How to Compare SEER2 to the Old SEER Model

SEER2 Explained & Key Take Away

Whether you are looking for a new air conditioning system for your home or business, it’s important to choose the most energy-efficient option. Unfortunately, some of the terminology used when discussing AC efficiency can be a bit confusing. If you’ve been researching new systems, you may have found yourself confused about the differences in SEER and SEER2 ratings. Discover more about the difference between these two efficiency ratings today.

What Are SEER Ratings?

SEER, short for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, was the way to measure air conditioner efficiency before the updated SEER2 took effect. Every air conditioner has a SEER rating. SEER ratings are calculated by dividing the total cooling output of a system by the total energy used to run the system. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner. Still, a point to note is that SEER measures the maximum efficiency of a unit, not its ordinary, everyday energy efficiency.

It is also important that you understand what constitutes a good SEER rating. For years, air conditioners were required to have a minimum SEER rating of 13. Today, most residential air conditioners have a minimum SEER rating of 14. SEER ratings often fall within the 16-18 range, while the numbers can go as high as 25.

Critical Differences With SEER2 And When They Take Effect

While SEER had been a long-running system for measuring air conditioner efficiency, it no longer is the dominant measuring stick. Now, there is a new, updated system for measuring air conditioner efficiency called SEER2. In essence, SEER2 is the same as SEER, but with harsher testing conditions. The calculations and numbering system remain the same with SEER2, but the stricter testing conditions associated with SEER2 ratings mean that most of these ratings are around 4.3% lower than SEER ratings.

The major change with the switch from SEER to SEER2, apart from the change in test conditions, is the increase in the minimum SEER rating needed for newly installed air conditioning systems. On January 1st, 2023, the Energy Department changed the air conditioning system to SEER2. The primary purpose of the Energy Department in changing the SEER rating system was to save consumers billions on their air conditioning systems over the next several decades while also lessening the impact that air conditioners had on the environment.

What This Means For You

These stricter SEER2 ratings are great news for homeowners or business owners who want to have a new air conditioner installed. When having a new air conditioner installed, the company that you choose is required to offer you one of these more energy-efficient models. While you can certainly choose to hang onto your AC and its standard SEER rating, it is nice to know that there are more efficient options out there. Any new air conditioner must adhere to SEER2’s minimum regional standards.

When dealing with SEER2 ratings, every point matters. For instance, if you’re shopping for a 4-ton air conditioning unit, choosing one with a SEER2 rating of 16 instead of a SEER2 rating of 14 can result in savings of roughly $1,000 over the life of the unit.

2023-2024 UNDERSTANDING HVAC

What is SEER2?
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (SEER2) measures an air conditioner’s cooling efficiency which will replace SEER. SEER2 is calculated by dividing the cooling output (in BTUs) by the electrical energy input (in watt-hours). The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient (SEER2) the air conditioner.
The ENERGY STAR is a U.S Department of Energy program that rewards air conditioners with higher SEER ratings than the minimum required by law for efficient operation. To qualify, units must be 14.5 SEER2 or above on their labels which represent at least 15% savings in energy use. Also, it takes into account new external static pressure conditions that better reflect real-world conditions and energy costs.
The new M1 testing procedure will increase systems’ external static pressure by a factor of five, to better reflect field conditions in installed equipment. By using this change, the nomenclature is being used for SEER2 ratings, which includes EER2 and HSPF2 information as well.
New Testing Method Requirements (M1)
The U.S Department of Energy (DOE) has just published new test procedures for central air conditioners and heat pumps that will take effect starting January 1st, 2023! One major difference between the SEER rating system with its current counterpart is the way each unit needs to be tested under the M1 standard; it contains much more realistic field conditions than before, especially when people could only expect high performance from their HVAC equipment, if they had an installation done by professionals who know what kind of model fits best.
Addressing Static Pressure
The current SEER does not properly emulate ductwork and external static pressure of HVAC systems. By switching to 0.5″ WC, we can accurately reach real world applications of systems.
Limiting Evaporator Coil Surface Area Size
Fan off Delays
Heating Mode Test
New variable speed factor for SEER2
SEER2 M1 Testing Procedures
The goal of new M1 testing procedures is to represent better external conditions seen in the field. Current SEER (0-inch water) does not accurately emulate ductwork and static pressure on HVAC products; it’s often misleading or completely unrelated, when applied outside in a controlled test environment like your home’s furnace room! That said, with increased levels at 2 inches worth per gallon—the same as what you would find outdoors during summertime rainstorms!
New M1 Test will push 2022’s 14 SEER down to 13 SEER which won’t meet standards in America
How does SEER2 Impact Homeowners?
It is estimated by the U.S. Emergency Administration (EIA) that 76 million homeowners are using a central air-conditioning unit which equates to 64%. Only a small portion of homeowners (11%) are using heat pumps for their HVAC equipment.
Department of Energy Conservation states that in total, households using A/C systems and heat pumps can save $2.5-$12.2 billion on energy bills during a 30- year period following the new standards.
As of January 1st, 2023 HVAC contractors can no longer sell or install equipment that does not meet the standard requirements.

Benefits and Costs to Consumers
DOE take on consumers of A/C systems and heat pumps which are measured by the average life-cycle cost (LCC) of their air conditioning units and payback period (PBP).
Fortunately, the average LCC savings for all products are positive. Each class falls below the average lifetime of their heating and cooling equipment payback period. Estimated to be 21 years for cooling and 15 years for heat pumps.
Modern systems today use 25-50% less energy compared to systems 15-20 years