SEER Ratings Guide
If you’re shopping for a new air conditioning system, you may have seen the term “SEER rating.” But what does a SEER rating measure and why does that matter? Use this SEER rating guide to learn everything you should know regarding AC efficiency ratings and the recent 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 measurement of how efficiently an air conditioner cools your home — or, to be more precise, how well the equipment removes heat from the indoor air. The SEER rating is determined by dividing the cooling output of an AC unit by the electric energy it consumes throughout a full season. Higher SEER ratings suggest a more energy-efficient air conditioning system.
What Is SEER2?
SEER2 is a revised SEER rating system that factors real-world consumption patterns and area climate data. This new metric commenced in January 2023 to offer a more precise depiction of an AC system’s energy efficiency.
Contrary to the previous SEER rating system, which only considers an air conditioner’s energy efficiency in controlled conditions, the SEER2 metric provides homeowners a more accurate picture of how an air conditioner will perform once added in their home. Therefore, you can expect SEER2 ratings to be a lower figure than SEER ratings, although they exhibit the same performance.
What Is the Federal Minimum SEER2 Rating in 2023?
The US Department of Energy (DOE) establishes 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 rating change in nearly a decade, when the required minimum ratings were required to be 13 SEER in the north and 14 SEER in the south. The DOE demands any new AC systems bought and installed in the United States to match the new minimums. That said, homeowners with less efficient air conditioners are not mandated to upgrade to the more efficient models.
How Do SEER Ratings Affect AC Expenditures?
Air conditioners with higher SEER ratings are likely to cost more initially than the ones with lower SEER ratings. It is because ACs with higher SEER ratings utilize more innovative technology and materials to obtain higher performance. The good news is that while air conditioners with higher SEER ratings may require a larger investment, they should save you money over the long haul by lowering your energy bills.
For instance, picture yourself 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 utility costs compared to System A. Based on the weather and electricity costs where you live, this could perhaps add up to hundreds of dollars in financial savings over the life of the system, making System B a more economical option over time.
Why Purchase 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. Look at the numerous benefits of spending your money on such a high-end system:
- Energy savings: As described previously, ACs with higher SEER ratings are considerably more energy efficient. By consuming less energy to accomplish the identical cooling output, a top-quality unit can help you save substantially on your cooling bills each summer for the lifetime of the system.
- Environmental impact: Reduced energy usage will mean fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Selecting an AC with a higher SEER rating cuts down your home’s carbon footprint and contributes to a more eco- friendly future.
- Better comfort: Higher SEER-rated air conditioning systems are more sophisticated, with functions such as two-stage compressors and multi-speed fan motors. Not merely does this avoid wasting energy and money, but it increases home comfort and results in quieter, more dependable operation.
- Top home value: New, high-efficiency ACs are more desirable to home buyers than old systems with lower ratings. If you’re planning to move, having a high SEER-rated AC system can increase the resale value and make your home more attractive to potential buyers. This offers you yet another way to get back your original investment in a high-end air conditioner.
Install a New AC Unit Today
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 some of today’s best HVAC systems. You can conserve your energy bills for many years to come by installing an effective AC unit that matches or exceeds the federal minimum SEER2 rating. We’re so confident you’ll be delighted 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.