{"id":1126,"date":"2025-04-22T15:37:39","date_gmt":"2025-04-22T15:37:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.www.unitedairtemp.com\/jacksonville-fl-area\/?p=1126"},"modified":"2025-04-22T17:45:35","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T17:45:35","slug":"what-is-a-seer-rating","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unitedairtemp.com\/jacksonville-fl-area\/blog\/what-is-a-seer-rating\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a SEER Rating? What To Know Before Buying a New HVAC System"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"UAT<\/p>\r\n

Considering how hot and humid the Jacksonville area is, it’s important to have an air conditioner<\/a> or heat pump<\/a> that’s as efficient as possible. This can improve your comfort and keep your cooling costs to a minimum.<\/p>\r\n

The SEER rating was created to make it easier to compare the efficiency of different AC models, and this guide will explain how to use it to find the best air conditioner for your needs.<\/p>\r\n

SEER Ratings 101: What Do They Really Mean?<\/h2>\r\n

Seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, represents the amount of cooling that an air conditioning system can provide per kilowatt-hour of electricity over the typical cooling season.<\/p>\r\n

As an alternative to using manufacturer specifications, this figure offers a more accurate way to compare the real-world seasonal efficiency and performance of different brands and models.<\/p>\r\n

SEER standards are set by the U.S. Department of Energy, but the actual testing and rating processes are performed by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute in a controlled environment that simulates real-world weather conditions.<\/p>\r\n

By comparing SEER ratings when shopping for a new HVAC system<\/a>, you can ensure you get the most efficient cooling system for your budget.<\/p>\r\n

How SEER Ratings Affect HVAC Buying Decisions<\/h2>\r\n

Choosing an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will result in a more efficient system with lower cooling costs and greater comfort.<\/p>\r\n

ACs with a high SEER rating will have a higher equipment cost, but their improved efficiency will mean they cost less to operate month after month. So, over its total life cycle, you’ll pay less overall by installing a more efficient AC<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Comparing SEER Ratings Across HVAC Brands<\/h2>\r\n

There is a wide range of SEER ratings that vary by brand and model. Here are a few suggested ratings based on budget:<\/p>\r\n

Good<\/h3>\r\n

In the Southeastern U.S., new ACs must be 15 SEER or higher, so a system with 15 to 17 SEER would be ideal for anyone with a limited budget.<\/p>\r\n

Better<\/h3>\r\n

If you have a bit more money to spend, upgrading to an AC rated at 18 to 21 SEER can save you significant amounts of money on your cooling costs.<\/p>\r\n

Best<\/h3>\r\n

When efficiency is your top priority, you can get the most savings by choosing an AC with 22 SEER or higher, with the most efficient central ACs topping out at about 28 SEER.<\/p>\r\n

Make sure you choose your system based on the SEER rating as tested by AHRI, rather than the manufacturer’s marketing claims, which are often rather optimistic. It will provide a better measure of the system’s performance that can be directly compared to other models.<\/p>\r\n

What Is SEER2?<\/h2>\r\n

In 2023, the DOE introduced a new way of rating air conditioning performance: the SEER2 system. It changed the static pressure and other variables of the testing process to better reflect real-world conditions.<\/p>\r\n

As manufacturers roll out systems tested with these new ratings, you may notice what seems to be a performance drop. This just reflects the new testing methods.<\/p>\r\n

For instance, an air conditioning system rated at 14 SEER would be rated at 13.4 SEER2. A system rated 17 SEER is equivalent to one rated 16.2 SEER2.<\/p>\r\n

Regional Climate & SEER: What’s Right for Your Home?<\/h2>\r\n

Hot climates like the Jacksonville area benefit more from air conditioning systems with higher SEER ratings than cooler climates, so there are different requirements for various regions of the United States. Here’s the minimum SEER ratings set by the DOE for each area:<\/p>\r\n