SEER Ratings Guide

As you do research for your next air conditioner, 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 learn everything you need to 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 measure of how well an air conditioner cools your home — or, more accurately, how effectively the equipment removes heat from the indoor air. The SEER rating is measured by dividing the cooling output of an AC unit by the electric energy it consumes across an entire season. Higher SEER ratings signify a more energy-efficient air conditioning system.

What Is SEER2?

SEER2 is a revised SEER rating system that accounts for real-world usage patterns and regional climate data. This new metric commenced in January 2023 to give a better 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 controlled conditions, the SEER2 metric provides homeowners a more accurate picture of how an AC unit will function once installed in their home. Therefore, you can anticipate SEER2 ratings to be a lower number than SEER ratings, despite the fact that 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 cooling 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 rating change in nearly a decade, when the necessary minimum ratings were established at 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 reach the new minimums. That said, homeowners with lower efficiency air conditioners do not need to trade them in.

How Do SEER Ratings Affect AC Costs?

Cooling systems with higher SEER ratings tend to cost more upon purchase than those with lower SEER ratings. It is because ACs with greater SEER ratings integrate more sophisticated technology and materials to attain higher performance. The good news is that while air conditioners with higher SEER ratings may involve a larger investment, they should save you money over the long haul 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, 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 cooling costs compared to System A. Contingent on the weather and electricity costs in your area, this could perhaps add up to hundreds of dollars in savings over the life of the system, making System B a more affordable choice in the long run.

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 region, not when modern cooling systems are rated 26 SEER or higher. Think about the various benefits of spending your money on such a high-end system:

• Energy savings: As stated earlier, ACs with higher SEER ratings are more energy efficient. By using less energy to accomplish the equivalent cooling output, a top-quality unit can help you save substantially on your cooling costs every summer for the lifetime of the system.
• Environmental impact: Less energy consumption will mean fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing an AC with a higher SEER rating decreases your home’s carbon footprint and leads to a more eco- friendly future.
• Enhanced comfort: Higher SEER-rated air conditioning systems are more sophisticated, with specifications such as two-stage compressors and multi-speed fan motors. Not only does this conserve energy and money, but it enhances home comfort and results in quieter, more reliable operation.
• Increased home value: New, high-efficiency ACs are more enticing to prospective home buyers at resale time than outdated systems with lower ratings. If you’re planning 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 recover your early investment in a high-end air conditioner.

Install a New AC Unit Today

Now that you understand what SEER ratings to consider, you may be ready to shop for a replacement air conditioner. Turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for access to some of today’s best HVAC systems. We can help you reduce your energy bills for years to come by installing an efficient AC unit that conform to or exceeds the federal minimum SEER2 rating. We’re so sure you’ll be delighted with our services that we provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To learn more or to schedule a free AC installation estimate, please contact a Service Experts office near you.