Everything You Need to Know About SEER Ratings

Everything You Need to Know About SEER Ratings

Picking a new AC system can be a difficult and frustrating process. The large variety of HVAC manufacturers, unit sizes, and options is overwhelming for most people. How do you guarantee that the AC you choose is the most efficient or gives you the best bang for your buck? It’s easier than ever now thanks to SEER ratings.

What Does SEER Mean?

SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is a metric used to determine how efficient a given AC unit is. It is a ratio that measures how much cool air is created for each unit of electricity used. Thus, the higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the unit is. Most importantly, the more efficient the unit is, the more money you can potentially save in long-term energy costs!

SEER ratings are a critical factor to understand when choosing a new unit and can help you save hundreds of dollars. If you are a proponent of going green and helping the environment, a high SEER unit reduces waste and emissions compared to a lower SEER unit. However, the higher SEER rated units are more expensive, so it’s important to consider your unique needs and goals.

A simple way to help you understand SEER ratings is to think about the Miles Per Gallon (MPG) your car gets. You can buy a car with high MPG, but depending on how you drive and terrain, it will vary in efficiency. The same is true with a high ranking SEER AC unit. It is important to understand that efficient habits will improve any system’s performance.

residential air conditioning unit outside of a brick home

The Bottom Line

All said, SEER ratings are important when considering long term efficiency and environmental impact for your unit. Higher SEER units will be more efficient but more expensive. Ultimately, it comes down to personal choice and your values for your home and family. We recommend exploring many different options when it comes to finding a new unit. Make sure to call your local TemperaturePro with any questions!

Reduce Your Summer Cooling Costs in 6 Easy Steps

Reduce Your Summer Cooling Costs in 6 Easy Steps

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start dialing your home’s temperature down a few degrees. If you’re like us, you like to keep your air conditioning bill low; here are a few ways to keep your cooling costs as low as possible even in the peak of the summer heat!

  1. Seal windows and doors

If your windows or doors are fully sealed, it can cause hot air from outside to seep in. This means your AC will have to cool your house while also working extra to fight back that hot air. A weatherstrip on your windows or door, in addition to filling in any cracks or holes should guarantee a great seal. 

  1. Get a programmable thermostat

This is a great way to save on your cooling bill when you’re asleep or out of the house. If your house is too warm for your liking when you return home or wake up, set your thermostat to gradually get cooler until it’s a comfortable temperature. Changing your temperature drastically when you get home won’t get your home cooler any quicker.

  1. Utilize outdoor grills

Cooking indoors generates a lot of extra heat, cooking outdoors is a great way to keep this extra heat out of your home. So get outside and fire up the grill, summer is the best time to do this! If you wanna save even more try hand washing your dishes to avoid the extra heat output from the dishwasher. Another machine that creates additional heat is your dryer, you can avoid hiking up your cooling bills by pinning up wet laundry on a clothesline!

  1. Turn on those fans!

Turning on your fans is an easy way to keep your home cool without having to raise the temperature on your thermostat. Whether it’s a ceiling fan or a standing fan, it will get the job done.

  1. Properly maintain your home’s AC system

If you don’t take care of your cooling system, it won’t run efficiently. Inefficient AC systems will actually cost more in the long run if you choose not to maintain them. Make sure to keep up with routine cleaning and maintenance. This means all your equipment including air filters, registers, evaporators, condenser coils, filter, etc. Taking good care of your system will keep your home cool without costing you a fortune. If you’re not sure what proper care for your system is, give us a call! One of our highly trained service technicians will come take a look for you.

  1. Use window treatments

The sun’s heat can get into your home through windows and other openings to increase the temperature inside. To stop this and save your AC from doing extra work, invest in some curtains or shades to block the unwanted rays from heating up your home.

Well, there you have it, six easy ways to keep your home cooler in the summer. If you’re having any trouble with your cooling system or just have a question and want an answer, give us a call! At TemperaturePro, we’re always happy to help. So stay cool & have a great summer!

Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air?

Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air?

Is your A/C blowing hot air? Be prepared before the summer heat wave hits!

For immediate help, please call us at (512) 953-5822.

But in the meantime, don’t hesitate to attempt an at-home diagnosis. Here’s a list of potential reasons why your home air conditioner isn’t working properly:

1. Your thermostat isn’t on the right fan setting

This is the simplest fix, and we know what you’re thinking- but seriously! It happens to the best of us.

Double-check that your thermostat is set to “cool” to keep your fan running cool air, or set to “auto” so that your fan automatically runs when your house needs cool air.

If your thermostat is set to “heat,” you have your answer! Even if it is set to “on,” this means that your fan will keep blowing air even when it’s not cooling.

2. Dirty air filters

Air filters should be changed every 60 – 90 days. When your filter has been collecting dirt, dust, allergens, etc. for 90+ days, it clogs up, restricting airflow and becoming useless & hazardous to you and your family’s health. It can even prevent your AC system from cooling properly.

Make sure to check your air filter every two to three months, more often if you have pets or serious allergies.

3. Refrigerant leak

Refrigerant is a liquid responsible for absorbing heat from the air in your system. Low or leaking refrigerant means that your air system will blow much warmer than normal. If your AC unit is low on or leaking refrigerant, call an HVAC technician ASAP. The longer you wait, the worse it will get- and refrigerant leaks can be a serious health & environmental hazard.

Don’t hesitate to call us if you think this may be the issue (512) 953-5822!

4. Circuit breaker needs to be reset

Both your outside & inside units have their own breakers. If your outside breaker flips for any reason, the inside unit will blow air at the outside temperature- meaning that in the summer, it’s HOT.

Check the breaker box and if this seems to be the problem, simply reset the circuit breaker. If this happens again, do not reset the breaker once more & risk damaging your system. Just call an HVAC technician!

5. Disconnected or damaged return duct

If your return duct is either disconnected or damaged, it will suck in unconditioned air from outside, from your garage, or from your attic space, and blow into your home. That means stale, musty, hot air is circulating throughout your house.

This problem will also require the help of a professional. Call (512) 953-5822.

These are just a few of the many reasons your AC unit is blowing hot air throughout your home.

If you’re in the West Austin area and need help diagnosing a problem with your home’s air conditioning system, call TemperaturePro West Austin at (512) 953-5822 and we’ll have an experienced HVAC technician sent to your home as soon as possible!

Emergency HVAC Repair Tips

Emergency HVAC Repair Tips

Air conditioning maintenance is a very important component of owning an air conditioning system. For serious problems, you should contact an experienced HVAC technician to diagnose and resolve the issue.

However, there are some minor repairs homeowners can do on their own! Let’s go through a list of actions YOU can take on your own to maintain the heating and cooling systems in your home:

  • Clean off your unit and keep the exterior clear of debris and obstruction to ensure clear air flow
  • Clear your indoor air vents and wipe off dust and dirt to maintain good air quality
  • Change your air filters every 30-90 days
  • Charge your coolant levels to replenish the liquid that flows through the coils and keeps your air cool
  • Troubleshoot your air conditioner by checking thermostat settings, checking the power, checking the air filter, or checking the ducts
  • Shutdown your system to avoid more performance issues and to prevent any more damage
  • Be proactive and perform frequent system checks to prolong the life of your equipment

The world of HVAC systems can be intimidating, but you are totally capable of keeping up with minor things on your own!

Performing these small, cautious tasks will prevent major breakdowns and high-cost system repairs. Who wouldn’t want that?!