SEER Ratings Guide
As you shop for a new AC system, you perhaps 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 regarding AC efficiency ratings and the new minimum SEER rating increase mandated by the federal government.
Defines a SEER Rating?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is a measure of how efficiently an air conditioner cools your home — or, to describe it another way, how successfully the AC unit removes heat from the indoor air. The SEER rating is determined by dividing the cooling output of an AC unit by the electrical power it uses over a full season. Higher SEER ratings suggest a more energy-efficient air conditioning system.
What Is SEER2?
SEER2 is the recently updated SEER rating system that accounts for real-world usage patterns and area climate data. This new metric commenced in January 2023 to provide a better depiction of an AC system’s energy efficiency.
Contrary to the former SEER rating system, which only considers an air conditioner’s energy efficiency in laboratory environments, the SEER2 metric provides homeowners a more authentic picture of how a cooling system will operate once installed in their home. As a result, you can anticipate 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 specifications for air conditioning 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 necessary minimum ratings were established at 13 SEER in the north and 14 SEER in the south. The DOE requires any new AC systems bought and installed in the U.S. to reach the new minimums. However, homeowners with less efficient 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 tend to cost more up-front than units with lower SEER ratings. This is because ACs with higher SEER ratings utilize more advanced 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 often save you money over the long haul by lowering your utility bills.
Case in point, imagine comparing a pair 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 costly up-front, it will probably save you 22% on your energy costs when put next to System A. Contingent on the climate and electricity costs in your area, this could amount to hundreds of dollars in savings over the years ahead, making System B a more affordable solution over time.
Why Pick an AC with a Higher SEER Rating?
You don’t have to settle for the minimum SEER rating in your area, not when the current AC units are rated 26 SEER or higher. Consider the numerous benefits of investing in such a high-end system:
- Energy savings: As described previously, ACs with higher SEER ratings are a great deal more energy efficient. By utilizing less energy to get the same cooling output, a premium unit can help you save significantly on your cooling bills every single summer for the life expectancy of the system.
- Environmental impact: Less energy usage will mean fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing an AC with a higher SEER rating cuts down your home’s carbon impact and lends to a more environmentally safe future.
- Improved comfort: Higher SEER-rated air conditioning systems are more advanced, with specifications such as two-stage compressors and multi-speed fan motors. Not merely does this conserve energy and money, but it increases home comfort which leads to a quieter, more reliable operation.
- Higher home value: New, high-efficiency ACs are more desirable to prospective home buyers at resale time than aged systems with lower ratings. If you decide to move, having a high SEER-rated AC system can raise the resale value and give your property an advantage to potential buyers. This offers you yet another way to recoup your original investment in a high-end air conditioner.
Install a New AC Unit Soon
Now that you know what SEER ratings to consider, you may be ready to shop for a replacement air conditioner. Turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for a review of today’s best HVAC systems. We can help you conserve your utility bills for years to come by installing an effective AC unit that conform to or exceeds the federal minimum SEER2 rating. We’re so sure you’ll be satisfied with our services that we offer you a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To learn more or to plan a free AC installation estimate, please call a Service Experts office near you.