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 If your system is outdated or running below today’s efficiency standards, you could be spending a lot more on energy than you need to.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.

Energy Savings Calculator (Texas)
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Heating
This calculator is only intended to give you a rough estimate for homes located in North Texas. The savings are not guaranteed. Calculations are based on $0.14/kWh avg for electricity and $2.41 per therm avg for natural gas, 2300 hours per average cooling season and 77 million BTU's per avg heating season in North Texas.

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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.

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