What Is SEER2 And How Does That Impact Your Future Purchases?
When purchasing an AC unit, you probably seek out the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating to check how efficient that new unit will be. However, starting on January 1, 2023, the SEER rating will change to SEER2, which will fundamentally change how people check for efficiency on their HVAC units.
This is a big deal because all HVAC systems must be redesigned to meet those changes before January, and HVAC companies will no longer be able to install or even order units with older SEER ratings.
The products that will be affected by the new regulations include:
- Heat Pumps
- Single Packaged Units
- Evaporator Coils
- Air Conditioner Condensing Units
- Gas Furnaces
SEER Vs SEER2
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sets the minimum efficiency levels for appliances and gives guidance on how manufacturers need to calculate the efficiency of their equipment.
Since 2006, SEER—the ratio of the cooling output of your air conditioner or heat pump during a typical cooling season divided by the total electric energy input during the same period—has been the rating HVAC units used for efficiency. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficiently your system converts electricity into cooling power.
However, SEER tests aren’t always accurate when applied to the real world, so the DOE has created SEER2 to combat this issue and ensure greater accuracy.
A key difference is the way SEER and SEER2 testing consider static pressure. SEER considers the static pressure as part of the overall calculation, while SEER2 considers static pressure in line with how it would operate in your house.
SEER2 is calculated by the total heat removed from the conditioned space during the annual cooling season. Then it is divided by the total electrical energy consumed by the air conditioner or heat pump in the same season.
A Breakdown By Region
North:
- Central air systems must have a SEER2 of 13.4 (equivalent to a SEER of 14)
- Heat pumps must have a SEER2 of 14.3 (equivalent to a SEER of 15)
- Single packaged units must have a SEER2 of 13.4 (equivalent to a SEER of 14)
Southwest and Southeast:
- Central air systems must have a SEER2 of 14.3 (equivalent to a SEER of 15)
- Heat pumps must have a SEER2 of 14.3 (equivalent to a SEER of 15)
- Single packaged units must have a SEER2 of 13.4 (equivalent to a SEER of 14)
Considering SEER2 As A Consumer
The change in SEER is something you’ll want to consider if you are thinking of buying a new AC unit. Check the SEER2 rating for accurate information about your new unit’s efficiency. The more efficient your unit is, the pricier it will be, but you’ll save money on your energy bills in the long run. The reason is simply that it costs more to manufacture an efficient system.
As you prepare to make decisions about AC units, heat pumps, and gas furnaces, it would be good for you to think about the upcoming changes. Since older models can’t be installed after January 1, it would be wise to talk with your local HVAC company for more details on the new standards in SEER2.
At HVAC Warehouse, our professional HVAC contractors will be able to walk you through the changes in more detail. Understanding these details will help you make the best decision for your home’s HVAC system with a SEER2 rating.
