SEER Ratings Guide

As you shop for a new AC system, you may have come across the term “SEER rating.” Ever wonder what a SEER rating is and why it matters? Use this SEER rating guide to learn everything you need to know about AC efficiency ratings and the new minimum SEER rating increase enacted by the federal government. 

What Is a SEER Rating? 

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is a standard of how efficiently 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 AC unit by the electricity it uses across an entire season. Higher SEER ratings signify 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 representation of an AC system’s energy efficiency. 

Unlike the previous SEER rating system, which only considers an air conditioner’s energy efficiency in lab conditions, the SEER2 metric provides homeowners a more authentic picture of how an AC unit will function once setup in their home. As a result, 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 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 rating change in nearly a decade, when the mandated minimum ratings were set to 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. Even so, homeowners with lower efficiency air conditioners are not required to replace them. 

How Do SEER Ratings Affect AC Costs? 

Air conditioning systems with higher SEER ratings tend to cost more up-front than those with lower SEER ratings. This is because ACs with higher SEER ratings incorporate more sophisticated technology and materials to obtain higher performance. While air conditioners with higher SEER ratings may involve a larger investment, they can save you money in the long run by lowering your energy bills. 

For example, let’s say you’re comparing two 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 can save you 22% on your cooling costs compared to System A. Contingent on the climate and electricity costs where you live, this could 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 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 the current AC units are rated 26 SEER or higher. Consider the many 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 consuming less energy to achieve the same cooling output, a high-end unit can save you significantly on your cooling bills every summer for the lifetime of the system. 
• Environmental impact: Less energy consumption means fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing an AC with a higher SEER rating reduces your home’s carbon footprint and contributes to a more eco- friendly future. 
• Improved comfort: Higher SEER-rated cooling systems are more hi-tech, with features such as two-stage compressors and multi-speed fan motors. Not only does this save energy and money, but it improves home comfort resulting in quieter, more effective operation.  
• Higher home value: New, high-efficiency ACs are more desirable to home buyers 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 provides you yet another way to recover your initial investment in a high-end air conditioner. 

Install a New AC Unit Today 

Now that you know what SEER ratings to consider, 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 save on your utility bills for years to come by installing an efficient AC unit that conform to or exceeds the federal minimum SEER2 rating. We’re so confident you’ll be satisfied with our services that we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! For more information or to plan a free AC installation estimate, please contact a Service Experts office near you.