SEER Ratings Guide

If you’re shopping for a new air conditioning system, you perhaps have seen the term “SEER rating.” But what does a SEER rating measure and why does that matter? Use this SEER rating guide to educate yourself on everything you need to know concerning AC efficiency ratings and the new minimum SEER rating increase passed by the federal government.

Defines a SEER Rating?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is a standard of how easily an air conditioner cools your home — or, to describe it another way, how successfully the equipment removes heat from the indoor air. The SEER rating is measured by dividing the cooling output of an air conditioner by the electricity it needs across a whole season. Higher SEER ratings indicate a more energy-efficient air conditioning system.

What Is SEER2?

SEER2 is a revised SEER rating system that factors real-world consumption patterns and area climate data. This new metric commenced in January 2023 to offer a better depiction of an AC system’s energy efficiency.

Unlike the previous SEER rating system, which only factors in an air conditioner’s energy efficiency in controlled conditions, the SEER2 metric provides homeowners a more authentic picture of how an air conditioner will perform once added in their home. Therefore, you can expect SEER2 ratings to be a lower number than SEER ratings, despite the fact that they exhibit the same performance.

What Is the Federal Minimum SEER2 Rating in 2023?

The US Department of Energy (DOE) establishes minimum efficiency specifications for air conditioning systems. In 2023, the minimum SEER ratings for central air conditioners rose to 14 SEER (13.4 SEER2) in the northern U.S. and 15 SEER (14.3 SEER2) in the southern U.S.

This is the first rating change in nearly a decade, when the necessary minimum ratings were established at 13 SEER in the north and 14 SEER in the south. The DOE demands any new AC systems bought and installed in the U.S. to meet the new minimums. That said, homeowners with less efficient air conditioners do not need to trade them in.

How Do SEER Ratings Influence AC Expenditures?

Air conditioners with higher SEER ratings generally cost more up-front than those with lower SEER ratings. This happens because ACs with better SEER ratings incorporate more innovative technology and materials to achieve higher performance. While air conditioners with higher SEER ratings may demand a larger investment, they can save you money ultimately by lowering your energy bills.

For example, imagine comparing two central air conditioners. System A has a SEER rating of 14 and costs $3,000, but System B has a SEER rating of 18 and costs $4,000. While System B costs more up-front, it can save you 22% on your utility costs compared to System A. Depending on the environment and electricity costs where you live, this can potentially add up to hundreds of dollars in savings over the years ahead, making System B a more economical solution over time.

Why Buy an AC with a Higher SEER Rating? 

You don’t have to settle for the minimum SEER rating in your state, not when the current AC units are rated 26 SEER or higher. Consider the many benefits of purchasing such a high-end system:

• Energy savings: As previously mentioned, ACs with higher SEER ratings are a great deal more energy efficient. By consuming less energy to get the same cooling output, a superior unit can save you substantially on your cooling bills every summer for the lifetime of the system.
• Environmental impact: Decreased energy usage will mean fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Selecting an AC with a higher SEER rating decreases your home’s carbon impact and adds to a more eco- friendly future.
• Enhanced comfort: Higher SEER-rated cooling systems are more hi-tech, with features such as two-stage compressors and multi-speed fan motors. Not only does this conserve energy and money, but it improves home comfort resulting in quieter, more effective operation.
• Higher home value: New, high-efficiency ACs are more desirable to buyers when you decide to sell your home than outdated systems with lower ratings. If you’re planning to move, having a high SEER-rated AC system can enhance the resale value and give your property an advantage to potential buyers. This provides you yet another way to recover your original investment in a high-end air conditioner.

Install a New AC Unit Now

Now that you know what SEER ratings to look for, you might be ready to look for a replacement air conditioner. Turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for some of today’s best HVAC systems. You’ll save on your energy bills for many years to come by installing an efficient AC unit that conform to or exceeds the federal minimum SEER2 rating. We’re so sure you’ll be satisfied with our services that we provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To find out more or to schedule a free AC installation estimate, please call a Service Experts office near you.