SEER Ratings Guide

If you’re shopping for a new air conditioning system, you perhaps have stumbled on the term “SEER rating.” Ever wonder what a SEER rating is and why it matters? Use this SEER rating guide to educate yourself on everything you need to know about AC efficiency ratings and the recent minimum SEER rating increase passed by the federal government.

What Is a SEER Rating?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is a measure of how well an air conditioner cools your home — or, to describe it another way, how effectively it removes heat from the indoor air. The SEER rating is calculated by dividing the cooling output of an air conditioner by the electrical power it needs across an entire season. Higher SEER ratings suggest a more energy-efficient air conditioning system.

What Is SEER2?

SEER2 is an updated SEER rating system that factors real-world usage 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.

Contrary to the previous SEER rating system, which only factors in an air conditioner’s energy efficiency in laboratory environments, the SEER2 metric offers homeowners a more realistic picture of how an AC unit will perform once setup in their home. As a result, you can assume SEER2 ratings to be a lower figure than SEER ratings, even though they exhibit the same performance.

What Is the Federal Minimum SEER2 Rating in 2023?

The US Department of Energy (DOE) establishes 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 demands any new AC systems bought and installed in America to match the new minimums. That said, homeowners with lower efficiency air conditioners are not mandated to upgrade to the more efficient models.

How Do SEER Ratings Influence AC Expenditures?

Air conditioning systems with higher SEER ratings tend to cost more initially than units with lower SEER ratings. This happens because ACs with better SEER ratings utilize 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 can save you money over the long haul by lowering your energy bills.

For example, let’s say you’re comparing two brands of central air conditioners. System A has a SEER rating of 14 and costs $3,000, but System B has a SEER rating of 18 and costs $4,000. While System B costs more up-front, it can save you 22% on your energy costs compared to System A. Contingent on the environment and electricity costs in your area, this can potentially amount to hundreds of dollars in financial savings over the years ahead, making System B a more cost-effective solution in the long run.

Why Buy an AC with a Higher SEER Rating? 

You have more options than to just settle for the minimum SEER rating in your region, 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 previously mentioned, ACs with higher SEER ratings are more energy efficient. By utilizing less energy to accomplish the same cooling output, a superior unit can save you substantially on your cooling costs each summer for the life span of the system.
• Environmental impact: Decreased energy usage ensures fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Opting for an AC with a higher SEER rating reduces your home’s carbon footprint and adds to a more environmentally safe future.
• Better comfort: Higher SEER-rated air conditioning systems are more advanced, with functions such as two-stage compressors and multi-speed fan motors. Not merely does this conserve energy and money, but it increases home comfort and results in quieter, more dependable operation.
• Increased home value: New, high-efficiency ACs are more enticing to home buyers than outdated systems with lower ratings. When it’s time 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 get back 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, you might be ready to look for a replacement air conditioner. Turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for access to some of today’s best HVAC systems. You’ll conserve your utility bills for many years to come by installing an effective 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 a 100% satisfaction guarantee! For more information or to schedule a free AC installation estimate, please reach out to a Service Experts office near you.