SEER2 Requirements for Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Texas SEER2 standards set energy efficiency requirements for cooling systems and encourage the use of renewable energy sources. The standards require all buildings over 5,000 square feet to meet specific efficiency benchmarks in new construction. You can look up current US Government Energy Star rebate programs available in your area.

Below is a breakdown of what the SEER2 requirements mean for Texas property owners, what HVAC standards apply, and what rebates are available to help offset the cost of upgrades.

Overview of Texas SEER2 Requirements

SEER2 standards require all commercial buildings over 5,000 square feet to meet certain energy efficiency benchmarks, measured by the amount of energy the building uses per square foot. All new commercial buildings must meet the following benchmarks:

The state energy conservation code determines the following standards for commercial buildings: - New commercial buildings must use 15% less energy per square foot than the state energy conservation code requires for new commercial buildings. - Existing commercial buildings must use 15% less energy per square foot than the state energy conservation code requires for existing commercial buildings.

HVAC Requirements

SEER2 standards require all new commercial buildings to use high-efficiency HVAC systems. To meet the standards, your HVAC systems must hit the following minimums:

- Air-source heat pumps: 19 SEER - Air-source forced-air furnaces: 90% AFUE - Electric-source heat pumps: 15 SEER - Electric-source central air conditioners: 14 SEER - Electric-source commercial water heaters: 90% AFUE - Electric-source rooftop units: 90% AFUE - Gas-source heat pumps: 90% AFUE - Gas-source central air conditioners: 12.5 SEER

Texas SEER2 Rebates & Incentives

To help meet the SEER2 requirements, Texas offers various rebates and incentives, including the following: - Commercial Performance Contracting (CPC): This program offers rebates to help you implement energy-efficient and renewable energy projects. You can use the CPC program to receive rebates for the following projects: - New construction: You can receive rebates for meeting SEER2 requirements.

Existing construction: You can receive rebates for improving the energy efficiency of your current building. - Energy savings performance contracting (ESPC): This program offers rebates to help you implement energy-efficient and renewable energy projects. You can use the ESPC program to receive rebates for the following projects: - New construction: You can receive rebates for meeting SEER2 requirements. - Existing construction: You can receive rebates for improving the energy efficiency of your current building.

SEER2 incentive program

To help you meet the SEER2 requirements, Texas offers a Commercial Building Incentive Program. The incentive program offers various financial benefits for meeting the energy efficiency standards, including the following: - Assistance with meeting SEER2 requirements. - Free energy assessments. - Technical assistance. - Specialized training. - Financial assistance. - Incentive to purchase an energy management system (EMS). - Specialty reports. - Technical assistance.

Cost and Benefits of Meeting SEER2 Requirements

Meeting the SEER2 requirements will help you reduce energy costs, increase your property value, and contribute to the state’s effort to reduce energy consumption and increase renewable energy use. Meeting the requirements will also help you receive the benefits of these standards, including the following: - Reduced energy costs. - Enhanced image and reputation. - Reduced carbon emissions. - Increased property value. - Increased resiliency to power outages. - Enhanced ability to attract tenants.

Conclusion

SEER2 standards require all new commercial buildings over 5,000 square feet to meet certain energy efficiency benchmarks. They are designed to reduce energy consumption and promote the use of renewable energy sources. To comply with the requirements, all new commercial buildings must meet the following energy efficiency standards:

Air-source heat pumps: 19 SEER, Air-source forced-air furnaces: 90% AFUE, Electric-source heat pumps: 15 SEER, Electric-source central air conditioners: 14 SEER, Electric-source commercial water heaters: 90% AFUE, Electric-source rooftop units: 90% AFUE, Gas-source heat pumps: 90% AFUE,

Gas-source central air conditioners: 12.5 SEER. To help meet the SEER2 requirements, Texas offers various rebates and incentives, including a Commercial Building Incentive Program. Meeting the requirements will help you reduce energy costs and contribute to the state’s effort to reduce energy consumption and increase renewable energy use.

Talk to a Local SEER2 Expert

Navigating SEER2 requirements doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ve been installing and servicing HVAC systems across the Brookfield area since 2005, and we stay current on every regulation change that affects our customers. If you’re planning a new build, a major renovation, or just need to replace an aging system, call Summit Air Conditioning at (555) 123-4567 and we’ll walk you through which equipment meets the current standards for your property.