Air Conditioner Energy Efficiency:
Making Sense of “SEERS”
When you're looking for a new air conditioner, energy efficiency is a key factor for many homeowners. Understanding the latest ratings can help you make a smart investment that keeps your home comfortable and your energy bills lower.
What are SEER and SEER2?. Historically, central air conditioner energy efficiency was measured by its SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). This rating tells you how well an air conditioner can cool your home compared to the electricity it uses during a typical summer. A higher SEER rating generally means better energy efficiency.
Since January 1, 2023, new federal regulations updated how efficiency is measured, introducing SEER2. This new standard provides a more accurate reflection of real-world energy consumption by using updated testing conditions that better account for external static pressure. While the calculations changed, the principle remains the same: a higher number signifies greater efficiency.
You can learn more about these standards from the U.S. Department of Energy's website.
https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/air-cooled-unitary-air-conditioners-and-heat-pumps
Minimum Efficiency Standards and Savings Potential.
Before 2023, the minimum SEER rating for central air conditioners varied by region. As of 2023, the minimum efficiency for new central air conditioners installed in our region (North) is 13.4 SEER2 (which roughly translates to 14 SEER under the old rating). Older air conditioners typically had SEER ratings in the 8 to 10 range.
So, while a higher SEER or SEER2 rating is a great start for saving on energy bills, it's not the only piece of the puzzle.
More Than Just a Number: Factors Affecting Your AC's Real-World Efficiency
Simply buying a high-SEER2 air conditioner doesn't guarantee maximum savings. Several crucial factors determine whether your system will actually deliver its rated energy efficiency:
Four Main Factors Determine Whether an Air Conditioner Can Deliver Its SEER Rated Energy Efficiency:
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Compatibility with your furnace: Your central air conditioner works hand-in-hand with your furnace. The blower motor inside your furnace is responsible for distributing cool air through your home's ductwork. When manufacturers test their AC models for SEER ratings, they pair them with specific furnace models.
If you combine a new, high-efficiency air conditioner with an older furnace whose blower motor isn't a precise match, your entire system may not perform to its rated efficiency. This can also impact your eligibility for certain energy tax credits or rebates, as manufacturers only provide testing data for specific, matched combinations of their own brands. We can help you navigate these details to ensure your system qualifies for any available incentives. -
Compatibility with the evaporator coil: Another often-overlooked but vital component is the evaporator coil. This coil, usually located above your furnace, absorbs heat from your indoor air and removes humidity as warm air passes over it. For your AC to achieve its rated SEER2 efficiency, the evaporator coil's size and specifications must be matched to the rest of your cooling system. An improperly matched coil won't perform optimally, directly impacting energy efficiency.
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Proper Sizing and Installation Matter
Even the most efficient air conditioner will underperform if it's not the right size for your home or if it's installed incorrectly. An oversized unit will cycle on and off too frequently, leading to poor dehumidification and inefficient operation. An undersized unit will run constantly, struggling to cool your home. Our experts carefully assess your home's unique needs to recommend the perfectly sized system and ensure a meticulous, performance-maximizing installation.
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Regular Maintenance is Essential Think of it like a finely tuned machine: dirty equipment is less efficient. Without regular maintenance tune-ups, dirt and debris can build up, forcing your system to work harder and consume more energy to achieve the same cooling. This is why we emphasize regular maintenance
to keep your system running at peak performance year after year.
These factors are carefully considered when we prepare recommendations for a new air conditioner for your home. In addition, our installation procedures are tailored to maximize SEER rating performance.