SEER Ratings Guide

As you shop for a new AC system, you may have encountered the term “SEER rating.” What exactly does this rating mean, and why is it important? Use this SEER rating guide to learn everything you should know concerning AC efficiency ratings and the new 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 well 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 measured by dividing the cooling output of an air conditioner by the electric energy it consumes throughout a whole season. Higher SEER ratings signify a more energy-efficient air conditioning system.

What Is SEER2?

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

Contrary to the former SEER rating system, which only considers an air conditioner’s energy efficiency in lab conditions, the SEER2 metric delivers homeowners a more accurate picture of how an air conditioner will operate once added in their home. As a result, you can anticipate SEER2 ratings to be a lower number than SEER ratings, although they reflect the same performance.

What Is the Federal Minimum SEER2 Rating in 2023?

The US Department of Energy (DOE) sets minimum efficiency specifications for cooling 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 necessary minimum ratings were established at 13 SEER in the north and 14 SEER in the south. The DOE demands any new AC systems bought 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 Expenditures?

Cooling systems with higher SEER ratings are likely to cost more up-front than the ones with lower SEER ratings. This happens because ACs with better SEER ratings incorporate more sophisticated technology and materials to achieve higher performance. However, while air conditioners with higher SEER ratings may demand a larger investment, they’ll save you money eventually by lowering your utility bills.

For instance, picture yourself 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 when put next to System A. Contingent on the weather and electricity costs in your town, this can potentially add up to hundreds of dollars in savings over the next few years, making System B a more economical choice in the long run.

Why Choose an AC with a Higher SEER Rating? 

You have more options than to just settle for the minimum SEER rating in your area, not when the current AC units are rated 26 SEER or higher. Look at the numerous benefits of spending your money on such a high-end system:

• Energy savings: As stated earlier, ACs with higher SEER ratings are considerably more energy efficient. By consuming less energy to accomplish the equivalent cooling output, a high-end unit can help you save substantially on your cooling bills every summer for the lifetime of the system.
• Environmental impact: Less energy usage will mean fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing an AC with a higher SEER rating cuts down your home’s carbon footprint and leads to a more environmentally safe future.
• Enhanced comfort: Higher SEER-rated cooling systems are more sophisticated, with functions such as two-stage compressors and multi-speed fan motors. Not only does this conserve energy and money, but it increases home comfort which leads to a quieter, more effective operation.
• Increased home value: New, high-efficiency ACs are more enticing to home buyers than outdated 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 offers you yet another way to recoup your initial investment in a high-end air conditioner.

Install a New AC Unit Today

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