How HVAC Efficiency Impacts Your Energy Bills
Not all air conditioners are created equal. If your system is outdated or running below today’s efficiency standards, you could be spending a lot more on energy than you need to. That’s where SEER ratings come in.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it’s the key metric used to measure how efficiently an air conditioner or heat pump operates over an entire cooling season. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system — and the lower your operating costs.
Why SEER Ratings Matter in Texas
Here in Texas, AC systems do serious heavy lifting. With long, hot summers and high energy demand, efficiency isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s essential. Upgrading from an older, low-SEER unit to a modern high-efficiency system can lead to big savings on your electric bill and improved home comfort.
How SEER Ratings Are Calculated
SEER is calculated by dividing the cooling output of a system (in BTUs) over a typical cooling season by the total electric energy input (in watt-hours) during that same period.
In simple terms:
Higher SEER = More Cooling, Less Energy Used
Lower SEER = Less Efficient, Higher Energy Costs
Old vs. New: What’s a “Good” SEER Rating Today?
8–10 SEER – Common in systems installed 15+ years ago
13–14 SEER – Standard for older, mid-range systems
15–18 SEER – Today’s minimum standard and solid mid-efficiency tier
19+ SEER – Premium high-efficiency systems (especially useful in hot climates)
Use Our SEER Savings Calculator
Want to know how much you could save by upgrading? Use our free SEER Energy Savings Calculator below. Just plug in your current system’s tonnage & SEER rating to estimate potential savings with a high-efficiency upgrade.

Cooling Savings
0 SEER vs 0 SEER on a 0 BTU Air Conditioner
Savings per year
Heating Savings
0 AFUE vs 0 AFUE
Savings per year
Is It Time to Upgrade?
If your AC is more than a decade old, or if your energy bills have been creeping up, it might be time to consider a new system. Higher-SEER models can not only lower your monthly expenses but also make your home quieter, cooler, and more reliable in extreme heat.
We Install High-SEER HVAC Systems Built for Texas Heat
We specialize in installing high-performance HVAC systems designed for maximum comfort and energy savings. Our expert technicians can walk you through the options and help you choose a system that fits your home, budget, and long-term goals.
Get a Free HVAC Efficiency Consultation
Whether you’re just curious or ready to upgrade, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a no-obligation quote and find out how much you could save with a more efficient system.