A Homeowner’s Guide to Understanding SEER Ratings for Air Conditioners

When selecting a new air conditioner for your home, one common rating you’ll find on all units is SEER. Unless you’re an HVAC installer, you’re likely not overly familiar with what this rating is or how it will influence your buying decision. Below, our air conditioning services experts will discuss what SEER is and how it can help you make a better-informed decision about which air conditioner to purchase for your household.

What Is SEER?

SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency rating. This rating measures how efficiently an air conditioner operates throughout the entire season. A SEER rating is determined by taking the total cooling output, given in BTUs, of a particular unit and dividing that by the total amount of energy input, given in wattage, that’s used throughout the season. A higher rating translates to more efficient cooling and lower energy bills for the homeowner.

Transition to SEER2 Ratings

In January 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) updated SEER to use a new SEER2 standard. This rating change was made because traditional SEER ratings did not accurately represent operating efficiencies in household environments. Rather, the SEER standard showcased a unit’s operating efficiency under optimal conditions.

By upgrading to the SEER2 rating model, homeowners can now get a more accurate representation of the expected operating efficiency of a potential unit they’re purchasing. One thing to note is that SEER2 ratings tend to be slightly lower than the SEER ratings of particular units. For example, a unit with a traditional SEER rating of 16 may only have a SEER2 rating of 15.4. This is reflective of its decreased operating performance because of testing it in real-world conditions instead of optimal conditions.

Efficiency Tiers

All air conditioners can be classified into three main categories of efficiency: standard, high efficiency, and premium efficiency. Standard units have a SEER2 rating of between 13.4 and 15.1. High efficiency units have a rating between 15.2 and 17, while premium efficiency models have a rating of 18 or higher.

Many of the premium efficiency units offer variable speed technology that helps them to better modulate their cooling output depending on your specific needs. Generally speaking, most central air conditioners have a SEER2 rating between 13.4 and

1. Ducted heat pumps range from 14.3 up to
2. Air-source ductless mini-split systems range from 18 to 26 or higher, and geothermal heat pumps range from 17 to 30 and above.

Rebates and Incentives

When purchasing an air conditioner, it's worth checking what rebates and incentives may apply to your purchase. Ameren Missouri and Spire both offer rebate programs for qualifying high-efficiency equipment, and many manufacturers run their own seasonal promotions on top of those. Eligibility typically depends on the SEER2 rating and type of system you purchase, and programs change throughout the year.

The best way to know what applies to your specific installation is to ask your installer directly, or check with your utility provider before you buy. It can also be helpful to consult a tax professional about any federal incentives that may be available at the time of your purchase.

Make a Purchasing Decision

When you understand what SEER ratings are for air conditioners, it gives you more valuable information about each potential air conditioner you’re thinking about purchasing. In general, you’ll find units with a SEER2 rating cost more upfront than standard efficiency models with a lower rating.

However, if you invest your money in a system with a high rating, you can enjoy long-term energy savings over the life of the unit for your summertime cooling bills. Consider using SEER2 as one factor of many that you ultimately utilize to determine the best cooling system to meet your household’s needs and budget.

Reliable AC Installation Service

Swiss Air Heating & Cooling, LLC offers reliable AC installation services for the O’Fallon, MO community. We’re more than happy to help with all your cooling system replacement, repair, and maintenance needs. Contact us today to schedule your next service appointment.