When you buy an air conditioner or heat pump for your home, you’ll need to consider everything from the brand to the type of unit. It’s also important to examine the unit’s SEER2 rating, which can affect the comfort level and costs associated with it. This guide tells you everything you need to know about the SEER/SEER2 rating that comes with heating and cooling systems.
What Does SEER Mean?
SEER refers to the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The rating was designed to display the system’s cooling output, which can be calculated by dividing the output over a typical cooling season by the total amount of energy used. This number tells you how much money you’ll spend to operate the unit over an entire year. A high SEER rating indicates that the unit uses less energy.
If you have an older air conditioner that was built 15-20 years ago, the SEER rating is likely between eight to 10. This rating can be displayed in different locations on an air conditioner. For example, you may be able to find it on an EnergyGuide sticker that’s on the outdoor unit.
It should also be written on a small piece of paper that’s positioned on the air handler, which is the HVAC system’s indoor unit. If your model number is something like “YZ20i,” this indicates that the SEER rating is around 20. By replacing an older unit, you may be able to reduce your energy costs by up to 20%-40%.
What Is a SEER2 Rating?
SEER2 is a fully updated version of the original SEER rating mechanism. It’s strictly used for heat pumps and air conditioners. SEER2 systems are generally more efficient than older SEER models. They use an M1 blower testing procedure that properly reflects real-world conditions. The minimum energy efficiency requirements have also changed with SEER2.
What SEER2 Rating Should My Air Conditioner Have?
Air conditioners and heat pumps with higher SEER2 ratings are more efficient. Keep in mind that minimum rating requirements differ by region. In the Southwest and Southeast, ratings are based on the capacity and the type of air conditioner.
Split-system air conditioners need to have a rating of at least 14.3 if the capacity is lower than 45k BTU. If the capacity is higher than 45k BTU, the SEER2 rating must be at least 13.8. In the North, every type of air conditioner needs to have a rating of 13.4 or higher.
When you’re trying to identify the ideal SEER2 rating for your home, there are several factors to consider, which include the size of the system and the location of your property. Call our experts at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating to discuss the SEER2 rating for your new system.
Benefits of Higher SEER2 Ratings
There are several reasons why you should consider upgrading to an air conditioner that comes with a high SEER2 rating. These systems are more efficient, which means that you should save an ample sum of money on your monthly energy bills. While the upfront costs may be higher, you’ll save more than you spend over the system’s entire lifespan.
Since a system with a higher SEER2 rating consumes much less energy, upgrading your air conditioner should reduce your home’s carbon footprint. These systems have a lower environmental impact.
When you’re getting ready to buy a new air conditioner, consider the SEER2 rating and what it will do for your home. If you have questions about this rating system or would like help installing your air conditioner, contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating today to speak with one of our representatives.