SEER RATING CALCULATOR
HVAC SERVICES
Looking to lower your energy bills with a more efficient HVAC system? Lyons Heating and Air offers a simple way to estimate your potential savings with our SEER Rating Calculator!
Whether you’re upgrading to a new air conditioner or heat pump system, this tool helps you compare potential energy costs between units and find out how much it could save you over time.
Based in Rockwall, TX, Lyons proudly serves homeowners and businesses throughout the DFW metro area. Use our energy savings calculator to make informed decisions about your next HVAC investment, or call (469) 224-1512 for one-on-one service and personalized advice straight from the experts.
What Does SEER Mean in HVAC?
Not all air conditioners are created equal. If your air conditioning system is outdated or running below today’s energy efficiency standards, you could be spending a lot more on energy than you need to.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, sometimes also called “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating,” and it’s the key metric used to measure how efficiently an air conditioner or heat pump system operates over an entire cooling season.
The higher the SEER rating, 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. According to weather data, Texas ranks among the hottest states in the U.S., with high average temperatures and long cooling seasons that often require near-constant air conditioning use throughout much of the year.
This means your system runs more often and consumes more electricity.
In fact, Texans use air conditioning for about 2,000 to 2,800 hours per year, depending on the region. Here in the Dallas/Fort Worth region, we tend to fall on the latter side, as yearly cooling hours average out to about 2,600 hours per year
This is well above the national average of approximately 1,000–1,200 cooling hours, which is why SEER ratings matter SO much more in Texas. This rating directly impacts how much energy is used during those hours, especially when your thermostat cooling setting remains consistent.
Older or outdated equipment often has lower SEER ratings and lacks the energy-saving features found in modern systems. That’s why upgrading to a higher-SEER unit not only boosts your air conditioner or heat pump energy efficiency, but also leads to noticeable reductions in electricity costs over time.
SEER vs. AFUE
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) both measure energy efficiency but apply to different types of HVAC systems.
SEER is used to rate cooling systems like air conditioners and heat pumps, while an AFUE efficiency rating measures the efficiency of heating systems such as gas furnaces. A higher SEER rating means better cooling efficiency, whereas a higher AFUE percentage indicates more heat is converted from fuel into usable warmth. Both ratings help homeowners estimate long-term energy costs and choose the most efficient system for their needs.
SEER vs. HSPF
Another word (or acronym, rather) that you may hear in HVAC terminology is HSPF, which stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. HSPF also measures energy efficiency, but it applies to different functions of a heat pump system specifically.
While SEER measures the cooling efficiency of an air conditioner or heat pump, HSPF evaluates heating efficiency by calculating how much heat is produced per unit of electricity used during the heating season. A higher SEER or HSPF rating means better energy efficiency and greater potential energy savings. When comparing systems, it’s important to look at both ratings to understand year-round performance and efficiency.
SEER vs. BTU
SEER and BTU are both important factors when choosing a new air conditioner, but they measure different aspects of performance. SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, reflects the system’s efficiency rating by measuring how much cooling you get for the amount of electricity used over a typical season.
BTU, or British Thermal Unit, measures the cooling capacity—or how much heat the unit can remove from a space. While BTU helps determine the right size unit for your home, SEER helps estimate electricity cost and long-term energy savings.
How is SEER Calculated?
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is calculated by dividing the total cooling output of a system—measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs)—over an entire cooling season by the total electrical energy used, measured in watt-hours. In other words, it shows how efficiently an air conditioner converts electricity into cooling. The formula accounts for unit operation over a standard timeframe and provides a rough estimate of how much energy your system uses.
To convert this into practical terms, homeowners may use a SEER savings calculator like ours, which factors in the SEER rating and AC tonnage of their current air conditioner as well as the cooling capacity and SEER rating of the new air conditioner or heat pump they may be interested in.
Of course, you must also consider your average usage patterns and climate to estimate potential cost savings when upgrading to a higher-efficiency unit. The higher the SEER rating, the less electricity is used for the same amount of cooling, resulting in lower utility bills and more efficient performance throughout the cooling season.
In simple terms:
- Higher SEER Ratings = More Cooling, Less Energy Used
- Lower SEER Ratings = Less Efficient, Higher Energy Costs
How to Calculate SEER Rating
Choosing the right SEER rating for your home depends on factors like your local climate, cooling needs, and energy goals. In Texas, where a typical cooling season is long and intense, upgrading to a high-efficiency SEER-rated system can significantly reduce annual energy costs.
Homeowners can use our SEER savings calculator to compare different systems and estimate their long-term savings, taking into account the size of their air conditioner, local electricity rates, and expected usage. The calculator takes into account your current AC capacity (BTU/tonnage) and SEER rating and shows you how much you can potential savings you can expect in the short and long term.
Use Our SEER Rating Savings Calculator
Want to know how much you could save by upgrading? Use our free SEER Savings Calculator below! Here’s how it works:
1. PLUG IN YOUR CURRENT SYSTEM’S TONNAGE
- Choose from 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5-ton air conditioner.
- You can find this on the manufacturer’s label on your air conditioner’s condenser unit (usually located on the side of the outdoor unit).
- The tonnage can be identified by a number in the model number that represents BTUs (e.g., “024” for 24,000 BTUs, or 2 tons).
- One ton of air conditioning equals 12,000 BTUs per hour, so Tonnage = BTUs ÷ 12,000.
2. SELECT THE SEER RATING OF YOUR CURRENT SYSTEM
- Choose from 8, 9, 10, 12, or 14 SEER.
- The SEER rating is often listed directly on the manufacturer’s label, while the tonnage can be identified by a number in the model number that represents BTUs (e.g., “024” for 24,000 BTUs, or 2 tons).
- You can also refer to your original installation paperwork or ask a Rockwall, TX HVAC contractor on our team to confirm the system specifications.
3. SELECT THE NEW SEER RATING
- Choose between 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, and 22 SEER.
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
NOTE: This energy savings calculator is designed to provide a rough estimate for energy savings in homes located in North Texas. The results are not guaranteed and may vary based on your actual usage and system efficiency. Calculations are based on an average electricity rate of $0.14 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and an average natural gas rate of $2.41 per therm. You can find your AC unit’s estimated energy use in kilowatt-hours (kWh) by checking the yellow Energy Guide label on your unit.
Our SEER energy savings calculator is also based on an estimated 2,300 hours of air conditioning use per year and an average heating requirement of 77 million BTUs per season, which reflects typical conditions in the North Texas region.
How Many SEER Do I Need?
The number of SEER you need depends on how much electricity you want to save and the climate you live in. In warm regions like Texas, a good SEER rating for modern units is typically 16 or higher, which offers better efficiency and long-term cost savings compared to older systems.
Here’s a brief overview:
- 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)
A higher SEER rating often comes with a higher upfront cost, but for homeowners in hot regions, the investment can pay off through improved comfort and lower utility bills over time.
Is It Time to Upgrade Your HVAC System?
If your current air conditioner is more than 10 years old or you’ve noticed your cooling and heating costs steadily increasing, it may be time to upgrade to a higher efficiency air conditioner. New systems with higher SEER ratings can potentially save a significant amount on monthly utility bills while also improving indoor comfort, reducing noise, and delivering more consistent performance, especially during the hottest months in Texas.
Our trusted Rockwall air conditioning service technicians at Lyons can assess your home’s needs and help you choose a system that offers the right balance of performance and cost-efficiency, ensuring it’s installed for optimal performance.
We Install High-SEER HVAC Systems Built for Texas Heat
Here at Lyons Air, we specialize in installing high-performance HVAC systems that meet or exceed national energy efficiency standards, helping you achieve maximum comfort while minimizing electric energy costs.
Our expert technicians can walk you through the options and help you choose a system that fits your home, budget, and long-term goals. To speak with a Rockwall AC installation specialist on our team, call (469) 224-1512 today!
Get a Free HVAC Efficiency Consultation With Lyons Today!
Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to replace your current system, we’re here to help. Our experienced HVAC contractors are dedicated to getting our customers real savings, providing honest guidance and no-obligation quotes so you can clearly understand your options.
Contact us today by calling (469) 224-1512 or reach out online to learn how upgrading your system could lead to real savings for you and your home.
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