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SEER: What It Is and Why It’s Important

If you’re in the market for a new cooling system, energy efficiency is an important consideration. A more efficient system will be cheaper to run monthly throughout the summer. It will also lower your overall energy consumption and your household’s environmental impact.

What Is SEER?

The HVAC industry uses a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) to measure cooling performance. The Department of Energy (DOE) introduced this ratio in 1979 as a convenient tool for consumers. The higher the number, the more efficient and affordable the system. If comparing a SEER 15 to a SEER 14, for instance, the former will be cheaper to run. The DOE regulates the SEER rating system and requires companies to include it with any appliance with an EnergyGuide label. This EnergyGuide label is a yellow sticker for any appliance that meets certain energy consumption thresholds.

SEER2

SEER measures how much electricity a cooling system uses to maintain a temperature. This represents most of a household’s energy to cool its home during the summer. Since 1979, the industry has learned that pipes contribute to energy losses. That loss can be about 5% even in a new system and rise to between 20% and 40% over time. SEER2 is a new version of the system introduced in 2023 that accounts for static air pressure in ducts.

For all applicable appliances made in 2023 or later, the SEER2 rating is alongside SEER on the EnergyGuide label. You can compare SEER2 to SEER2 and SEER to SEER, but not SEER2 to SEER.

EER and EER2

The EnergyGuide label also provides the energy efficiency ratio (EER, EER2). SEER reflects cooling performance over an entire cooling season, while EER reflects peak cooling performance. SEER is more useful for the typical consumer because it indicates how much electricity they’ll use to cool their homes, while EER indicates how efficient an AC is at maximum capacity.

HSPF and HSPF2

The heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF, HSPF2) indicates heating performance over winter. You’ll find this information on the EnergyGuide label with heat pumps and ductless mini-splits that provide heat. Heat pumps are essentially AC units that can run their refrigeration processes in reverse to heat a home.

Minimum SEER

In the 1990s, the DOE established minimum SEER rating minimums and organized the country into three regions: North, Southeast, and Southwest. These regions reflect different heating and cooling needs. When the DOE updates the minimums, manufacturers can no longer sell HVAC equipment that is underperforming the standard. The law does grandfather older systems.

The last update to the SEER minimums went into effect on January 1, 2023. California is in the Southwest region, and the minimum for that region is 15 SEER and 14.3 SEER2.

Estimating Operating Costs

The industry measures the output of HVAC equipment in British thermal units (BTUs). Residential central ACs typically range from 20,000 to 60,000 BTUs. You can divide the SEER value into the BTU value to determine the estimated watts a unit will use during the summer. To determine your costs, you can then multiply those watts by your electricity rate.

ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR is a partnership between the DOE and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The program tests appliances’ energy usage through independent labs. If an appliance meets the EPA’s energy efficiency criteria, it receives ENERGY STAR certification. If applicable, the ENERGY STAR label is on the EnergyGuide label.

Tax Credits & Rebates

Energy incentives, including rebates and tax credits, are available for AC units, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, etc. Typically, a unit must have ENERGY STAR certification to make you eligible for those incentives.

Would You Like To Install a New AC or Heat Pump?

Breeze Air Conditioning has been a trusted HVAC company in Palm Desert, CA, since 1980. Our NATE-certified technicians install, maintain, and air conditioning repair, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, and furnaces. We install, calibrate, and program smart thermostats. Our company offers a maintenance plan that will save you money and keep your HVAC equipment serviced on schedule. We can also help you improve your air quality through air purifier and humidifier installation and service. If you have questions or want to schedule a consultation or service appointment, contact us online or call us today.