SEER Ratings Guide

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

What Is a SEER Rating? 

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is a measurement of how easily an air conditioner cools your home — or, more accurately, how successfully the AC unit removes heat from the indoor air. The SEER rating is calculated by dividing the cooling output of an AC unit by the electricity it needs across an entire season. Higher SEER ratings signify a more energy-efficient air conditioning system. 

What Is SEER2? 

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

Unlike the previous SEER rating system, which only considers an air conditioner’s energy efficiency in laboratory conditions, the SEER2 metric provides homeowners a more authentic picture of how an AC unit will function once installed in their home. As a result, you can anticipate 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 requirements for HVAC systems. In 2023, the minimum SEER ratings for central air conditioners increased 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 set to 13 SEER in the north and 14 SEER in the south. The DOE requires any new AC systems sold and installed in the U.S. to meet the new minimums. Even so, homeowners with lower efficiency air conditioners do not need to trade them in. 

How Do SEER Ratings Affect AC Costs? 

Air conditioning systems with higher SEER ratings tend to cost more up-front than units with lower SEER ratings. This is because ACs with higher SEER ratings incorporate more advanced technology and materials to achieve higher performance. The good news is that while air conditioners with higher SEER ratings may demand a larger investment, they can save you money in the long run by lowering your energy bills. 

For example, let’s say you’re comparing two 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 is more expensive up-front, it can save you 22% on your cooling costs compared to System A. Depending on the weather and electricity costs where you live, this could equate to hundreds of dollars in savings over the years ahead, making System B a more cost-effective choice in the long run. 

Why Buy an AC with a Higher SEER Rating? 

You don’t have to settle for the minimum SEER rating in your area, not when modern cooling systems are rated 26 SEER or higher. Consider the numerous benefits of purchasing such a high-end system: 

• Energy savings: As previously mentioned, ACs with higher SEER ratings are considerably more energy efficient. By consuming less energy to achieve the same cooling output, a high-end unit can save you considerably on your cooling bills every summer for the life span of the system. 
• Environmental impact: Decreased energy consumption means fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing an AC with a higher SEER rating reduces your home’s carbon footprint and contributes to a more sustainable future. 
• Improved comfort: Higher SEER-rated cooling systems are more advanced, 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 and results in quieter, more effective operation.  
• Higher home value: New, high-efficiency ACs are more desirable to prospective home buyers at resale time than aged systems with lower ratings. If you decide to move, having a high SEER-rated AC system can increase the resale value and make your home more attractive to potential buyers. This gives you yet another way to recoup your initial investment in a high-end air conditioner. 

Install a New AC Unit Now 

Now that you know what SEER ratings to consider, 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. We can help you save on your electricity or fuel bills for years to come by installing an effective AC unit that matches or exceeds the federal minimum SEER2 rating. We’re so certain you’ll be satisfied with our services that we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! For more information or to schedule a free AC installation estimate, please contact a Service Experts office near you.