As of January 2023, any AC system sold and installed in Texas has to meet the DOE's Southwest region SEER2 minimum — 14.3 SEER2 for most residential split systems — which uses a more realistic testing method than the old SEER rating. That means an older system's SEER number doesn't translate directly to the new scale, and equipment that was efficient by 2015 or 2018 standards can be below today's legal minimum for new installation.
For homeowners specifically targeting a higher-efficiency upgrade rather than a baseline replacement, we walk through the real efficiency tiers above the SEER2 minimum and what the incremental cost buys in actual reduced run-time and lower summer electric bills, given how much of a Dallas AC's workload is humidity removal on top of temperature drop. We're upfront when a jump to the highest efficiency tier available doesn't pencil out for a given home's usage pattern, rather than defaulting every upgrade conversation to the most expensive option.
Where a system qualifies, we handle the paperwork for Oncor's residential efficiency rebate program, which typically requires the new equipment to meet SEER2 minimums and includes a DOE-listed smart thermostat as part of the qualifying installation.
📞 Call 855-524-1917