eventually cover the installation cost.
HVAC SEER Rating Requirements in Texas
Before January 2023, SEER 14 was the minimum required rating in Texas. Systems installed after that date must have a rating of SEER 15. This does represent some upfront costs to Texas homeowners for compliance, but the overall comfort and operating cost benefits will outweigh it.
What SEER Rating Do I Need?
Texas currently requires a SEER 15 rating. Higher ratings are advantageous but not required.
Minimum SEER Rating Considerations
SEER 15 is the minimum required in Texas, but there are benefits to installing AC systems with even greater ratings. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system. That means monthly operating costs will get even lower as SEER ratings increase. The system may be more expensive to purchase and install, but the long-term savings will appear immediately and add up over time. This can also improve the resale value of your home or property.
Factors Influencing SEER Ratings
Multiple factors can impact the SEER rating in our home, such as:
- HVAC system design and quality
- The size of the home
- The system’s capacity and whether it matches the size of the home
- Installation workmanship
- Frequency of use
- Quality and frequency of system maintenance
SEER Ratings and Choosing HVAC Systems in TX
An AC system with a high SEER rating is an efficient choice. If you’re in Texas and considering installing a new HVAC system or replacing an old one, consult professional HVAC experts like those at Harris Air Services. We’ll share personalized recommendations based on your home’s requirements and circumstances.
To learn more about HVAC services in the Texas area, contact the experts at Harris Air Services today.
