2023 Minimum HVAC SEER Ratings in Florida

New Florida Energy Efficiency Regulations Will Impact HVAC Systems

It’s important in Palm Beach County to have an air conditioning system that works effectively to keep your home cool while using as little energy as possible. SEER ratings are a way to gauge the performance of different AC units.

You should familiarize yourself with the 2023 changes to SEER requirements and Florida AC laws that may affect future upgrades to the air conditioning system in your Florida home.

What’s a SEER Rating & How Does It Affect My HVAC Equipment?

The SEER rating, or seasonal energy efficiency ratio, describes the average performance of an air conditioner over a cooling season. A higher SEER rating indicates greater efficiency and less electricity per BTU cooling output.

The previous minimum SEER for air conditioners and heat pumps in Florida was 14 SEER, and the most efficient models on the market are rated at 20 SEER and above.

On Jan. 1, 2023, minimum SEER ratings increased throughout Florida and the U.S., so if you have an older AC and are due for an air conditioning replacement in the next few months, it may be best to choose a system that meets or exceeds the new SEER ratings. This ensures your home complies with the new code requirements while minimizing energy costs.

What Are the New SEER Regulations for Homes in Florida?

As of January 2023, all new central air conditioning systems and heat pumps installed in Florida must be at least 15 SEER or above. Single-packaged air conditioners must be 14 SEER or above. Any HVAC system installed after Jan. 1 must meet these ratings, which will mean slightly higher upfront costs for homeowners but lower energy bills in the long run.

A new rating system is also being introduced: the SEER2. Designed to more accurately reflect real-world AC performance, SEER2 features new AC testing requirements with increased static pressure that better compares efficiency between systems.

Under these standards, an AC rated at 15 SEER would have a SEER2 rating of about 14.3. Similarly, a system rated at 14 SEER would have a SEER2 rating of 13.4.

New systems for 2023 must meet the updated 2023 SEER ratings for installation, not the more stringent SEER2 ratings.

Trust Hopkins Air Conditioning for HVAC Services in Palm Beach County

When you want the most energy-efficient HVAC options for your Palm Beach home, turn to Hopkins Air Conditioning. Our company has served Florida homeowners since 1988. We offer top-quality, custom-engineered air conditioning solutions tailored to your home’s needs and flexible financing options to make the installation as convenient as possible.

We’re a family-owned company with over 45 years of industry experience. We feature NATE- and NCI-certified technicians, exceptional customer service experience, and a whole-home approach to heating and cooling services that will leave your house more comfortable and efficient.

Make sure your Palm Beach County home is updated with the new SEER standards.

Schedule air conditioning installation or replacement today by calling (561) 656-4870 or contacting our team online.

Is a Maintenance Agreement Program Worth the Cost?

At Hopkins Air Conditioning, Inc., we maintain heating and cooling systems and provide repair and installation services in the Palm Beach area. Many consumers question the value of a maintenance agreement, seeing it as an optional expense. However, we know that regular maintenance is the key to getting the most out of your home comfort equipment. Here are a few benefits a maintenance agreement can provide.

Increased Energy Efficiency

When you first install a new system, it runs beautifully. During the installation process, our technicians make certain that everything is configured to run at its best. Your home will have consistent comfort for the first couple of seasons.

Over time, however, it’s natural for your system to become less efficient. Dust will build up in the unit, and moving parts receive normal wear and tear. The system will not run poorly, but it will not be as efficient as it could be. This leads to a slow rise in your utility bills.

When our technicians give your equipment a tune-up, they can make the small adjustments that improve efficiency. They will clean out the dust and replace worn parts before they cause a problem. Your system will be ready for another season of comfort.

Longer System Life

You know that regular maintenance is critical for keeping your car on the road. If you take care of your vehicle, it will work longer without interruption. Your heating or cooling system is no different.

With regular maintenance from a professional, your furnace or air conditioner will have an extended operating life. A home comfort system is a serious investment. Maintenance will give you the best return on that investment.

Timely Repairs

Although there is a cost to a maintenance agreement, it saves you money on repair costs over time. Instead of dealing with repairs on a more expensive emergency basis, our technicians will catch many problems during the maintenance visit before the system has issues. It is more convenient and less expensive to deal with maintenance on your schedule than to call in a technician on the weekend or in the middle of the night.

Whatever your cooling, heating, or air quality needs are, Hopkins Air Conditioning, Inc. is ready to help in the Palm Beach area. Whether it’s maintenance and repair of your current system or installing a new unit, we have you covered. Our team also provides solar installation services. Call Hopkins Air Conditioning, Inc. today for more information.

What to Keep in Mind Before Signing an HVAC Contract

Signing an HVAC contract offers a wide range of benefits. However, you need to keep a few things in mind before you decide to sign on the dotted line. Taking the extra time to review the HVAC contract is essential to ensure that you are satisfied with the terms. Here are a few things that you need to know before you sign an HVAC contract.

What Does the Contract Cover?

One of the first things to review in an HVAC contract is to check out the terms and conditions. Understanding the components covered in the HVAC contract is critical before you make a final decision. These fine details can be the difference in paying for significant repairs or having it included in a warranty.

How Many Maintenance Visits Each Year?

Typically, two maintenance visits are normal for the vast majority of HVAC contracts. These terms may differ for each company. Of course, it is always a good idea to verify this number before you choose to sign the contract.

Explanation of Labor Fees

An HVAC contract needs to include an explanation of the various labor fees for maintenance and repair work. The agreement should detail the price for a regular service fee and also specify an hourly rate for the labor. Understanding these costs is important before you choose to partner with an HVAC company.

Renewal Details and Payment Conditions

It is important to know if the HVAC agreement expires on a specific date or if it renews automatically. All of the payment terms must also be listed in the contract. Specific exclusions may also be listed, such as additional fees for after-hour service calls or travel time.

Hopkins Air Conditioning, Inc. is one of the leading companies in the industry that offers heating and cooling services for clients in the West Palm Beach area. We understand the importance of always providing quality customer service while meeting the unique needs of each client. Contact us today to learn more details about our HVAC services!

Why You Should Only Use a Licensed and Insured Contractor

If you need repair for your air conditioner, furnace or other HVAC components, it is important to choose a contractor with a license and insurance. Let’s look into why this is so important and how to find out if a contractor has the proper credentials to do a job right.

Licensed Contractors Have Experience With HVAC Systems

The folks at Hopkins Air Conditioning, Inc. in Palm Beach have NATE certification. This means that they have gone through a rigorous training process. Having a trained professional work on your home’s HVAC components minimizes the possibility that a mistake is made when changing an air filter or tightening an electrical connection. By avoiding mistakes, you get peace of mind knowing that your furnace or air conditioner will run at peak efficiency when you need it most.

Don’t Pay for Damage That You Didn’t Cause

If a contractor doesn’t have insurance, you could be on the hook for paying for any damage done to your home. For instance, if a technician breaks a window while replacing your furnace, you could be responsible for paying for a new window. If a technician is hurt while working on your property, that person could try to take legal action against you. While it’s unlikely that you would be responsible for any damages for an injury worker gets, no one wants to spend time or money in court.

Licensed Contractors Have a Reputation to Uphold

It is unlikely that a technician would go through the licensing process if that person didn’t take his or her work seriously. Furthermore, that person is unlikely to associate with others who may tarnish his or her reputation or become a liability risk. Therefore, you can feel good that whoever is working in your home has your best interests in mind.

The next time that you need help with your HVAC system, give our friendly staff a call! In addition to heating and cooling services, we will also help install solar systems and perform indoor air quality tests.

How To Keep AC Bills Low in the Florida Summer

From the panhandle to Key West, homeowners throughout Florida, including West Palm, are searching for effective solutions to keep their air conditioning expenses down during the hot summers.

At Hopkins Air Conditioning, our air conditioning experts understand your concerns and recommend a comprehensive approach that addresses utility bills, maintenance expenses, and repair costs.

How Much Does AC Repair Cost?

AC repairs typically cost between $170 and $620. Of course, it all depends on the cause of the malfunction, the type of system, and if parts are needed. The considerable difference in repairs versus replacement cost highlights the importance of scheduling AC repairs promptly before catastrophic damage occurs.

Contact Hopkins Air Conditioning today at (561) 656-4870 for a professional AC repair quote in West Palm Beach.

Reduce AC Repair Costs With Coupons & Deals

Everyone loves a bargain. At Hopkins Air Conditioning, we offer a wide range of special offers on tune-ups, repairs, maintenance memberships, and financing. By taking advantage of these, you can easily shave hundreds of dollars off your annual AC costs.

Plus, the Inflation Reduction Act allows West Palm homeowners to claim 30%, or up to $600, of the cost of replacing their central air conditioner.

The Benefits of Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance is essential for keeping your air conditioner in prime condition. Adhering to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for your system ensures that all components are properly lubricated, refrigerant levels are within optimal ranges, and all systems are properly connected.

This facilitates energy-efficient performance and reduces wear and tear on the system. By protecting your system, you significantly reduce the frequency and cost of repairs, and you extend the serviceable life span of your cooling system considerably.

Hopkins Air Conditioning knows it can be difficult to track and schedule maintenance appointments, so we recommend enrolling in our membership plan. Members enjoy scheduled maintenance checks, discounts on repairs, discounts on replacements, priority service, duct sanitation, and more.

Tips To Get the Most Out of Your AC

Your cooling system extends beyond your central air conditioner, ductless mini-split, or heat pump. A whole-home approach is essential for effective protection against rising cooling costs for optimal performance and comfort.

Homeowners in West Palm should also verify that their insulation is in good condition and reinsulate or upgrade insulation as necessary. We recommend installing ceiling fans, cleaning ductwork, repairing ductwork, and installing dehumidifiers to help keep indoor humidity levels in check and increase your central AC’s efficiency.

We advise our clients to pay attention to air balancing, as this ensures optimal airflow throughout the home.

Professional HVAC Services in Florida

The carefully chosen, NATE-certified professionals at Hopkins Air Conditioning understand your desire to keep your cooling costs down. We live in West Palm, too, and we know how much those bills have risen over the years.

For over 40 years, we have proudly served the community with expert work and superior customer service. Our whole-home approach ensures that everything from your insulation and ductwork to the cooling unit functions as a cohesive system to support your comfort.

At Hopkins Air Conditioning, we offer:

• Same-day service
• Financing options
• Coupons & specials
• Free estimates on replacements
• Service for all brands

Contact Hopkins Air Conditioning at (561) 656-4870 to schedule reliable, affordable AC repairs in West Palm Beach.

Is Heat More Expensive Than AC?

Between winter temperatures and humid, hot summers, your air conditioning and heating systems see a lot of use. With a significant portion of energy consumption tied to HVAC systems, homeowners often wonder why heating their households costs more than cooling them.

In this blog, we’ll discuss how energy usage and outdoor climate contribute to these cost disparities and how you can keep your systems efficient and utility bills low.

Why Does Heat Take More Energy?

The temperature difference between indoor and outdoor environments plays a crucial role in the cost of heating and cooling your home. The colder it is outside, the more energy it takes to maintain a comfortable and warm living space.

As you heat your home, the exterior of your house, along with the surrounding air, constantly works to pull warmth away from the interior. To counteract this flow of heat loss, your system must work continuously to generate more heat.

Ensuring your home and system are fortified and equipped to handle the cold can keep your home heated without excessive energy consumption and high utility bills.

Here’s a breakdown of key factors that can impact your heating costs:

• Lack of maintenance: A poorly maintained heating system often reduces efficiency. Ignoring your system maintenance compromises the performance of your system and increases your heating costs.
• Efficiency rating: If you’re shopping for a new system, choose a higher-rated, energy-efficient system that gives you the same amount of heat output while consuming less energy.
• System’s age: Heating systems have a long life span, which can be both advantageous and challenging. With technological advancements, older units may not meet modern efficiency standards, leading to increased energy consumption and operation costs.
• Climate: Colder climates demand more energy to maintain warmth, impacting home heating costs.

What About Florida Summers? Does AC Cost More Than Heat in the South?

Yes, AC costs more than heat in Florida, but there’s more to it than just comparing energy bills. Where you are in the country can impact your heating and cooling costs. Florida residents and other southern states see a significant difference in their annual heating and cooling bills because of the frequency of usage.

With hotter temperatures and only a few chilly months, homeowners are more likely to power on their cooling systems than their heating. Because the need for home heating is lower than cooling, it’s normal to see a noticeable difference in energy usage from cooling systems that result in higher utility bills.

Ways To Keep Your HVAC System Efficient

Regardless of where you are in the country, keeping your heating and cooling systems as efficient as possible helps reduce the strain on your systems, ultimately leading to lower energy bills.

Here’s what you can do:

• Replace your system air filter: By replacing or changing your air filters regularly, you can boost the airflow and efficiency of your system. It’s recommended to check your filter every month.
• Schedule professional maintenance: By maintaining the working parts of your HVAC system, you can extend its life span, increase efficiency, and ensure optimal performance.
• Install a smart thermostat: Saving on your energy consumption can be as simple as making the right adjustments to your heating usage. With a smart thermostat, you can set your system around your daily needs and make temperature changes throughout the day that fit your lifestyle.

Schedule HVAC Service With Hopkins Air Conditioning

Hopkins Air Conditioning has spent the last 30+ years building a legacy of quality services that stand the test of time. With a hard-earned reputation for excellence, we continuously raise the standards for HVAC services in Palm Beach County and the surrounding community.

Our licensed and insured professionals provide high-quality work, adopting a whole-home approach to address your heating and cooling needs. With upfront pricing, same-day services, and financing options, you’re guaranteed a transparent, efficient, and convenient experience.

Schedule HVAC services in Palm Beach County when you call Hopkins Air Conditioning at (561) 656-4870.