SEER Ratings Guide

If you’re shopping for a new air conditioning system, you may have encountered 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 ought to know about AC efficiency ratings and the latest minimum SEER rating increase enacted by the federal government.

What Is a SEER Rating?

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is a measure of how efficiently an air conditioner cools your home — or, to describe it another way, how well the equipment removes heat from the indoor air. The SEER rating is calculated by dividing the cooling output of an air conditioner by the electricity it needs over a whole season. Higher SEER ratings signify a more energy-efficient air conditioning system.

What Is SEER2?

SEER2 is the recently updated SEER rating system that considers real-world usage patterns and area climate data. This new metric took effect in January 2023 to give a better depiction of an AC system’s energy efficiency.

Unlike the former SEER rating system, which only factors in an air conditioner’s energy efficiency in controlled conditions, the SEER2 metric offers homeowners a more accurate picture of how an air conditioner will perform once setup in their home. As a result, you can expect SEER2 ratings to be a lower figure than SEER ratings, although they reflect 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 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 minimum efficiency rating increase since 2015, when the required minimum ratings were required to be 13 SEER in the north and 14 SEER in the south. The DOE called for 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 mandated to upgrade to the more efficient models.

How Do SEER Ratings Influence AC Expenditures?

Air conditioners with higher SEER ratings have a tendency to cost more upon purchase than the ones with lower SEER ratings. It is because ACs with better SEER ratings integrate more advanced technology and materials to achieve higher performance. However, while air conditioners with higher SEER ratings may demand a larger investment, they should save you money eventually by lowering your energy bills.

Case in point, 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 is more expensive up-front, it can save you 22% on your cooling costs in comparison to System A. Depending on the climate and electricity costs in your town, this could perhaps add up to hundreds of dollars in financial savings over the next few years, making System B a more cost-effective choice 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 today’s most efficient systems are rated 26 SEER or higher. Think about the numerous benefits of investing in such a high-end system:

• Energy savings: As previously mentioned, ACs with higher SEER ratings are more energy efficient. By using less energy to achieve the same cooling output, a top-quality unit can save you significantly on your cooling bills every single summer for the lifetime of the system.
• Environmental impact: Less energy consumption translates to fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Opting for an AC with a higher SEER rating reduces your home’s carbon impact and adds to a more environmentally safe future.
• Enhanced comfort: Higher SEER-rated air conditioning systems are more sophisticated, with functions such as two-stage compressors and multi-speed fan motors. Not only does this save energy and money, but it enhances home comfort resulting in quieter, more effective operation.
• Higher home value: New, high-efficiency ACs are more appealing to prospective home buyers at resale time than old systems with lower ratings. When it’s time to move, having a high SEER-rated AC system can enhance the resale value and make your home more attractive to potential buyers. This provides you yet another way to recover your early investment in a high-end air conditioner.

Install a New AC Unit Now

Now that you understand what SEER ratings to look for, it’s time to go shopping for a replacement air conditioner. Turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for some of today’s best HVAC systems. You can save on your electricity or fuel bills for many years to come by installing an effective 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 have a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To learn more or to arrange a free AC installation estimate, please reach out to a Service Experts office near you.