When replacing an AC, it’s very important to understand SEER ratings for efficiency. SEER ratings help you find the best air conditioner for your home when shopping for new residential AC equipment.
SEER2 is the current efficiency rating that you’ll likely encounter when shopping for a new AC. A higher rating indicates higher efficiency cooling, but the highest rating is not automatically the best choice for every home. We’re going to walk through the top factors homeowners should consider when comparing AC systems and will explain SEER ratings and what they mean.
What Is a SEER & SEER2 Rating?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it is a measurement of air conditioner and heat pump cooling efficiency. The rating takes a system’s total cooling output in British Thermal Units (BTUs) and divides it by the total energy use in watt hours over a season.
You can think of it like a car’s miles per gallon (MPG) rating. A higher SEER rating means that the unit uses less electricity to cool your home. SEER2 is the U.S. Department of Energy’s new standard created in 2023. This rating is based on stricter requirements and more accurate testing conditions.
You can use SEER and SEER2 ratings to help determine how much energy an AC or heat pump will use. A higher SEER rating generally results in lower electricity bills.
How Do SEER Ratings Work?
SEER/SEER2 is an efficiency ratio for air conditioners and heat pumps rather than a percentage out of 100. ACs that meet minimal federal requirements for SEER2 start at a 13.4 or 14.3 rating depending on the region. The higher a SEER rating, the less energy it consumes. ACs are tested using standardized lab tests to see how units perform under different workloads and ductwork restrictions. SEER2 calculation uses the new M1 blower testing procedure for higher accuracy measuring efficiency.
SEER2 ratings for the same equipment are commonly 4.5% lower than original SEER numbers because testing mimics real-world duct resistance much more accurately. For most homeowners, the SEER2 rating matters more when replacing a system. A unit with a higher rating typically costs more upfront but pays for itself over time by using less energy and keeping energy bills low.
What Do Different SEER Ratings Mean for Homeowners?
Different SEER2 ratings reflect how efficiently cooling equipment runs. For reference, here’s a table that outlines the different efficiency ratings and what they mean.
| SEER2 Rating | Efficiency | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 13-14 | Standard | Meets minimal federal requirements for basic efficiency. |
| 15-16 | Mid-range | Good rating for many climates. AC performs well with moderate energy savings. |
| 17-19 | High efficiency | Quieter operation and cost savings on energy bills. |
| 20+ | Ultra-high efficiency | Ideal for long-term investments and homes where sustainability is a goal. |
How SEER Ratings Affect Energy Costs
SEER ratings reflect the cooling equipment’s overall efficiency and electricity consumption. Higher efficiency equipment consumes less energy, which can result in lower monthly utility bills. A higher-rated AC unit does more work with less power, meaning the SEER rating goes up as the electricity needed to produce the same amount of cooling goes down.
For homeowners, a more efficient AC can lower cooling-related energy use, since the compressor and fan aren’t working as hard to hit the desired indoor temperature. Over a whole cooling season, a higher efficiency unit will use fewer kilowatt hours from the grid but produce the same comfort level.
However, actual cost savings can vary from home to home, depending on operating conditions and household usage. Ductwork condition, insulation, thermostat habits, local climate, and more impact what a higher SEER rating translates to on your monthly energy bill.
It’s best to compare estimated operating costs rather than assume a specific savings amount. Many manufacturers and utility companies offer calculators for this to help you make informed decisions.
SEER Ratings and AC System Size
SEER ratings are only one factor to consider when it comes to choosing a new AC for your home. AC system sizing matters just as much as efficiency ratings. You must consider your home’s square footage, layout, insulation, and climate demands when figuring out the right size of AC to purchase.
A high-SEER unit that’s the wrong size won’t deliver the efficiency associated with the rating because sizing determines how often a system runs to keep up with demand. If an AC is oversized, it will shut off before completing full cooling cycles, which leaves extra humidity behind and can create uneven temperatures.
An undersized unit may run nearly nonstop to try to keep up with cooling demands, which drives up energy costs, shortens equipment lifespan, and causes system strain. Work with a licensed HVAC technician for load calculations to determine the proper size of AC.
How to Choose the Right SEER Rating for Your Home
The best course of action is to have an HVAC professional evaluate your home first. They will help you determine the proper size of a cooling system for optimal efficiency. Then, review your home’s current energy usage and cooling needs.
Use calculators to estimate operating costs for several different equipment efficiency levels. When using these calculators, consider the upfront cost of the unit versus the expected operating costs and ask about any available rebates or incentives. It’s also important to consider how long you expect to remain in the home and how long you’ll get to enjoy the investment.
Overall, you should choose equipment that balances efficiency, comfort, reliability, and budget. SEER ratings are helpful when choosing a new AC, but don’t make them the only consideration.
Contact Us Today
If you’re in need of AC replacement, the expert HVAC technicians at Mercurio’s can help. Mercurio’s offers heating and cooling services throughout the Greater Tacoma, WA area. Our AC installation services include proper sizing and load calculations as well as guidance in evaluating SEER ratings.
Call us today at (360) 499-2980 or book an appointment online for speedy cooling services.
