Trying to decide which AC or heat pump system to install in your home can be difficult due to all the different factors you need to consider. Things like size, brand, and type can all play a major role in how well the system cools, how much it costs to install, how much energy it uses, and how long it lasts.
Regarding cooling costs, the most important factor is energy efficiency. SEER ratings measure the efficiency of all central AC, ductless mini-split AC, and heat pump systems.
What Are SEER Ratings?
SEER ratings are an estimate of how efficiently an AC or heat pump will work throughout a full cooling season. The problem with trying to accurately determine the efficiency of a cooling system is that the main part of the system is outside, where it’s constantly exposed to different heat and humidity conditions. High heat and humidity cause ACs and heat pumps to cool more slowly, resulting in them not working as efficiently as they would in milder conditions. That means efficiency can continually change based on current conditions.
This fluctuation in efficiency is why SEER ratings were developed. Instead of trying to estimate the efficiency of a system at any given moment, SEER ratings look at the average efficiency over an entire cooling season. That means they consider the milder spring and fall days when the system will be much more efficient along with the hottest parts of the summer when you can see a significant drop in efficiency. That way, the rating gives you a closer estimate of how much energy the system would use over the year.
How Are SEER Ratings Determined?
To calculate a system’s SEER rating, all you need to do is divide the BTUs of cooling it provides by the total amount of energy it uses in a full cooling season. The only way to find the second part of this equation is to first test the unit. This means running it in varying conditions. This will simulate the conditions it would operate at during different points of a cooling season, estimating its total seasonal energy consumption.
Testing isn’t perfect, as systems in some areas will operate under hotter and more humid conditions than they are tested at. Nonetheless, SEER ratings still provide an accurate representation of overall efficiency and allow you to compare different models. There are resources available online that allow you to estimate how much an AC or heat pump would cost you to run in a year based on its SEER rating and your location. You can also use this information to see how much you can save by installing a new AC. Compare information for the new unit with the SEER rating of your current system.
As SEER ratings increase, each higher value equates to an approximately 7% increase in efficiency. That means if you currently have a 12 SEER system, replacing it with a 15 SEER system would lower your cooling costs by around 20%. The very best ACs and heat pumps, such as variable-speed systems, have SEER ratings in the 20s. Paying attention to these ratings can save you a significant amount of money. The only drawback is that these systems can cost well over $10,000. The average cost for a new system is only around $5,000 to $6,000.
What Is the Difference Between SEER and SEER2 Ratings?
In 2023, the US Department of Energy mandated that HVAC manufacturers switch from the original SEER rating system to the newly developed SEER2 system. This change was primarily made because research showed SEER ratings weren’t always accurate. They also commonly overestimated how efficiently an AC system would work out in the real world.
A large percentage of HVAC systems have issues that contribute to high static pressure, which refers to the amount of airflow resistance inside air ducts. The problem is that the testing conditions used to determine SEER ratings operated at a lower static pressure than you find in most buildings. This results in an inaccurate representation of real-world energy efficiency.
The SEER2 rating scale overcomes this problem by testing systems at a higher static pressure that more accurately represents the amount of airflow resistance in the average HVAC system. The result is that SEER2 ratings are slightly lower than SEER ratings. For instance, a system that would have received a rating of 15 SEER would only have a rating of around 14.3 SEER2.
What Is the Minimum SEER Rating for a New AC or Heat Pump?
Since 1992, the US Department of Energy has required all new cooling systems to meet a minimum efficiency level. This requirement was most recently changed in 2023, and there are different ratings for the northern and southern parts of the country.
In the Southeast and Southwest, all split systems with a cooling capacity under 45,000 BTUs must be at least 14.3 SEER2. The minimum requirement for split systems with a capacity equal to or higher than 45,000 BTUs is 13.8 SEER2. Packaged systems are generally less efficient and only need to be at least 13.4 SEER2.
In the northern half of the country, the requirements are the same regardless of cooling capacity. Split AC, packaged AC, and packaged heat pump systems must be 13.4 SEER2 or higher, and all split heat pump systems must be at least 14.3 SEER2.
What Is a Good SEER Rating?
You can save money on upfront costs by choosing a system that only meets the minimum efficiency requirements. However, opting for a system with a higher SEER2 rating will often cost less in the long run due to how little energy it will use. Nonetheless, for many people, it still doesn’t make sense to opt for a system with a much higher rating. For most homeowners, opting for a system in the 17 to 18 SEER2 range will provide the best balance between upfront costs and energy savings.
If efficiency is one of your main concerns, choosing an ENERGY STAR-certified system is always a good choice. To qualify for this certification, a split AC system must have a rating of 17 SEER2 or higher. ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump systems only need to be 15.2 SEER2 or higher.
Carnley Services is the company to contact for reliable AC services in the Pensacola, FL area. We offer free estimates and upfront pricing, and our team can expertly manage your installation, maintenance, and repair needs. If you’re looking to install a new AC or heat pump, we carry a range of efficient central and ductless options from leading brands like Goodman, Bryant, and Bosch.
From basic single-stage systems to high-efficiency variable-speed systems, we have the perfect solution for any home and budget. If you’re not sure what will best meet your needs, we’ll happily explain your options and assist you in choosing a new system. We’ve also teamed up with a trusted lender to offer financing options for new equipment on approved credit.
For HVAC services you can depend on, contact Carnley Services in Pensacola today.
