SEER2: What it Means for You
What is SEER2?
First, we’ll start with SEER: SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This ratio, or rating, is set by the US Department of Energy (DOE) on equipment efficiency for air conditioners and heat pumps. Basically, the higher the SEER rating, the less electricity is required for the equipment to do its job. Something related to SEER that you may be more familiar with is Energy Star certification: for example, air conditioning units that receive SEER ratings of 14 or more may qualify for Energy Star certification. “SEER2” is the newest iteration of this ratio, and with this new iteration comes new requirements.
What are the new SEER requirements?
As of January 1, 2023, the new minimum SEER requirements on air conditioners is 13.4 and 14.3 on heat pumps.
Why are there new SEER requirements?
The DOE periodically evaluates current technology, efficiency, and the cost of that technology to determine the right balance in ratings. As these things change, the measures used to determine the ratings must be adjusted as well.
With the new testing requirements, equipment measured with these updated standards (SEER2) is significantly more efficient than those with a similar rating measured by the old (SEER) standards.
How will SEER2 affect me?
Existing systems installed prior to January 2023 are not affected, so no worries if you’ve recently had a new system and aren’t looking to have one installed. Only systems installed after January 2023 will be subject to the new SEER2 standards.
If you fall into the category of looking to replace your system now, and you were already interested in a higher efficiency system, you really won’t notice any kind of impact. However, if you are looking to replace a system with more of a base model, you may have to upgrade the system you install compared to what you may have installed in previous years.
Select the image above for Renee's explanation of SEER2!
SEER2 in the Indianapolis Area
If it’s time for you to install a new system, contact us today. LCS Heating and Cooling can help you navigate any questions you have related to SEER2 and help you determine an affordable lasting comfort solution for your home!
Electricity Bill Spike? Heat Pumps and Extreme Weather Could Be to Blame!
Why is my electricity bill so high?
If you’re an Indiana homeowner, you may have had a not-so-nice post-holiday surprise this year in the form of a high electricity bill! We talked to so many people this year who were shocked by the increase in their electricity bill and were at a loss for the cause. While many of us may experience higher electricity bills around the holidays thanks to light displays and more company, there could have been a less obvious culprit for your high electricity bills this year: bitter temperatures. This is especially true if your house has a heat pump.
Heat pumps are most efficient until temperatures fall below 30 degrees outside. Once the temps dip below that, heat pumps can’t run as efficiently to keep up with the cold, and backup electricity often kicks on. (Now, before you say, “Wait! I bought a super-efficient heat pump!” We have to break the news that the efficiency rating is based on the air conditioning efficiency, not the heating efficiency. Whomp whomp!)
How do I know if I have a heat pump?
If you’re not sure whether you have a heat pump or not, no judgment from us! Here are some quick ways to tell if your home has a heat pump:
- If you don’t pay a gas or propone bill, it’s likely you have a heat pump.
- If your thermostat has an ‘ER’ or ‘EMERGENCY’ button, it’s likely you have a heat pump.
- If your heat kicks on and your outside unit is operating, it’s likely you have a heat pump.
Can I have a heat pump and a gas furnace?
Yes, you can.
A dual fuel HVAC system, or hybrid split system, allows you to switch between the two heating systems, depending on need or cost.
The heat pump functions as the primary heating unit in this case, but when it fails to maintain the necessary heat level, the gas furnace kicks in and supplements the deficit.
If electricity is cheaper, it makes sense to pause the gas or oil furnace and maximize the heat pump. Likewise, it’s smart to run the gas furnace for longer hours when gas prices drop or when temperatures drop below 30 degrees.
What can I do to keep electricity bills low, even when temperatures fall into the single-digits?
Unfortunately, your only option would be to turn off your backup electricity, but the temperatures will keep dropping in your house and your comfort will drop off with those falling degrees. Yes, the best option is to wait for warmer days to give your system (and bill!) a break.
One thing you can do to decrease the amount of time your system is running is to check your filter! A dirty filter increases the amount of time your system has to run and can increase your utility bills.
Heating in the Indianapolis Area
Fortunately for us, the winter seems to have been fairly mild, all in all. But it’s not over yet. ???? If your system isn't keeping you comfortable in your home, contact us today. LCS Heating and Cooling can help you determine a solution that will offer you lasting comfort in your home!
Why (and When) Duct Cleaning Really Matters
Everyone wants a clean home. That’s why it feels so nice to have the carpet vacuumed and the floors swept! But what about the dust and dander hiding out in your ductwork? Ignoring that debris means your indoor chores are only part-way done. When managed correctly, professional duct cleaning can be a great way to ensure everything is in tip-top shape.
What is Duct Cleaning—and Does it Matter?
Indoor air quality makes a big difference for how we live both day and night. Bad odors, the humidity levels, and allergens all play a part. We can work to keep some of those problems in check by making sure to regularly replace your air filters. Adding a humidifier or dehumidifier might also help. And with duct cleaning, you can really take things to the next level.
Your home’s ductwork is how hot and cold air travels throughout your home. There are some aspects of this system that you can clean on your own, like dusting off the floor air vents or detaching your clothes dryer vent to clean out any lint. But when you hire duct cleaning service, what you get is much more detailed. They can work through the ductwork for every room—and depending on your home and other factors, that can be a real game changer!
3 Key Benefits of Home Duct Cleaning
It’s typically recommended that you get your duct cleaning scheduled every three years. Of course, there are a few scenarios that can alter your timeline. If you have family members who suffer from asthma or allergies, you might benefit from getting your ductwork cleaned more often. That way, you’ll be sure to get the best benefits year-round.
1. More Efficient HVAC System
When your furnace or air conditioner is moving air through dirty ductwork, that allows for dirt to travel back and compromise the moving parts inside your unit. Dirt can then build up in there and make your filter get dirtier more quickly, which leads to lower efficiency when you need to heat and cool your home. Confirming that you have clean ductwork helps keep everything running smoothly. Your filters can last longer, and that lets you get better energy efficiency!
2. Helps with Indoor Air Quality
Whether you’re dealing with stuffy air around the house or your allergies are flaring up because of pet dander, pollen, or other contaminants, getting on a schedule for duct cleaning can help everyone breathe easier. Even without asthma or allergies, having dirty air recycling throughout your home can be really unpleasant. Clearing out all of the dust and pollutants in your ductwork helps your air stay as fresh as possible.
3. Clean Up After Remodeling
Perhaps the biggest reason for duct cleaning, though, is after you’ve had any home remodeling. That drywall dust, wood dust, and other debris floating around in your ductwork will probably be too much for your air filter to handle alone. The same goes if you’re currently living near other neighborhood construction projects, and even farms or fields. The changing seasons can stir up a lot of new dust and pollen that ends up camping out in your own ductwork.
Duct Cleaning for the Indianapolis Area
Repeating your duct cleaning service every three years is a good rule of thumb. But if you have remodeling projects or more sensitive allergies, then it makes sense to get this work done more often. Most jobs take between 4-8 hours, and with LCS Heating and Cooling, you can trust that we have the right equipment for truly detailed service!
We’re proud to work with a powerful negative air machine to clean out ductwork dust and debris. We even take the time to carefully clean and re-install each of the air registers in your home, so nothing gets missed.
Ready for a FREE duct cleaning estimate? Then contact us today to get your appointment scheduled! We’ll be happy to do a quick review of your home so you have all the information you need to get started with our team!