As homeowners in Georgetown, Texas, we know how the sweltering summers and unpredictable seasons can make our homes feel uncomfortable. But did you know that upgrading your HVAC system can make a huge difference in both your comfort and energy bills?

In this blog, we’re going to explain what SEER ratings are and why upgrading to a Variable-Speed HVAC system can help you control the humidity in your home, ultimately leading to better comfort and more efficient cooling. We also filmed a short video explaining SEER Ratings!

You might have heard the term SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) when talking about air conditioning systems. A SEER rating measures how efficiently your AC unit runs during a season. The higher the SEER, the more energy-efficient your system is.

In Texas, the minimum SEER rating for any HVAC system is 15 SEER. However, systems can range from 15 SEER (good) to 24 SEER (best), and the higher the rating, the less it costs to run your AC per hour. Check out a previous blog where we discuss the differences in units on our lates blog: Elevate your Home Comfort.

At Austex Air Conditioning & Heating, we offer a variety of systems that cater to different efficiency levels:

• Good Systems (15 SEER): These meet the minimum efficiency requirements for Texas.

• Better Systems (16-17 SEER): These systems often include two-stage cooling, providing better energy savings.

• Best Systems (18-24 SEER): These are Variable-Speed Systems that adjust automatically to meet your home’s cooling needs while offering the highest level of efficiency.

While all systems can cool your home, what differs is how much it costs you to run them. A higher SEER rating means the system is more efficient, consuming less electricity per hour. This is especially important during the long hot Texas summers, where energy consumption can skyrocket.

Many homeowners believe that their comfort is tied to the temperature of their home—often aiming for a thermostat setting around 72-75 degrees. However, relative humidity plays an equally important role.

High humidity levels can make your home feel warmer than it actually is. For example, even if your thermostat says 74 degrees, high humidity can make it feel like 78 degrees or hotter. This is common in spring and fall when the outside temperatures fluctuate, but your system doesn’t run long enough to dehumidify your home properly.

Variable-Speed Systems, like the Evolution System, automatically adjust their speed to meet your home’s cooling needs. These systems also have the ability to switch to dehumidification mode without changing the temperature. This keeps the air cool and comfortable, even when the system isn’t running as often.

Instead of just cooling the air, a Variable-Speed System actively removes moisture from the air, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable. Plus, because it’s running at lower speeds most of the time, it’s quieter and more energy-efficient.

Variable-Speed Systems, like the Evolution System, automatically adjust their speed to meet your home’s cooling needs. These systems also have the ability to switch to dehumidification mode without changing the temperature. This keeps the air cool and comfortable, even when the system isn’t running as often.

Instead of just cooling the air, a Variable-Speed System actively removes moisture from the air, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable. Plus, because it’s running at lower speeds most of the time, it’s quieter and more energy-efficient.

If you’re ready to take control of the humidity in your home and enjoy a more energy-efficient cooling system, now is the perfect time to upgrade. At Austex Air Conditioning & Heating, we specialize in installing Variable-Speed Systems designed for the Texas heat. Our team is dedicated to improving your home’s comfort while helping you save on energy costs.