SEER Ratings Guide

As you do research for your next air conditioner, you probably have seen 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 should know about AC efficiency ratings and the latest minimum SEER rating increase mandated by the federal government.

Defines a SEER Rating?

SEER is an acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is a measurement of how easily an air conditioner cools your home — or, to be more precise, how effectively 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 an entire season. Higher SEER ratings indicate a more energy-efficient air conditioning system.

What Is SEER2?

SEER2 is an updated SEER rating system that factors real-world consumption patterns and local climate data. This new metric took effect in January 2023 to provide a more accurate depiction of an AC system’s energy efficiency.

Different from the last SEER rating system, which only factors in an air conditioner’s energy efficiency in controlled conditions, the SEER2 metric offers homeowners a more realistic picture of how a cooling system will function once setup in their home. For this reason, you can anticipate SEER2 ratings to be a lower number than SEER ratings, even though they reflect the same performance.

What Is the Federal Minimum SEER2 Rating in 2023?

The US Department of Energy (DOE) determines minimum efficiency requirements for air conditioning 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 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 requires any new AC systems marketed and installed in America to reach the new minimums. That said, homeowners with lower efficiency air conditioners are not required to replace them.

How Do SEER Ratings Influence AC Prices?

Cooling systems with higher SEER ratings tend to cost more initially than those with lower SEER ratings. It is 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 should save you money eventually by lowering your energy bills.

For instance, imagine comparing two 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 costly up-front, it can save you 22% on your energy costs when put next to System A. Depending on the weather and electricity costs where you live, this could amount to hundreds of dollars in financial savings over the life of the system, making System B a more cost-effective choice over time.

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 state, not when today’s most efficient systems are rated 26 SEER or higher. Look at the many benefits of spending your money on such a high-end system:

• Energy savings: As previously mentioned, ACs with higher SEER ratings are a great deal more energy efficient. By using less energy to accomplish the same cooling output, a top-quality unit can save you considerably on your cooling costs each summer for the life expectancy of the system.
• Environmental impact: Decreased energy usage ensures fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Selecting an AC with a higher SEER rating cuts down your home’s carbon impact and contributes to a more sustainable future.
• Enhanced comfort: Higher SEER-rated air conditioning systems are more hi-tech, with features such as two-stage compressors and multi-speed fan motors. Not merely does this avoid wasting energy and money, but it improves home comfort which leads to a quieter, more effective operation.
• Increased 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’re planning to move, having a high SEER-rated AC system can improve the resale value and offer a compelling differentiator to potential buyers. This offers you yet another way to recover your original 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 utility bills for years into the future by installing an effective AC unit that matches or exceeds the federal minimum SEER2 rating. We’re so certain you’ll be satisfied with our services that we have a 100% satisfaction guarantee! For more information or to schedule a free AC installation estimate, please contact a Service Experts office near you.