What Are SEER Ratings And Why Do They Matter

The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is a standard that measures the efficiency of air conditioning (AC) units. The United States Department of Energy (DOE) is in charge of establishing minimum requirements for residential and commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These regulations ensure manufacturers produce equipment that ensures the safety, comfort, and sustainability of consumers.

For homeowners looking to reduce their energy usage, invest in more sustainable HVAC systems, or lower their energy bills, SEER is a useful metric to evaluate new systems. Learn what a SEER rating is, how new updates in energy regulations affect efficiency, and how to choose the best system for your home.

What Is a SEER Rating?

A SEER rating measures the cooling output of an air conditioner — often measured in British thermal units (Btu) — divided by the energy input — measured in watt-hours. A standard energy efficiency ratio (EER) measures the Btu to watt-hours of a machine at a given point. SEER, however, factors in the total cooling efficiency over the whole cooling season to give you a more complete picture of a system’s effectiveness.

To calculate SEER, you would use a consistent indoor temperature and measure that against the energy your unit expends to accommodate varying outdoor temperatures. The DOE enforces minimum SEER ratings for residential AC systems — the higher the rating, the greater the energy efficiency of the unit.

In 2015, they amended the SEER rating chart to account for North, Southeast, and Southwest regional climates. Most recently, in 2023, the DOE released new guidance for regional efficiencies with the updated SEER2 rating. For a residential split AC, for example, the minimum ratings for the three regions include:

• North: SEER2 of 13.4 for all Btu capacities
• Southeast: SEER2 of 14.3 for units less than 45,000 Btu and 13.8 for units greater than or equal to 45,000 Btu
• Southwest: SEER2 of 14.3 for units less than 45,000 Btu and 13.8 for units greater than or equal to 45,000 Btu

Compliance with SEER2 in the Southeast, including Georgia, is determined by the date of installation rather than the manufacture date. This means that units installed after January 1, 2023, must meet the minimum SEER2 ratings.

To quickly convert SEER to SEER2, you can divide the SEER rating by 1.05. If you’re starting with the SEER2 rating, multiply the figure by 1.05 to get the SEER rating. For example, a unit with a SEER rating of 15 would equate to a SEER2 rating of 14.3.

While you don’t need to know the complex calculations and equations involved in determining an HVAC unit’s SEER or SEER2 rating, it’s still important to understand how to find an air conditioner system with a good SEER rating for your home.

What Is a Good SEER Rating?

To find the SEER rating on your system, look for a yellow tag with the words “Energy Guide.” For residential ACs, SEER2 ratings tend to fall somewhere between 13 and 24. If your unit is older, you might see a lower SEER rating.

When determining the best SEER2 rating for your home, consider your current unit. If it’s an older model, you might be operating with a SEER2 rating below the current minimum standard in Georgia of 14.3 — if that’s the case, you could benefit from significant energy savings by upgrading to a model that meets or exceeds the minimum rating.

Many homeowners look for the ENERGY STAR label when shopping for home appliances like HVAC systems, as these are certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to rank highest in energy efficiency. To qualify for the ENERGY STAR label, central ACs must have a minimum 15.2 SEER2 rating.

How Does SEER Factor Into Choosing an AC System?

Your choice of AC unit depends on many different factors. If you want an efficient system that works well for your home and climate, you need to factor in a few other considerations, such as:

• Your budget: Standard, cost-effective AC systems may have lower SEER2 ratings compared to their highly efficient, higher-rated counterparts. If you’re looking to upgrade your system on a budget, you may want to shoot for a more moderate 14 SEER2-rated system. If you want to maximize your efficiency with a luxury system, then you could invest in a SEER2 rating of around 20.
• Your preferred temperature: You should also factor in what temperature you prefer to keep your home. If you find yourself cold often and keep your AC between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit even during the summer, you might need less cooling power than someone who prefers temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Your home’s layout: Determine whether your system is ductless or ducted, as that can influence your HVAC’s energy efficiency. Furthermore, open-concept homes can be excellent for entertaining but more difficult to cool and maintain a consistent temperature.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Worth It?

High SEER2 ratings translate to greater AC performance, so it may seem like a no-brainer to go for the highest-rated unit you can find. However, while ACs with high SEER2 ratings might net you extra savings, they tend to come at a higher purchase price.

For Georgia homeowners, the high temperatures and increased humidity in the summer months can make a higher-rated unit worth the upfront cost. Along with keeping you cool, these systems can better manage moisture with their variable speed cooling. Since excess humidity in your home can cause issues like mildew and musty odors, controlling moisture is a priority.

The best way to find the right system for your home is to speak to an HVAC professional. They’ll evaluate your current unit and talk with you about your goals so you understand your options and how the updates will affect your family and home.

Get ACs With Exceptional SEER Ratings From Meeks Heating & Air

Homeowners in Metro Atlanta can rely on Meeks Heating & Air for top-quality AC installation and replacement. Our skilled professionals can handle the sizing, design, and implementation of your HVAC system.

Today’s ENERGY STAR-rated HVAC systems offer exceptional SEER2 ratings, superior dehumidification, better air filtration, and enhanced overall comfort. Meeks Heating & Ait offers exceptional SEER2-rated options on our installations for new units.

We also offer seasonal, routine, and planned maintenance to keep your unit operating at peak efficiency. If you join our Meeks Comfort Club, you can enjoy discounts on repairs from Georgia Power-trained specialists.

As a Trane Comfort Specialist, we’re recognized as experts in servicing and maintaining Trane systems, but we can repair, service, and maintain all makes and models. We treat your home as if it’s our own, bringing only the highest quality service and over 25 years of experience in the industry to ensure your comfort.

Contact our team for more information on our AC installation, to schedule an appointment, or to learn about your financing options.