Inflation has been increasing the costs of products and services. As of January 1, 2023, the new SEER2 ratings for HVAC equipment will continue to increase costs. In Central Texas, we use our air conditioning systems non-stop. If you’ve noticed your New Braunfels air conditioning unit struggling to maintain on the hottest days or have been considering a replacement, there are still ways to possibly save some money even while having to upgrade to the new efficiency standards.

New SEER2 Efficiency Standards

The Department of Energy (DOE) sets the new standards for energy efficiency requirements, the metric we call “SEER”. Your SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a measure of your system’s cooling performance. The lower the SEER rating, the less efficient your AC system is. The SEER rating first went into effect in 1992 with further increases in 2006 (from SEER 10 to SEER 13) and 2015 (SEER 13 to SEER 14).

The DOE requires that testing conditions be updated to more accurately reflect how equipment performs in homes instead of in controlled testing facilities. The current SEER rating system does not accurately account for the pressure required to move large volumes of air through ductwork because the SEER testing was done without ductwork.

• New HVAC equipment under the SEER2 rating will have decreased ratings when compared to the old SEER rating. For example, a 15 SEER unit will be rated at 14.3 SEER2.

What This Means For The Consumer

The investment by AC manufacturers to develop and produce more efficient units will increase the end cost to the consumer. The consumer becomes forced to adopt higher-efficiency units. Inflation on the prices of the components doesn’t help either. Legacy Home Services does everything it can to help minimize the impact of price increases on consumers.

Should I Replace My HVAC System With A SEER2 AC Unit?

If you have considered replacing your existing HVAC system, here are some recommendations.

• When was the last time you had your AC system maintenance? Just like a vehicle needs regular maintenance to keep it running longer, AC systems need maintenance. Electrical components, motors, and refrigerant should all be checked to make sure they are working properly and to help prevent premature failure or wear to the overall unit. A maintenance plan like our Legacy Family Plan Membership can help with that.
• Get a second opinion if you’ve been told to replace your HVAC system. If you haven’t had your system maintained and were told on a service call that your system must be replaced, seek out another opinion. Shop around for the best pricing, most value, and most trust-worthy New Braunfels air conditioning company. Read customer feedback on the service and experience they’ve received.
• Inquire about HVAC system financing. Most HVAC companies offer a variety of financing plans to fit most customers’ needs. 0% for 2-5 years is popular along with long-term plans up to 15 years at low interest rates.

If you need New Braunfels Air Conditioning services, or are seeking an HVAC replacement in New Braunfels, we will be glad to provide you a FREE estimate. You can schedule online today for the day and time that works best for you.