For a typical home in Texas climate, heating and cooling costs can account for 50% of your annual energy bill. Keeping your home or office cool when temperatures exceed 115 F puts a big demand on your cooling equipment. To help you choose the best system for your needs and save money, we suggests you consider the following information when installing a new unit.

The efficiency of heat pumps and air conditioners during the cooling season is measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the SEER rating of your system the more energy efficient and cost-effective it will be to operate. The lowest legal SEER rating is now 13, but it can go as high as 18, or higher. For our climate we recommend a unit rated at 13 or higher, resulting in lowered energy bills. If your current system is rated at 10 (standard until 2006), it may be time to upgrade.

For many homeowners, a 13 SEER air conditioner or heat pump will save money on each month's electric bill. Your actual savings will depend on the efficiency of your current system. For example, a 13 SEER product:

• Delivers about 23% more energy savings than a 10 SEER model
• Delivers about 8% more energy savings than a 12 SEER model

Why Efficiency is Important

• You'll save money ? New electric heat pumps and air conditioners are about 40 to 50 percent more efficient than units installed 15 years ago.
• You'll save energy ? Improving your home?s energy efficiency can help you reduce summer energy usage by as much as 60 percent.
• You'll help the environment ? because today's heat pumps and air conditioners use less electricity, they help protect the environment and save valuable resources.