SEER Ratings Guide

As you do research for your next air conditioner, you may have come across 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 regarding AC efficiency ratings and the latest minimum SEER rating increase passed by the federal government.

What Is a SEER Rating?

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is a measurement of how easily an air conditioner cools your home — or, to be more precise, how effectively it removes heat from the indoor air. The SEER rating is determined by dividing the cooling output of an air conditioner by the electricity it consumes throughout 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 local climate data. This new metric came into effect in January 2023 to offer a more precise representation of an AC system’s energy efficiency.

Different from the last SEER rating system, which only takes into account an air conditioner’s energy efficiency in laboratory environments, the SEER2 metric provides homeowners a more authentic picture of how a cooling system will operate once setup in their home. As a result, you can anticipate SEER2 ratings to be a lower figure than SEER ratings, although they exhibit the same performance.

What Is the Federal Minimum SEER2 Rating in 2023?

The US Department of Energy (DOE) sets minimum efficiency standards 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 rating change in nearly a decade, when the mandated minimum ratings were set to 13 SEER in the north and 14 SEER in the south. The DOE demands any new AC systems marketed and installed in the U.S. to meet the new minimums. However, homeowners with less efficient air conditioners do not need to trade them in.

How Do SEER Ratings Affect AC Costs?

Air conditioning systems with higher SEER ratings have a tendency to cost more upon purchase than those with lower SEER ratings. This happens because ACs with greater SEER ratings integrate more innovative technology and materials to achieve higher performance. The good news is that while air conditioners with higher SEER ratings may require a larger investment, they should save you money over the long haul by lowering your utility bills.

For instance, let’s say you’re comparing two 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 costs more up-front, it could possibly save you 22% on your utility costs compared to System A. Contingent on the climate and electricity costs where you live, this can potentially amount to hundreds of dollars in savings over the life of the system, making System B a more cost-effective solution over time.

Why Purchase an AC with a Higher SEER Rating? 

You don’t have to settle for the minimum SEER rating in your area, not when today’s most efficient systems are rated 26 SEER or higher. Consider the many benefits of spending your money on such a high-end system:

  • Energy savings: As previously mentioned, ACs with higher SEER ratings are more energy efficient. By consuming less energy to achieve the identical cooling output, a top-quality unit can help you save significantly on your cooling costs every single summer for the life span of the system.
  • Environmental impact: Reduced energy consumption ensures fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Picking out an AC with a higher SEER rating reduces your home’s carbon footprint and lends to a more eco- friendly future.
  • Better comfort: Higher SEER-rated cooling systems are more sophisticated, with features such as two-stage compressors and multi-speed fan motors. Not only does this save energy and money, but it boosts home comfort and results in quieter, more reliable operation.
  • Increased home value: New, high-efficiency ACs are more enticing to home buyers than aged systems with lower ratings. If you decide 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 initial investment in a high-end air conditioner.

Install a New AC Unit Soon

Now that you understand 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. You can conserve your energy bills for many years to come by installing a reliable AC unit that meets or exceeds the federal minimum SEER2 rating. We’re so certain you’ll be thrilled with our services that we offer you a 100% satisfaction guarantee! For more information or to arrange a free AC installation estimate, please reach out to a Service Experts office near you.

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