What is SEER Rating and Why Does It Matter?

When shopping for a new air conditioner, you'll encounter SEER ratings. Understanding this metric helps you make an informed decision that affects your comfort and energy bills for years.

What SEER Means

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures cooling output during a typical cooling season divided by energy input. Higher SEER means greater efficiency.

Think of it like miles per gallon for your car—higher numbers mean better fuel economy.

Current SEER Standards

As of 2023, minimum SEER requirements are: - Northern states: 14 SEER minimum - Southern states: 15 SEER minimum

Premium units reach 20-26 SEER, while most mid-range units fall in the 16-18 SEER range.

SEER vs. Energy Savings

Here's how different SEER ratings compare in annual cooling costs (assuming $0.15/kWh and 2,000 cooling hours):

Upgrading from 14 SEER to 20 SEER saves approximately $225 per year.

Should You Buy the Highest SEER?

Not necessarily. Consider:

Climate: Higher SEER matters more in hot climates. Bay Area homeowners benefit from higher SEER due to increasing summer temperatures.

Usage: If you rarely use AC, the payback period for a high-SEER unit extends significantly.

Budget: Higher SEER units cost more upfront. Calculate the payback period based on your usage.

Utility rebates: Many utilities offer rebates for high-efficiency equipment, improving the payback calculation.

SEER2: The New Standard

As of 2023, the industry transitioned to SEER2, which uses updated testing procedures. SEER2 numbers are typically 4-5% lower than equivalent SEER ratings.

Beyond SEER

Efficiency also depends on: - Proper system sizing - Quality installation - Ductwork condition - Thermostat settings - Regular maintenance

A lower SEER system that's properly sized and installed may outperform a higher SEER system that's poorly installed.

When shopping, consider SEER as one factor among many. Professional sizing calculations and quality installation matter just as much.