SEER Ratings Guide

As you do research for your next air conditioner, you may have stumbled on the term “SEER rating.” What exactly does this rating mean, and why is it important? Use this SEER rating guide to educate yourself on everything you ought to know about AC efficiency ratings and the recent minimum SEER rating increase enacted by the federal government.

What Is a SEER Rating?

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

What Is SEER2?

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

Different from the last SEER rating system, which only factors in an air conditioner’s energy efficiency in controlled environments, the SEER2 metric delivers homeowners a more authentic picture of how a cooling system will perform once installed in their home. For this reason, you can assume SEER2 ratings to be a lower figure than SEER ratings, despite the fact that they represent the same performance.

What Is the Federal Minimum SEER2 Rating in 2023?

The US Department of Energy (DOE) determines minimum efficiency specifications for air conditioning 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 efficiency rating change since 2015, when the required minimum ratings were required to be 13 SEER in the north and 14 SEER in the south. The DOE requires any new AC systems marketed and installed in America to reach the new minimums. However, homeowners with less efficient air conditioners do not need to trade them in.

How Do SEER Ratings Influence AC Costs?

Air conditioning systems with higher SEER ratings generally cost more initially than those with lower SEER ratings. It is because ACs with better SEER ratings utilize more advanced technology and materials to obtain higher performance. However, while air conditioners with higher SEER ratings may require a larger investment, they often save you money eventually by lowering your utility bills.

For instance, imagine comparing a couple 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 is more expensive up-front, it will probably save you 22% on your utility costs compared to System A. Contingent on the environment and electricity costs in your town, this can potentially equate to hundreds of dollars in savings over the life of the system, making System B a more economical choice long term.

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 today’s most efficient systems are rated 26 SEER or higher. Think about the various benefits of investing in such a high-end system:

• Energy savings: As stated earlier, ACs with higher SEER ratings are a great deal more energy efficient. By using less energy to achieve the identical cooling output, a premium unit can save you significantly on your cooling costs every single summer for the life span of the system.
• Environmental impact: Less energy usage will mean fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Picking out an AC with a higher SEER rating decreases your home’s carbon impact and lends to a more environmentally safe future.
• Improved comfort: Higher SEER-rated cooling systems are more hi-tech, with specifications such as two-stage compressors and multi-speed fan motors. Not only does this avoid wasting energy and money, but it improves home comfort which leads to a quieter, more effective operation.
• Increased home value: New, high-efficiency ACs are more desirable 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 raise the resale value and make your home more attractive to potential buyers. This gives you yet another way to recoup your early investment in a high-end air conditioner.

Install a New AC Unit Today

Now that you know 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 a review of today’s best HVAC systems. You’ll conserve your electricity or fuel bills for years to come by installing a reliable AC unit that meets or exceeds the federal minimum SEER2 rating. We’re so confident you’ll be pleased with our services that we provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To find out more or to schedule a free AC installation estimate, please call a Service Experts office near you.