SEER Ratings Guide

As you do research for your next air conditioner, you probably have stumbled on 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 should know concerning AC efficiency ratings and the recent minimum SEER rating increase passed by the federal government.

Defines a SEER Rating?

SEER is an acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is a measure of how efficiently an air conditioner cools your home — or, to be more precise, how successfully it removes heat from the indoor air. The SEER rating is calculated by dividing the cooling output of an air conditioner by the electrical power it needs throughout an entire season. Higher SEER ratings signify a more energy-efficient air conditioning system.

What Is SEER2?

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

Unlike the previous SEER rating system, which only takes into account an air conditioner’s energy efficiency in lab environments, the SEER2 metric delivers homeowners a more accurate picture of how a cooling system will operate once added in their home. As a result, you can assume SEER2 ratings to be a lower number than SEER ratings, even though they represent the same performance.

What Is the Federal Minimum SEER2 Rating in 2023?

The US Department of Energy (DOE) sets minimum efficiency specifications for HVAC systems. In 2023, the minimum SEER ratings for central air conditioners improved 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 mandated minimum ratings were established at 13 SEER in the north and 14 SEER in the south. The DOE requires any new AC systems marketed and installed in the United States to reach the new minimums. However, homeowners with less efficient air conditioners are not required to replace them.

How Do SEER Ratings Affect AC Expenditures?

Cooling systems with higher SEER ratings tend to cost more up-front than units with lower SEER ratings. This happens because ACs with greater SEER ratings incorporate more innovative technology and materials to attain higher performance. The good news is that while air conditioners with higher SEER ratings may demand a larger investment, they often save you money in the long run by lowering your utility bills.

For example, let’s say you’re comparing a pair of central air conditioners. System A has a SEER rating of 14 and costs $3,000, while System B has a SEER rating of 18 and costs $4,000. While System B costs more up-front, it could possibly save you 22% on your cooling costs in comparison to System A. Based on the climate and electricity costs in your town, this could amount to hundreds of dollars in financial savings over the life of the system, making System B a more economical option over time.

Why Purchase an AC with a Higher SEER Rating? 

Times have changed, and homeowners are not stuck settling for the minimum SEER rating in your area, not when the current AC units are rated 26 SEER or higher. Consider the numerous benefits of purchasing such a high-end system:

• Energy savings: As stated earlier, ACs with higher SEER ratings are more energy efficient. By consuming less energy to accomplish the identical cooling output, a high-end unit can help you save significantly on your cooling expenses every summer for the life span of the system.
• Environmental impact: Less energy consumption means fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Opting for an AC with a higher SEER rating reduces your home’s carbon footprint and contributes to a more eco- friendly future.
• Improved comfort: Higher SEER-rated air conditioning systems are more sophisticated, with specifications 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 dependable operation.
• Top home value: New, high-efficiency ACs are more appealing to buyers when you decide to sell your home than aged systems with lower ratings. When it’s time to move, having a high SEER-rated AC system can increase the resale value and give your property an advantage to potential buyers. This gives you yet another way to recover your initial investment in a high-end air conditioner.

Install a New AC Unit Now

Now that you understand what SEER ratings to look for, you may be ready to shop for a replacement air conditioner. Turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for some of today’s best HVAC systems. You’ll conserve your energy bills for many years to come by installing an efficient AC unit that meets or exceeds the federal minimum SEER2 rating. We’re so confident you’ll be satisfied with our services that we provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee! For more information or to arrange a free AC installation estimate, please call a Service Experts office near you.