Quick Recap
- A SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio rating, indicates how efficiently your air conditioner or heat pump cools your home.
- High SEER ratings mean better energy efficiency.
- SEER 2 ratings are the new standard, measuring efficiency in ACs and heat pumps on a more realistic scale.
What Is a SEER Rating?
“SEER” stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s a measurement of energy efficiency used to rate the energy usage of air conditioners and heat pumps. The higher the SEER rating, the less energy it takes to run.
Why a SEER rating matters
SEER ratings matter because energy efficiency means long-term cost savings and a lower environmental impact. Knowing the efficiency ratio before purchasing your home cooling system will allow you to make an informed decision.
How SEER rating affects energy bills
In general, the higher your SEER rating, the more efficient your heat pump or air conditioner will be in cooling your home. The more efficiently it runs, the lower your energy bills will be.
If you’re considering air conditioning replacement, Accurate Electric, Plumbing, Heating, and Air expert technicians can help you choose the right HVAC system for your needs. We offer heat and AC services in Glendora and the surrounding California communities, including Rancho Cucamonga and Claremont.
How Is a SEER Rating Calculated?
SEER ratings are calculated by finding the ratio of a heat pump or AC’s cooling output over a typical cooling season, divided by the energy it uses, which is measured in watt-hours. This calculation is based on a constant indoor temperature and a range of outdoor temperatures and is often presented as a range or “up to” a certain rating, as day-to-day efficiency varies with external factors.
The formula in simple terms
As the US Department of Energy puts it, the SEER rating is calculated by dividing the cooling output of a system by that system’s overall power consumption during the warm part of the year.
Real-world testing conditions
SEER ratings are calculated based on optimal operating conditions, making the actual efficiency in many homes lower than the rating suggests. For this reason, SEER2 standards were created, with testing requirements better aligning with real-world conditions.
Comparing SEER, SEER2, and EER Standards
Let’s look at the difference between SEER, SEER2, and EER.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER)
A SEER rating measures the cooling efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system is.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating 2 (SEER2)
The difference between SEER and SEER2 ratings on your AC or heat pump is the way efficiency is measured. A SEER2-rated system is the new standard, calculated using a new, more exact, and realistic M1 blower testing procedure. It is measured throughout the year, assessing cooling energy consumption.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
When looking at SEER vs. EER, you use a similar calculation for both to find the system’s energy efficiency, except EER is measured by the “instantaneous” efficiency of the cooling system, rather than over the entire cooling season.
Balancing SEER Ratings With Cost and Value
It’s important to find the right SEER-rated home cooling solution without overpaying for more AC than you need. Choosing a high SEER rating is a good idea, but it’s not the only consideration.
What Is a Good SEER Rating for Your Home?
Now that you know what a SEER rating is, how do you choose the right one for your home? Our team at Accurate is well-versed not only in AC installation but also in local regulations and energy efficiency standards.
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Federal minimums and regional recommendations
Since 2023, in California and most of the Southern part of the United States, the minimum SEER and SEER2 ratings allowed are:
- SEER rating: 15
- SEER2 rating for units below 45,000 Btu: 14.3
- SEER2 rating for units 45,000 Btu and above: 13.8
Energy Savings From Higher SEER Systems
Wondering how the SEER rating saves energy? The rating represents efficiency. The more efficient your air conditioner is, the less electricity it needs to maintain your desired temperature. This translates into lower energy bills, saving you money, especially during the hotter months of the year, when temperatures hit the high 90s. San Bernardino and LA County residents may save several hundred dollars a year on their energy bills after upgrading.
Signs It’s Time To Upgrade Your Air Conditioner
Some top reasons to upgrade your AC are:
- High energy bills: Inefficiencies in older or malfunctioning ACs often show up in higher-than-normal energy bills.
- It uses outdated refrigerant: Many older refrigerants have been phased out of use, making older cooling systems more expensive to maintain and repair.
- Poor cooling: Upgrading your cooling system or air conditioner alternative will keep your home evenly cool at the touch of a button.
- Frequent breakdowns: When the cost of repairs is higher than half of what you’d pay for a new AC or heat pump, it’s time for an upgrade.
- New technology: If you want your cooling system to integrate into your smart home system, or you want programmable options, you can replace your older model with a new, modern system.
How To Check the SEER Rating of Your Current System
Your SEER efficiency rating may be on a yellow sticker on the outside condenser unit, and your air handler may also have a sticker that includes the SEER rating.
If there’s nothing on your air conditioner, you can look up the rating on the manufacturer’s website using the model number and serial number, which will be on the condenser or air handler, or you can call the manufacturer directly and speak to a customer service agent.
Choosing Accurate for Your High-SEER Upgrade
At Accurate Electric, Plumbing, Heating, and Air, our knowledgeable techs will be able to guide you in improving your whole-home AC efficiency, including upgrading your system to a high-SEER standard.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation, contact us today and speak with an expert about your options. Our online scheduling service is available 24 hours a day, or you can give us a call to get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a higher SEER rating always better?
A higher SEER rating isn’t always the best choice. It depends on how frequently you’re going to use the system and the cost of the unit vs. the overall energy savings you’ll see throughout its lifespan.
Is it cost-effective to replace an old, low-SEER system with a high-SEER one?
Yes, it might be a cost-effective solution to replace your older, inefficient system with a high-efficiency one, especially if your energy bills are high. An HVAC expert will help you choose the right system for your needs.
Does the SEER rating reflect real-world performance at all times?
No, a SEER rating may not reflect the system’s real-world performance. They’re based on standardized conditions, while your in-home system will be affected by the layout of your ductwork, the California climate, and your AC usage patterns.
