If you’re shopping for a new A/C unit, it can be difficult to wade through all the different brands and models available on the market. You’ll need to choose the best model for your region and climate, and the best size for your home.
And if you want energy savings, or something high performance, there are even more factors to consider. One of those factors is a unit’s SEER2 (previously SEER) rating.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through all you need to know about SEER2 ratings and how to find the best air conditioner for your needs.
What is a SEER2 Rating?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s a rating scale system for measuring air conditioner and heat pump efficiency in small, easy-to-understand numbers. The 2 in SEER2 was added in 2023, when the Department of Energy created the second generation of SEER standards.
The higher a SEER2 rating is, the more cooling you get for every unit of energy you use. In other words, higher SEER2 ratings mean more efficiency and lower energy bills. SEER2 ratings are calculated using a range of outdoor temperatures (from 65°F to 104°F) to reflect real-world conditions across a full cooling season.
SEER2 ratings are compiled using standard formulas to help you determine how much you can expect to pay annually in energy costs. This lets you compare air conditioning units and pick the one that best suits your needs.
Keep in mind that a SEER2 rating is an average. There are other factors such as insulation, windows, size of the home, ductwork, etc that weigh in on how efficient your air conditioning or heat pump is.
The SEER2 rating for your air conditioning or heat pump unit will be listed on a sticker which can usually be found on the exterior of the unit.
Related: AFUE Rating Explained: What is a Good AFUE Rating?
SEER2 Used to Be SEER
In January 2023, the Department of Energy updated its efficiency standards and introduced SEER2 as the new rating scale. This new rating uses a more demanding test procedure that better reflects real-world installation and operating conditions.
SEER2 ratings are slightly lower than the old SEER ratings for the same equipment (roughly a 4 to 5% difference) because the new test simulates tougher real-world conditions. Don’t be alarmed if a newer unit has a lower rating than an older unit. This is just because the method of measuring has changed.
Minimum SEER2 Ratings
All central A/C units were required to have a minimum SEER rating of 10 in 1992 and by 2006 that minimum was raised to 13. In certain regions of the country, like the south and southwest, that minimum standard was raised even farther to 14.
Since January 1, 2023, the minimum has been set directly on the SEER2 scale rather than the old SEER scale, and minimums vary by region. In the northern U.S., the minimum SEER2 rating is 13.4 for A/C units and 14.3 for heat pumps, while in the southwest and southeast regions, the minimum is 14.3 for both A/C units and heat pumps.
Oregon falls in the Northern region, so the current minimum for new equipment sold here is 13.4 and 14.3 for A/C units and heat pumps, respectively. Any new system we install here at Jacobs meets or exceeds that standard.
What is the Difference between SEER2 and EER2?
SEER2 is not to be confused with EER2. EER2 is a related but different measurement which stands for energy efficiency ratio. Dropping the “season” gives a clue as to the difference between the two measurements. SEER2 averages efficiency across a full season of varying outdoor temperatures (65°F to 104°F), EER2, on the other hand, measures efficiency at a fixed outdoor temperature of 95°F.
EER2 is typically used for window air conditioners, while SEER2 applies to central A/C systems and heat pumps. Other than that, both measurements are essentially the same and tell you how efficient an air conditioner is.
What is a Good SEER2 Rating?
For most homes, a SEER2 rating between 15 and 18 is considered good. In that range, you can expect meaningful energy savings over a standard system without too much more of an upfront investment. The average efficiency rating for a central air conditioner in operation today is 16 but high energy-efficient models can have ratings of 21 and higher.
Having said that, since each home’s needs are different, a one size fits all SEER2 rating doesn’t work for picking a high-efficiency air conditioner. If you’re asking yourself “What SEER2 rating should I buy?” You need to consider the size of your home, how hot it gets, your habits, and how long you plan to stay in your house.
A higher SEER2 system might be worth it if you run your A/C or heat pump a lot, live in a larger home, or plan to be in your house for 10 years or more.
Another thing to consider is that today’s newer air conditioners, particularly Energy Star certified ones, are constantly evolving, making them more energy-efficient than previous models. As a result, if you upgrade to a new system you’ll likely save money on cooling your home no matter what the SEER rating.
How Does SEER2 Rating Affect Costs?
Choosing a higher SEER system means paying more upfront, but it also means lower energy bills over the life of the equipment. Here is a general sense of what to expect.
Upfront Cost Differences:
- Going from a 14 SEER2 system to a 16 SEER2 system typically adds $900 to $1,500 to the purchase price.
- If you upgrade from a 14 SEER2 unit to a 21 SEER2 unit, prices can climb as much as $3,000 or even $5,000 above the cost of a typical 14 SEER2 system.
Repair Costs:
As we’ve mentioned, higher SEER2 systems usually have two-speed or variable speed compressors, which cost more to repair and replace than single-speed compressors. For example:
- A compressor replacement on a 14 SEER2 system starts around $4,000 (outside of warranty).
- The same repair on a 21 SEER2 system starts closer to $5,500.
Note that the higher repair costs reflect the complexity of the components, not a greater risk of failure. The right way to think about it is that a higher SEER2 system costs more to buy and more to fix if something goes wrong, but it costs less to run every month.
If you want help running the numbers for your situation, our team is happy to walk you through it.
Additional reading: How Much Does It Cost to Install A/C in My Home?
Are High SEER2 Units Worth It?
It really depends on your preferences. Cooling systems with lower SEER2 ratings have a lower upfront cost, but will cost more to run since they’re not as efficient. Meanwhile, the opposite is true for higher SEER2 ratings: higher upfront costs and lower energy bills. You need to determine what the breakeven point is for you and at what point upgrading to a more efficient system does or doesn’t make sense.
Beyond upfront costs and potential energy savings, there are other benefits to consider.
What Are the Benefits of a Higher SEER2 Rating?
Beyond the energy savings, higher SEER2 systems offer a few other advantages worth considering.
Comfort
Low SEER2 units are usually single-stage, which means they’re either on or off. In other words, when the fan and compressor are on they’re always at full speed. A higher SEER2 unit, with a two-stage A/C compressor, has two settings: low and high. When the air conditioner system starts up, it automatically comes on in low gear and runs very effectively as long as the load permits. When it can’t keep up the air conditioning system then it shifts into high gear until the temperature stabilizes, then downshifts to a more energy-efficient speed. Upper-tier SEER2 units go a step further with variable speed compressors and fans which allows them to adjust their output from 0% to 100% as needed.
Two-stage and variable-speed systems maintain more consistent temperatures and do a better job controlling humidity. In Portland summers, that matters.
Quieter Operation
High-efficiency systems run at lower speeds most of the time, which means less noise both inside and outside your home. This comes in handy when you have to place the outdoor unit next to a bedroom window. Additionally, some HOAs or local codes may require you to use quieter systems depending on the proximity of homes.
Eco-Friendliness
If you’re serious about going green, an upgrade will get you to your goals. High-efficiency systems use up to one-third less energy than older A/C models, allowing them to save even more natural resources.
Where to Look for High SEER2 Rated Systems
The best place to look for a high SEER2 rated air conditioning or heat pump system is with your local HVAC company. While you can go to a big box store and find high SEER2 rated systems it is best to buy your system based on your home rather than on simple price and reviews.
The installation plays a primary role in your air conditioning unit’s ability to keep your home comfortable. An HVAC professional will evaluate your home for insulation, square footage, windows, and other factors that affect how your air conditioning keeps your home comfortable.
With this information in hand, an HVAC pro will help you navigate the size, pricing, and SEER rating best suited for you and your home.
Additional reading: Heat Pump vs Air Conditioner: Which is Right for You?
Frequently Asked Questions About SEER2 Ratings
What SEER2 rating should I buy?
For most Portland homeowners, a system in the 15 to 18 SEER2 range offers the best combination of upfront cost and long-term energy savings. But a higher rating may be worth the investment if you run your A/C heavily. We recommend getting a professional assessment so the recommendation fits your specific home.
What does 14 SEER mean?
14 SEER means the system delivers 14 units of cooling energy for every unit of electrical energy it consumes, averaged over a full cooling season. It is the previous federal minimum for new equipment in northern states like Oregon, but in the new SEER2 rating system the minimum is now 13.4.
What is the difference between 14 SEER2 and 17 SEER2?
A 17 SEER2 system is more efficient than a 14 SEER2 system. It typically uses a two-stage compressor that runs at a lower speed most of the time, which means better humidity control, quieter operation, and more even temperatures throughout your home, in addition to lower energy bills.
What is a good SEER2 rating for a heat pump?
Anything over a SEER2 of 15 is considered good for a heat pump. Since heat pumps handle both heating and cooling, it is also worth looking at the HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) rating. We can help you evaluate both numbers for year-round performance in Portland’s climate.
What is the highest SEER2 rating?
The most efficient central air conditioners and heat pumps on the market today reach 26 SEER2 or higher.
Jacobs is Here to Help You Navigate Your Home Cooling Needs
If you are confused by SEER ratings, A/C and heat pump options or simply need expert advice, a Jacobs Heating & Air Conditioning consultant can help. Our technicians can perform a full inspection of your current system and your home and give you options.
If you know that it is time for an HVAC upgrade or you want to replace your current HVAC system with a high-efficiency system, give us a call for a quote. We offer a variety of flexible financing options and we’ll walk you through the process of how to pay for your new system.
Avoid extra costs and unnecessary repairs by scheduling a tune-up for your existing system before issues arise. Our maintenance plans keep your system running like clockwork without any stress or hassle. No matter what you need we’re always just a phone call away.
