SEER Ratings Guide

If you’re shopping for a new air conditioning system, you may have encountered the term “SEER rating.” But what does a SEER rating measure and why does that matter? Use this SEER rating guide to discover everything you ought to know concerning AC efficiency ratings and the latest minimum SEER rating increase mandated by the federal government.

What Is a SEER Rating?

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is a measure of how efficiently an air conditioner cools your home — or, more accurately, how well it removes heat from the indoor air. The SEER rating is measured by dividing the cooling output of an air conditioner by the electrical power it needs throughout a full season. Higher SEER ratings signify a more energy-efficient air conditioning system.

What Is SEER2?

SEER2 is an updated SEER rating system that factors real-world usage patterns and regional climate data. This new metric came into effect in January 2023 to give a more precise depiction of an AC system’s energy efficiency.

Unlike 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 authentic picture of how an air conditioner will perform once installed in their home. So, you can expect SEER2 ratings to be a lower number 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) sets minimum efficiency requirements 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 efficiency rating change since 2015, when the mandated minimum ratings were required to be 13 SEER in the north and 14 SEER in the south. The DOE requires any new AC systems sold and installed in the U.S. 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 Costs?

Air conditioners with higher SEER ratings are likely to cost more initially than the ones with lower SEER ratings. This happens because ACs with better SEER ratings incorporate more innovative technology and materials to attain higher performance. However, while air conditioners with higher SEER ratings may demand a larger investment, they often save you money ultimately by lowering your utility bills.

For instance, imagine 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 is more expensive up-front, it could possibly save you 22% on your cooling costs when put next to System A. Depending on the weather and electricity costs in your town, this can potentially amount to hundreds of dollars in savings over the next few years, making System B a more cost-effective option 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 state, not when the current AC units are rated 26 SEER or higher. Look at the various benefits of purchasing such a high-end system:

  • Energy savings: As previously mentioned, ACs with higher SEER ratings are more energy efficient. By consuming less energy to accomplish the equivalent cooling output, a premium unit can save you substantially on your cooling expenses every single summer for the lifetime of the system.
  • Environmental impact: Decreased energy consumption means fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Selecting an AC with a higher SEER rating decreases your home’s carbon impact and contributes to a more environmentally safe future.
  • Enhanced comfort: Higher SEER-rated cooling systems are more sophisticated, with features such as two-stage compressors and multi-speed fan motors. Not only does this avoid wasting energy and money, but it enhances home comfort resulting in quieter, more reliable operation.
  • Higher home value: New, high-efficiency ACs are more enticing to buyers when you decide to sell your home than old systems with lower ratings. If you decide to move, having a high SEER-rated AC system can increase the resale value and offer a compelling differentiator to potential buyers. This offers you yet another way to recover your initial investment in a high-end air conditioner.

Install a New AC Unit Now

Now that you realize 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 some of today’s best HVAC systems. You’ll save on your energy bills for many years to come by installing an efficient AC unit that conform to or exceeds the federal minimum SEER2 rating. We’re so certain you’ll be delighted with our services that we provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To find out more or to arrange a free AC installation estimate, please contact a Service Experts office near you.

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