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What Is a SEER/SEER2 Rating?

Understanding SEER and SEER2 ratings for AC units

In 1987, the United States government passed legislation that required air conditioning units to meet certain efficiency standards, represented by a SEER rating. This acronym stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and a SEER or SEER2 rating describes how much energy an air conditioner needs to operate effectively for a single year.

SEER and SEER2 ratings are determined over the course of a full heating or cooling season. The less energy an AC unit uses to cool an area to a pre-specified temperature, the higher its SEER rating, and the less it costs to run. The SEER rating also corresponds to the unit’s maximum efficiency. It’s good to keep in mind that the SEER rating does not represent an HVAC unit’s overall performance; use patterns and environmental conditions can cause variations in efficiency.

SEER vs. SEER2 Rating Standards

In 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) introduced the SEER2 rating standard to reflect changes in the way scientists and engineers measure cooling efficiency.

Engineers calculate the SEER and SEER2 ratings of an air conditioner by dividing its cooling output, measured in British thermal units, during its typical cooling season by its energy consumption, measured in watt-hours. The ratings differ because SEER2 uses more stringent testing methods to represent an AC unit’s real-world performance more accurately. Consequently, the number that represents a particular unit’s SEER2 rating will be smaller than the number that represents its SEER rating, even though the unit’s actual performance stays the same. Also, since northern and southern states have different climate conditions, each region’s air conditioners have different minimum SEER ratings. This means that, as per DOE mandates for 2023, in northern states, the minimum rating was 14 SEER, or 13.4 SEER2, while in southern states, the minimum rating was 15 SEER, or 14.3 SEER2.

Advantages of a High SEER or SEER 2 Rating

AC units with high SEER or SEER 2 ratings offer homeowners many benefits, such as:

Lower Energy Bills

AC units with higher SEER and SEER2 ratings usually cost more up front, but tax credits and manufacturer’s rebates can bring the cost down. These new units also yield energy savings that can lower your utility bills; if you’re replacing a unit that’s more than ten years old, your annual energy costs could fall by 20% and 40%.

Reduced Environmental Impact

AC units with high SEER and SEER2 ratings leave a smaller carbon footprint by using less energy. New versions of these AC models also use more environmentally friendly refrigerants that minimize ozone depletion.

Improved Comfort

New SEER2 AC units should make your home more comfortable. For homeowners in southern states with high heat and humidity, selecting a unit with a higher SEER and SEER2 rating usually translates to better climate control and greater indoor comfort. AC units with higher SEER and SEER2 ratings typically utilize an energy-saving two-stage or variable-speed compressor. On mild days when cooling demands are minimized, the compressor may run on the low setting and use less energy. A more sophisticated variable-speed compressor can precisely customize the energy output the unit needs to keep your home at a preset temperature. Older AC units with lower SEER and SEER2 ratings tend to use a single-speed compressor that causes them to constantly cycle on and off, which can waste energy and create hot or cold spots throughout your house.

Compliance With DOE Regulations

Paying attention to the new SEER2 rating standards can help homeowners make informed decisions and comply with the latest regulations. Homeowners should know that HVAC companies are required to install new equipment that meets new testing standards.

In northern states, HVAC professionals can still install pre-SEER2 AC units that were manufactured before January 1, 2023. In southern states, after January 1, 2023, only SEER2-compliant AC units can be installed. Installers who violate these regulations and get cited by the DOE for putting in a non-compliant AC unit must provide a suitable replacement at no cost to the homeowner.

It’s important to note that homeowners who installed AC units before January 1, 2023 don’t need to replace them if they are functioning properly. This saves people from making unnecessary expenditures while encouraging future investment in higher-efficiency options.

Choosing the Right SEER2 AC Unit for Your Home

If you’re in the market for a new AC unit, you can check the tag to see its SEER and SEER2 ratings. Either rating may indicate compliance with the regional minimum. You can also find the ratings on black and yellow EnergyGuide stickers that are typically fixed to the outside of the unit.

The new DOE energy standards for 2024 require new central AC units in northern states to have a minimum SEER2 rating of 13.4. In southern states, the minimum SEER2 rating for most AC units is 14.3. Different AC units will operate at different efficiency levels, and units with higher SEER2 ratings may be more expensive. Homeowners in different regions will have different “best” SEER and SEER2 ratings for their home AC units. The size of your home and the quality of your insulation and current ductwork can affect how high your SEER or SEER2 rating should be. An HVAC professional can help you find a suitable AC unit with an appropriate SEER or SEER2 rating and give you tips for saving energy during the summer.

Improve Your Comfort With A High-Rated SEER2 Air Conditioner from Melbourne One Hour

When you’re ready to install a new AC unit, understanding how SEER and SEER2 standards can affect your comfort and energy bills can help you make smarter choices. Installing an AC unit with a high SEER2 rating will benefit the environment and fatten your pocketbook in the long run. Let the HVAC specialists at Melbourne One Hour help you get on board with the new standards and enjoy a cool, relaxing summer in the comfort of your own home.