When you decide to invest in a new air conditioning system or heat pump for your home, there are various factors that you’ll want to take into consideration. One particular rating that you may notice all of these systems have is a SEER2 rating. We’re going to do a deep dive into what this rating stands for and why it can help you choose the appropriate air conditioning system or heat pump for your home.
Defining SEER2
SEER2 formally stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio two. Many homeowners are familiar with traditional SEER ratings that these systems came with just a couple of years ago. However, the newer SEER2 rating is the modern standard for measuring the energy efficiency of a new heat pump or air conditioning system. This particular rating system was introduced back on January 1, 2023, by the Department of Energy (DOE) as a mandatory standard for all HVAC manufacturers to follow.
The Differences Between SEER and SEER2 Ratings
The newer SEER2 rating system provides more accuracy than the traditional SEER rating system. This newer efficiency rating requires additional M1 testing procedures that help to better reflect real-world conditions. These include details like mimicking the actual resistance of ductwork and testing with higher static pressure.
One key difference you’ll know when you’re comparing the ratings between both of these different rating systems is that the newer SEER2 ratings of heat pumps and air conditioners are slightly lower due to the more stringent testing standards than the traditional SEER ratings.
It’s also important to note that the federal government has set new standards for the minimum SEER2 rating, and any new HVAC system is required to meet those standards. The current standards require installations done in the northern region of the country to have a minimum SEER2 rating of 13.4, which is slightly lower than the previous 14 SEER rating. HVAC systems installed in the southern region and the southwest must have a minimum SEER2 rating of 14.3, which is lower than the previous requirement of 15 SEER.
Why Update the Rating System?
When you first start learning about the differences between SEER and SEER2 ratings, you may be wondering why the government changed the rating system. This monumental change took place to help create more realistic efficiency standards that can help consumers make better decisions about the air conditioning systems and heat pumps that they purchase.
The old SEER rating procedures were done in very optimal conditions. They didn’t take into account real-world conditions, like airflow challenges and ductwork resistance. This created an unrealistic rating that homeowners were using to purchase units that didn’t perform as their rating suggested. The newer SEER2 ratings more accurately reflect how an HVAC system will operate once it’s installed in a home. This will allow you to better spend your money on a system that you know meets your needs.
How Does SEER2 Correlate to Energy Savings
SEER2 directly correlates to the overall operating efficiency of an air conditioning system. The higher the rating that a system has, the more efficient its operation is going to be. For example, an AC system that has a SEER2 rating of 18 is going to be more efficient than a system with a rating of only 12.
The more efficient your system is, the less energy it’s going to use throughout the year, which means more energy savings for you. It’s been estimated that if you upgrade from a SEER2 system with a rating of 10 to one that has a rating of 15, you can save between 20 and 30% on your annual cooling costs.
New Rebates and Incentives
Purchasing a new air conditioning system or heat pump that has a high SEER2 rating can make you eligible for various tax incentives and rebates. One of the most well-known is going to be the federal tax incentive offered under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This allows you to claim up to $1,200 for a new air conditioning system or up to $2,000 for a new heat pump that meets the specific SEER2 standards set underneath the Act.
Many states also offer local programs that can help reduce your local taxes when you invest in these types of systems. Even more so, you’re likely to find that local utility companies and system manufacturers will also give you a rebate for purchasing one of these systems as long as it has a SEER2 rating that meets their minimum standard. That’s a lot of extra cash that you can use to recoup some of the upfront costs that you spent on your new system.
The Many Benefits of Upgrading to a High SEER2 System
Now that you better understand the SEER2 rating system for air conditioning systems and heat pumps, you may be wondering if you should upgrade your existing system. To help you make that decision, it can be helpful to explain some of the key benefits that you can gain from doing so. One of the most obvious benefits is that you’re going to have lower energy bills because your new system is more efficient than your old one.
Another great benefit is that you’ll reduce your household’s carbon footprint. This is because your system will run less often and use less energy annually. These systems tend to provide a quick return on their initial upfront investment, which can be a big plus for many homeowners. As with updating any air conditioning system or heat pump, you get the comfort of knowing that your new system is much less likely to break down and it comes with a brand-new warranty.
Comparing SEER to SEER2 Ratings
When choosing a new air conditioning system or heat pump for your home, it’s pretty standard to consider how a newer SEER2 rating compares to your existing system’s SEER rating. This can let you know whether you’re purchasing a system that has a higher efficiency level or not. In general, comparing SEER and SEER2 ratings produces different results depending on whether you live in the northern region or the southern region of the country.
If you live in the northern region, you can typically conclude that a new air conditioning system with a SEER2 rating of 13 is equal to a SEER rating of 13.4. The newer SEER2 is going to be slightly lower than the old SEER rating because of the more vigorous testing that’s done on the unit. Therefore, if your existing air conditioning system has a SEER rating of 10, purchasing a new system that has a SEER2 rating of at least 11 will ensure that it’s more energy efficient than your existing system.
Reliable AC Installation Service
Southern Pride Service offers reliable air conditioner installation services for the La Plata, MD area. We can also help with all your air conditioning replacement, repair, and maintenance needs. Simply call our office today to schedule your next service appointment with one of our helpful HVAC technicians.
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