A High-Efficiency AC Cools Better And Lowers Electric Bills
Record-setting temperatures in May earlier this year mean your central AC will have to work extra hard for five months instead of four. On top of that, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, ERCOT, wants us to set the thermostat at 78 degrees to help the power grid keep running. That means higher electric bills and lower comfort levels.
Why it matters: Normal wear and tear on central air conditioners reduces operating efficiency, so your AC has to work harder just to keep up. For older, less efficient equipment, 78 degrees is just too warm for comfort because it leaves too much humidity in the indoor air.
- Today’s high-efficiency AC equipment removes much more humidity, so you feel cooler even at 78 degrees than you do with less efficient equipment set in the low 70s. Many high-efficiency AC owners set the temperature at 80 degrees.
How it works: AC efficiency is measured in terms of the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER. The higher the SEER number, the more efficient the equipment, which means it doesn’t have to work as long or hard to keep you feeling great at 78.
By the numbers: In 1992, the U.S. Department of Energy began requiring a minimum SEER rating for new HVAC systems. The minimum SEER rating required has been updated over the years to move to increasingly higher efficiency AC systems and will increase again in 2023:
- 1992: 10 SEER
- 2006: 13 SEER
- 2015: 14 SEER
- 2023: 15 SEER for southern states
Lower operating costs: The higher the efficiency, the higher the initial equipment price — but you will recover the initial difference over time because of lower electric bills and potential cash incentives.
- The Department of Energy says new, high-efficiency AC equipment will reduce utility bills up to 40%.
- Homeowners in southern states will get a big return on their investments by upgrading to mid-range AC equipment ratings, such as a 16 or 18 SEER.
Cash incentives: You may be eligible for a variety of rebates and cash incentives that can substantially lower the cost of a new, qualifying high-efficiency HVAC system:
- ONCOR is providing up to $2,800 off the purchase of any new, qualifying air conditioning and heating system.
- Trane is offering up to $1,000 cash incentive for qualifying new systems.
- Federal tax credits (better than a deduction) of up to $500 may apply.
2. Schedule an appointment for AC consultation or service now
Whether you want service on your existing AC equipment or would like more information about new high-efficiency central air conditioning, you can schedule an appointment for an AC consultation right now and set the day and hour that is most convenient for you. We will be there.
Why it matters: We know you’re busy and you can’t wait around home for half a day or more for us to show up. BillyGO offers a one-hour service window, so you can plan your day to include us, not around us.
How it works: This is what you see on the billyGO schedule appointment page. In the “What can we help you with?” drop-down menu, select “AC System Estimate," “Air Conditioner Repair” or whatever service you need.
Provide your location and contact information, then click on the “Pick Your Appointment” button and tell us the day and hour you want. That’s it!
What happens next: You will receive a text message, email (or both, if you prefer) immediately confirming your appointment date and time. When your tech is on the way, you will receive a message with the tech’s name, photo, estimated arrival time and a link to follow the tech’s GPS location.
What they’re saying: “Scheduled an appointment with billyGO on Sunday for a 10 a.m. appointment for the following day. Mike showed up on time and fixed the issue quickly and got my AC back up and running. I would recommend them to anyone.” - Dat Nguyen
The bottom line: We designed our smart scheduler to make it easy for you to use our services at times most convenient for you. Try billyGO today!
