SEER Ratings Guide

If you’re shopping for a new air conditioning system, you probably have encountered 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 should know about 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 describe it another way, how successfully the equipment removes heat from the indoor air. The SEER rating is measured by dividing the cooling output of an air conditioner by the electric energy it uses throughout a full season. Higher SEER ratings suggest 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 local climate data. This new metric took effect in January 2023 to provide a more accurate depiction of an AC system’s energy efficiency.

Different from the former SEER rating system, which only factors in an air conditioner’s energy efficiency in lab conditions, the SEER2 metric offers homeowners a more realistic picture of how a cooling system will perform once setup in their home. Therefore, you can assume SEER2 ratings to be a lower number than SEER ratings, although they represent the same performance.

What Is the Federal Minimum SEER2 Rating in 2023?

The US Department of Energy (DOE) sets minimum efficiency specifications for air conditioning systems. In 2023, the minimum SEER ratings for central air conditioners improved 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 called for any new AC systems marketed and installed in the United States to match the new minimums. However, homeowners with lower efficiency air conditioners do not need to trade them in.

How Do SEER Ratings Impact AC Costs?

Air conditioners with higher SEER ratings generally cost more up-front than the ones with lower SEER ratings. This happens because ACs with greater SEER ratings utilize more advanced technology and materials to attain higher performance. The good news is that while air conditioners with higher SEER ratings may require a larger investment, they can save you money ultimately by lowering your energy bills.

For example, picture yourself comparing two brands 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 costs more up-front, it will probably save you 22% on your cooling costs compared to System A. Contingent on the climate and electricity costs where you live, this could perhaps equate to hundreds of dollars in financial savings over the life of the system, making System B a more economical solution long term.

Why Buy an AC with a Higher SEER Rating? 

Times have changed, and homeowners are not stuck settling for the minimum SEER rating in your state, 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 using less energy to accomplish the same cooling output, a high-end unit can help you save considerably on your cooling bills every single summer for the lifetime of the system.
• Environmental impact: Decreased energy usage will mean fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Opting for an AC with a higher SEER rating decreases your home’s carbon footprint and adds to a more sustainable future.
• Enhanced 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 conserve energy and money, but it improves home comfort and results in quieter, more dependable operation.
• Increased home value: New, high-efficiency ACs are more desirable to home buyers than aged systems with lower ratings. If you’re planning to move, having a high SEER-rated AC system can increase the resale value and offer a compelling differentiator to potential buyers. This provides you yet another way to recoup your initial investment in a high-end air conditioner.

Install a New AC Unit Soon

Now that you know 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 a review of today’s best HVAC systems. You’ll reduce your electricity or fuel bills for years into the future by installing an effective AC unit that meets or exceeds the federal minimum SEER2 rating. We’re so sure you’ll be delighted with our services that we offer you a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To learn more or to schedule a free AC installation estimate, please contact a Service Experts office near you.