Have you ever heard the term “SEER2 rating” but weren’t sure what it meant? Or are you shopping for a new air conditioning system and saw SEER ratings listed on product descriptions, but didn’t know what number was good or bad? If so, Doc Dancer Heating & Air can help! This blog will cover exactly what kind of impact a SEER rating can have on your home’s cooling costs, dive into the specifics of how these ratings are determined, and give you guidance on your next steps when considering different systems.

What Is a SEER2 Rating?

When it comes to buying an air conditioning unit, one of the most important factors to consider is its SEER rating. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and it measures the efficiency of air conditioning units. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

The seasonal energy efficiency ratio is measured by dividing the cooling output during a typical cooling season by the total electrical energy consumed during that same period. This ratio gives homeowners an idea of how efficiently a unit cools their home while also using less energy.

Why Is the SEER Rating Important?

The SEER rating is important because it tells you how energy-efficient your air conditioner is likely to be. A higher SEER rating means that your new air conditioner uses less energy to cool your home. This not only saves you money on your energy bills, but it also reduces your carbon footprint.

What Is the Difference Between SEER and SEER2 Rating

If you’re familiar with the idea of the SEER rating, but have been shopping for a new ac unit recently and saw the SEER2 rating listed instead, you might be wondering what the difference is. Recently the Department of Energy (DOE) required a new test be performed on cooling systems to determine the SEER2 rating. This test includes the total heat removed from the conditioned space during the cooling season and a test of external static pressure to better reflect real-world or actual conditions of installed equipment.

While your old air conditioner may have had a high SEER rating, when it was installed in your home with leaky ducts, the energy efficiency greatly decreased. With the SEER2 rating system, the system’s efficiency rating is based more on typical residential installation conditions, so you shouldn’t expect such a big drop in energy efficiency once your new air conditioning unit is installed.

How to Compare Air Conditioner Models Based on Their SEER2 Ratings

When comparing air conditioner models, it’s important to keep their SEER2 ratings in mind. The minimum SEER2 rating is 13.4, though most air conditioning systems have a rating higher than this. The higher the SEER2 rating, the more efficient the unit is. A unit with a higher SEER2 rating will save you more money on your energy bills in the long run. Higher SEER2 units often have 2-stage or variable speed compressors or variable speed blowers which can bring a higher SEER2 rating to your unit. The lowers the SEER2 rating, the less likely these variable speed components are included.

For example, let’s compare two air conditioners with different SEER2 ratings. One unit has a SEER2 rating of 14 while the other has a SEER2 rating of 18. The unit with the higher SEER2 rating will likely be more expensive upfront, but it will save you money on your energy bills over time.

To make it easier to compare different air conditioner models based on their SEER ratings, the U.S. Department of Energy requires all air conditioners to display their SEER2 rating on the unit itself as well as in their literature – just look for the EnergyGuide label! This makes it easier for homeowners to compare different models and make an informed decision.

More Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Conditioner

While SEER rating is an important factor to consider when choosing an air conditioner, it’s not the only factor to keep in mind. Here are some other factors to consider:

  • Size: It’s important to choose an air conditioner that’s the right size for your home. If an air conditioner is too small for your home, it will have to work harder to keep your home cool, which can increase your energy bills and reduce the lifespan of the unit. If an air conditioner is too large, it will cool your home too quickly, which can result in increased humidity and reduced indoor air quality.
  • Brand: Choose a reputable brand with a good track record. This will ensure that you’re investing in a unit that’s reliable and durable. At Doc Dancer, we only install Bryant air conditioners. Bryant is a name known for reliability and quality comfort.
  • Local Climate: When you live in a hot climate, you’ll run your central air conditioner more frequently. Because your air conditioning is on for longer, the more energy you’ll be using to cool your home throughout the year. It will be well worth your money to invest in a cooling system with a higher SEER2 rating because a lower rating will result in high cooling costs. A more efficient system will be able to tackle higher temperatures for longer.

Talk to Doc Dancer to Find the Perfect Air Conditioner for Your Home

The SEER2 rating is an important factor to consider when choosing an air conditioner. With the right information and considerations, you can choose an air conditioner that will provide comfort and efficiency for years to come. For help choosing a new air conditioner or to request a quote for air conditioning installation, call Doc Dancer Heating & Air today!