What Is The Difference Between 14 SEER And SEER2 AC Systems?

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Couple of homeowners talking to the Bryant AC system installer

It’s no secret that air conditioning systems (AC Systems) have always impacted energy costs and the environment. That’s why The Department of Energy is always looking for new ways to improve energy efficiency and hold HVAC companies to a higher standard.

The efficiency of AC units is currently measured by two standards, EER and SEER. However, in 2023 HVAC companies will face new challenges and changes that impact these two universal standards.

Here’s everything you need to know about SEER2 and the sunsetting of 14 SEER AC units.

What is a SEER Rating?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is a measurement used to calculate your AC unit’s energy efficiency. SEER focuses on the seasonal aspect of the ratio.

You probably aren’t running your AC 24/7 at the highest possible setting, as warehouses and hospitals might be.

The SEER rating takes the weather and changing temperatures into consideration, looking at the efficiency of your unit during all seasonal changes.

To discover your AC unit’s seasonal efficiency, we measure the average EER during different temperatures and humidity levels. This is to gain a bigger picture of how well the AC works throughout the year. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient your unit is.

For years, SEER has been the industry standard for measuring energy efficiencies. The SEER rating scale has been around for years and has been used by manufacturers. However, there are some inconsistencies in the SEER rating scale that the US Department of Energy plans to address.

What is SEER2?

In 2023, AC units will receive a SEER2 rating instead of a SEER rating. These changes in the rating scale are designed to make up for deficiencies that the SEER rating system lacked.

The Department of Energy is raising the testing conditions for the total external static pressure. The SEER testing conditions do not accurately consider the influence of ductwork on external static pressure.

With the current SEER rating system, the external static pressure test doesn’t accurately represent how AC units are used in homes.

The US Department of Energy developed these standards to measure appliance efficiency and provide manufacturers with a guide to help them calculate the efficiency of the equipment they sell before they put them on the market.

Why does this matter?

The Department of Energy wants to make AC units more energy efficient. With this change from SEER to SEER2 will come changes for the consumer.

For starters, the minimum SEER rating for each region will change. The minimum SEER rating varies by location and is based on The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. This is the regulated standard SEER efficiency.

Here is a look at the minimum SEER for the following locations as of 2022:

  • Northern states: 13 SEER
  • Southern and southeastern states: 14 SEER
  • Southwestern states: 14 SEER

As we transition to the SEER2 rating scale, these numbers will change. However, the SEER2 numbers are lower than the current SEER rating.

For example, in the Southeastern states, a minimum SEER2 rating of 14.3 will be required, which equals 15 SEER.

This means that 14 SEER AC units will be phased out, and new air conditioners will inevitably be more expensive. This is because it will cost manufacturers more to produce more efficient systems. However, switching to an efficient cooling system will help you save on energy costs.

What is happening with 14 SEER?

AC units with a 14 SEER rating are getting decommissioned. Since 14 SEER no longer meets the industry standard for most locations, you won’t be able to buy 14 SEER air conditioning systems after January 1, 2023.

If your AC unit breaks down, you likely wouldn’t be able to replace your unit with anything less than a 14 SEER. However, you will have an opportunity to invest in an efficient cooling system that pushes out reliable cooler air and helps you save on energy costs.

What happens if your current AC is lower than 14 SEER?

Don’t panic. The changes that are taking effect in 2023 are only for new AC units that are being installed. If you have an AC unit with 14 SEER or lower, you won’t be forced to replace your unit.

This is why you must contact Scott’s Air before the end of the year to get a more affordable system.

However, you should consider your central air conditioner for a more efficient cooling system in the future. According to the United States Energy Information Administration, the move from SEER to SEER2 will help save $2.5 to $12.5 billion on energy bills in the first 30 years.

Upgrading your AC unit with Scotts Air

Contact Scott’s Air today to learn more about AC efficiency ratings or if you’re ready to invest in a new AC unit before the end of the year (2022) and save money before time runs out.  The experts at Scott’s Air can help you make the best choice for your home.

  
 

Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning is a full-service heating and air conditioning company and a Bryant® Factory Authorized Dealer in Central Florida. Whether you need repair, maintenance, or installation of a new heating or cooling system, we provide efficient, cost-effective, and professional service. When it’s hot, call Scott!

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AC Service Testimonials

Wonderful team of professionals. Everything was first rate, the installers were excellent .
Scott's Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the very best companies that I have ever dealt with. Each and every employee is very knowledgeable, polite, effecient, and responds quickly to each task. The products and prices are reasonable, and quality is excellent. I highly recommend Scott's Heating & Air Conditioning!
Caca B
Caca B
1694554459
Great crew; on time, knowledgeable and professional. Excellent installation of new system.
Linda Baker
Linda Baker
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Very happy with their work
Eric Garms
Eric Garms
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Oh my god what an amazing company! I literally called one hour ago and said that my thermostat wasn’t working and there was a knock on my door within the hour! They told us what to do to fix it therefore saving us a $600 bill. They came right away, none of that we can see you in 48 hour junk. Amazing.
V Js
V Js
1693328507
They were able to provide me with same day service, friendly and very responsive. Also, I got 2 other quotes and the pricing was the most competitive.
So thankful and impressed! My dad returned home after having open heart surgery to a completely dead HVAC system in the middle of summer. Definitely not ideal. The repair was going to be pricey so he opted for a new unit. A crew came out on a Saturday and did a very clean and efficient install. Highly recommend this company!!!
Brooke Riley
Brooke Riley
1692362381
Very professional, work very neat and cleaned up and removed stuff. Very impressed with all of the staff and the company.
Our AC decided to quit during one of the hottest heatwaves in years. We called Scott's and someone was at the house to give us a quote in 30 min. From the moment they answered our first phone call through the install everyone was amazing, professional and provided a quality product and excellent service. Craig, Jose, Dexter were awesome! One of the new guys brought us a portable unit at 9:30 PM on a Friday so we could sleep. We missed his name, but shout out to him as well (he likes to give high fives). Thanks Scott and team for everything. We highly recommend!!!
K Harper
K Harper
1692132893
For the past week I've worked with Craig on getting estimates for a new A/C unit, and he has been great at answering my questions and addressing any concerns. Very responsive and knowledgeable, straight shooter and direct! I didn't have to deal with any up-selling like working with a used car salesman (I experienced that with other bigger local A/C companies providing quotes). For these qualities alone I would recommend Scott's A/C, even though I will disclose that we ultimately went with another quote from a family referral of an A/C company. Had that family referral not been apart of our consideration, we would definitely choose and recommend Scott's for new A/C installs and service!
rwoodunder
rwoodunder
1691677447
Dan in sales, outstanding jobgoing over equipment and helping us make what was the best decisions for us on purchasing new a/cinstall, plus scheduling the next day!Boris and Justin were excellent with communications while install and after! very clean, professional taking old out and installing new!ty
T F
T F
1690829348
We can't thank Scott's enough. We came home to a air conditioner barely limping along. I called Scott's first thing in the morning and they had a technician out that day. Unfortunately our system could not be saved. The salesman Craig came out that day as well and quoted a new system. Since it was a Friday we could not get the system installed until Tuesday. Scott's provided us with a portable system which definitely helped during the grueling heat wave in Central Florida. Tuesday came, the installers showed up on time and did an awesome installation job. Cleaned everything up and went on their way. Everyone was pleasant, professional and great to work with! Thank You Scott's Heating & Cooling!
Rodger Marty
Rodger Marty
1689943584
Always happy with their response time. Issue started last night causing our A/C unit to shut down. Made a call to Scott's Heating and Air in the morning and a tech was here by 10:45am. Tyrie, the tech, is awesome. He quickly took care of the problem and had us up and running in no time at all. He is knowledgeable and professional and did a great job.
Perfect company to do business with. Professional and courteous in all phases of project.
Ron Brenton
Ron Brenton
1689684296
Excellent response and service. After 25 years of being serviced by a competitor I decided to change companies. AC was out and in need of replacement. Within 24 hours we had the sales rep here and new unit going in for a reasonable expense. No upselling, phony money savings, or timeshare presentations- just a new system without being targeted and pressured into pricey newer technology that will also become obsolete and non reparable every system cycle. I’m recommending to everyone looking for a new provider
Bill Sumner
Bill Sumner
1688123609
Excellent job getting my new system installed. Friendly and professional staff. Would recommend this company to anyone who needs ac work done.
Michael Imlay
Michael Imlay
1686157131
My a/c went out on a Sunday during a holiday weekend. I called and they had someone out there within a couple of hours to repair it! Great service
Susan
Susan
1685582464
All are very responsive and professional! Great job!
Diane Layton
Diane Layton
1682546738
Scott’s saved the day for us this evening. Our A/C stopped working and it got hot inside quickly, which was more complicated because I’m 36 weeks pregnant. Scott’s was responsive to our call and within two hours someone had come and fixed our unit!
Kaley Gilford
Kaley Gilford
1681601593
20 out of 10 this place is amazing. The techs are always awesome. Super knowledgeable, friendly, polite and quick. They are prompt about appointments and always show up within the time frame. They always keep me cool and I cannot appreciate you guys enough!
Emily Koller
Emily Koller
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