SEER Ratings Guide

If you’re shopping for a new air conditioning system, you may have encountered the term “SEER rating.” Ever wonder what a SEER rating is and why it matters? Use this SEER rating guide to learn everything you ought to know regarding AC efficiency ratings and the new minimum SEER rating increase mandated by the federal government.

Defines a SEER Rating?

SEER is an acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is a measurement of how efficiently an air conditioner cools your home — or, to be more precise, how effectively the equipment removes heat from the indoor air. The SEER rating is calculated by dividing the cooling output of an AC unit by the electric energy it consumes over an entire season. Higher SEER ratings indicate a more energy-efficient air conditioning system.

What Is SEER2?

SEER2 is an updated SEER rating system that factors real-world usage patterns and local climate data. This new metric took effect in January 2023 to provide a more accurate representation of an AC system’s energy efficiency.

Unlike the last SEER rating system, which only considers an air conditioner’s energy efficiency in laboratory conditions, the SEER2 metric provides homeowners a more realistic picture of how an AC unit will operate once added in their home. As a result, you can expect SEER2 ratings to be a lower number than SEER ratings, despite the fact that they reflect the same performance.

What Is the Federal Minimum SEER2 Rating in 2023?

The US Department of Energy (DOE) determines minimum efficiency standards 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 necessary minimum ratings were set to 13 SEER in the north and 14 SEER in the south. The DOE called for any new AC systems sold and installed in the United States to reach the new minimums. However, homeowners with less efficient air conditioners do not need to trade them in.

How Do SEER Ratings Impact AC Costs?

Cooling systems with higher SEER ratings generally cost more upon purchase than the ones with lower SEER ratings. It is because ACs with greater SEER ratings utilize more innovative technology and materials to attain higher performance. However, while air conditioners with higher SEER ratings may involve a larger investment, they’ll save you money in the long run by lowering your energy bills.

Case in point, picture yourself comparing two brands of central air conditioners. System A has a SEER rating of 14 and costs $3,000, and 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 when put next to System A. Depending on the environment and electricity costs in your area, this could add up to hundreds of dollars in savings over the next few years, making System B a more affordable 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 region, not when modern cooling systems are rated 26 SEER or higher. Look at the various benefits of spending your money on such a high-end system:

• Energy savings: As described previously, ACs with higher SEER ratings are more energy efficient. By consuming less energy to achieve the identical cooling output, a superior unit can help you save substantially on your cooling bills every single summer for the lifetime of the system.
• Environmental impact: Decreased energy consumption will mean fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Picking out an AC with a higher SEER rating reduces your home’s carbon impact and contributes to a more environmentally safe future.
• Enhanced comfort: Higher SEER-rated air conditioning systems are more hi-tech, with features such as two-stage compressors and multi-speed fan motors. Not only does this save energy and money, but it increases home comfort which leads to a quieter, more dependable operation.
• Increased home value: New, high-efficiency ACs are more enticing 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 enhance the resale value and give your property an advantage to potential buyers. This gives you yet another way to recoup your original investment in a high-end air conditioner.

Install a New AC Unit Now

Now that you realize what SEER ratings to consider, 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 reduce 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 certain 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 reach out to a Service Experts office near you.