Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings are used to compare the performance of various air conditioners and heat pumps under controlled laboratory conditions. ENERGY STAR, a division of the U.S. Department of Energy, is responsible for assigning SEER ratings to cooling equipment before it is sold by retailers. Choosing a system with a higher SEER rating can often save you money on cooling your home in Birmingham, Alabama. At One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, we offer practical help in choosing the best HVAC systems for your needs. Our skilled service technicians can provide you with recommendations for SEER-rated systems that will meet your needs in the most energy-efficient way possible now and for years to come.
What Is SEER?
SEER ratings are calculated by testing cooling systems and determining how much energy is used to cool an indoor space over the course of an average cooling season. The SEER rating equation divides the cooling output during summer by the energy used during summer. The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 went into effect in January 1992 and required new air conditioners and heat pumps to achieve a minimum 10.0 SEER rating for sale in this country.
As technology has advanced, higher SEER standards have been implemented. The Energy Policy Act of 2005, for example, increased the minimum SEER rating for new cooling equipment to 13. The SEER2 rating system was introduced by the Department of Energy on January 1, 2023. This new rating system is considered more accurate in determining the energy efficiency of heat pumps and air conditioning systems.
What Is SEER2?
SEER2 ratings differ from SEER ratings in a few ways:
- SEER2 ratings also incorporate an M1 blower testing procedure. This reduces the external static pressure on the system, which allows the SEER2 testing process to reflect real-world operating conditions more accurately.
- Along with the change in testing methods, the Department of Energy has also adjusted minimum SEER and SEER2 ratings to account for regional differences in cooling needs.
- SEER2 ratings may be slightly lower than comparable SEER ratings because of variations in how these figures are calculated. SEER ratings should be compared only with other SEER ratings. The same is true for systems that are rated using SEER2 methods.
What Is EER?
The Energy Efficiency Ratio, also known as EER, is another system that is used to rate the performance and efficiency of cooling systems. EER is calculated by comparing the cooling output of a system to the wattage of electricity needed to produce that cooling level. EER differs from SEER and SEER2 in that it considers an entire year rather than a single cooling season. In 2023, the EER2 rating system was introduced to account for fluctuations in temperatures and to provide more realistic testing conditions during the rating process.
What Are the Current Minimum SEER and SEER2 Ratings?
With the introduction of SEER2 ratings, the way in which SEER and SEER2 minimum ratings are determined has also changed. Regional differences in temperatures and climate have now been factored in to create a more complex but more accurate minimum rating for new AC and heat pump systems. The United States has been divided into three regions, each of which has its own set of minimum requirements:
- AC systems in northern states must meet minimum ratings of SEER 14 or SEER2 13.4 for all new AC equipment sold in this region.
- AC systems in the southwestern states must achieve an EER rating of 12.2 or an 11.7 EER2 rating.
- Air conditioners sold in the southern states, including Alabama, must meet minimum SEER ratings of 15 and SEER2 ratings of 14.3 to be sold in this region.
All heat pumps sold in the United States must have a minimum SEER rating of 15 or a SEER2 rating of 14.3. Heat pumps must also meet energy efficiency standards for heating as well as for cooling.
Can Systems That Do Not Meet SEER and SEER2 Requirements Still Be Sold?
Systems in the southwestern and southern regions that do not meet minimum SEER, SEER2, EER or EER2 requirements for these areas can be shipped to the northern region if they meet the minimum ratings for that region. In the northern region, however, systems that have a minimum rating of SEER 13 can still be installed if they were manufactured prior to December 31, 2022. Systems that did not achieve a rating of SEER 13 or above, however, can no longer be sold and installed in the United States.
Why Are SEER and SEER2 Ratings So Important?
Choosing an HVAC system with a high SEER or SEER2 rating can provide you and your family with some important benefits in your Birmingham home:
- Lower cooling bills: For most people, the most important reason to choose an AC system with a high SEER and SEER2 rating is to reduce the cost of cooling your home. By investing in a more efficient cooling system, you can keep your utility bills lower throughout the summer months in Birmingham.
- Improved indoor comfort: More efficient cooling systems can allow you and your family to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without higher utility bills. This can add up to cool comfort all summer long.
- Green-friendly cooling: Systems that earn higher SEER and SEER2 ratings are better for the environment because they consume less fuel while providing the same cooling power for you.
One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating can provide you with the right recommendations for highly rated HVAC systems that suit your needs and your budget.
Learn More About SEER and SEER2 From the Experts
At One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, we can provide you with the benefits of our experience and expertise in installing new heat pumps and air conditioning systems in the Birmingham, Alabama area. Our team of skilled HVAC technicians can help you find a system that will save you money on operating costs while delivering cool comfort inside your home. Give us a call today to discuss your HVAC needs with our team. We look forward to the opportunity to serve your HVAC needs.