What Is SEER2 And Why Should I Care?

Big changes are coming for air conditioning units starting January 1, 2023, and if you’re in the market for a new AC Unit, it may impact your purchasing decisions.

As a consumer, you may not have heard of the words SEER or SEER2, let alone understand what they mean. These are common acronyms in the HVAC industry and are used to measure the energy efficiency of the equipment in your home.

Let’s take a closer look at what these changes will look like going into the new year and how they may impact your purchasing choices in the future.

What Exactly is SEER?

SEER is a universal standard regulated by the US Department of Energy and stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is a standardized measure used in the HVAC industry to understand the efficiency of central air conditioning systems.

The SEER of an air conditioning system is the ratio of total cooling capacity during regular periods and is divided by the electric energy input over the same period.

This ratio is used by HVAC professionals to understand how much electricity is needed for a cooling unit to do its job. The higher the SEER ratio, the less electricity is used and the more efficient the air conditioner is.

What’s the Difference Between SEER and SEER2?

After January 1st, the main difference between SEER and SEER2 is a change in the rating systems. SEER2 has slightly different testing conditions. These changes and adjustments have different data values that fall into a new rating system.

The US Department of Energy will increase the total external static pressure required for HVAC systems. This is because the traditional SEER testing model doesn’t account for different ductwork, so the external static pressure wasn’t nearly as high as it needed to be.

What Products are Impacted by SEER2?

The changes from SEER to SEER2 will impact which equipment is available for you to purchase and use in your home.

Here are a few products that fall under the new SEER2 rating:

• Air conditioner condensing units:

  Have you ever looked at the HVAC unit outside your house? That’s what we call an air conditioner condensing unit or simply “the condenser”. These are considered the outdoor portion of an HVAC system, and it works to collect and release warm air. The outdoor unit of your HVAC system contains a condensing coil, fan, and compressor.

• Single packaged units:

  A single-packaged unit is all of the equipment used for central air conditioning in a unit and is also commonly found outside of the home.

• Evaporator coils:

  The evaporator coil removes heat from the air in your home. This component is part of the air handler of your HVAC system.

• Gas furnaces:

  Gas furnaces are used for heating a home that runs solely on natural gas or propane.

• Heat pumps:

  The heat pump brings warm and cool air into your home. A heat pump utilizes air that’s already inside and outside, making them a highly efficient choice of HVAC systems.

The Impact on the Consumer

You may be wondering: Why does all of this matter? After January 1st, every AC unit purchased will need to meet the SEER2 standard, not SEER.

Impact Will Vary By Location

SEER2 and SEER ratings vary by location. For example, if you live in the Southeast Region, the minimum SEER2 will be 14.3. This is equal to 15 SEER. That means any AC units purchased or installed after January 1st will need to be 14.3 SEER2.

The SEER2 rating is only roughly 4.3% lower than the SEER rating, but it will impact the entire HVAC community and every homeowner across the US.

The Cost Will Increase

Unfortunately, this change means that the cost of air conditioners and other HVAC products that are impacted will inevitably increase. Since manufacturers will need to pay more to produce more efficient systems.

Lower Your Carbon Footprint

For the eco-conscious buyer passionate about saving the planet and saving on their electricity bill every month, SEER2 is a good thing. SEER2 requires manufacturers to be more strategic with product development and requires everyone to meet the new energy-efficient standards.

If you’re in the market for a new AC unit in the upcoming year, you can feel confident that your purchase will be better for the environment and your electricity bill.

The Bottom Line

You may feel tempted to invest in an air conditioner compliant with SEER2 before the new year. However, this might not be the most cost-effective approach, especially if you plan on selling your home or you want to see a more significant decrease in your electric bill.

If you’re in the market for a new AC unit in the Florida area and aren’t sure what steps to take, connect with the team at Scott’s Air. We’re happy to provide you with the guidance you need to make the right decision for your home’s HVAC system.

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!

Categorised in: Air Conditioning, Energy Savings, Thing You Should Know