What is SEER, and how is SEER2 different?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is used to determine the efficiency rating of air conditioning systems. The ratio reflects the amount of heat removed from a space and divides that amount by the energy used to remove the heat. When your air conditioning unit has a higher SEER rating, it is more efficient at removing heat during the cooling season, and you will likely enjoy lower average electric bills with its use. SEER ratings can be found on the indoor air handler, the outdoor unit, or contained within the serial number on the system.
SEER2 came to fruition after the SEER rating system that was put in place in 1992 was reviewed by the Department of Energy. They decided that the testing method for SEER needed to be revised to account for real-world installation and settings associated with many residential air conditioners. This new method of testing resulted in the SEER2 rating efficiency standard; the new minimum for cooling systems produced on January 1st, 2023, and after.
The new testing process accompanying SEER2 ratings is called M1. It increases the external static pressure in the heat pump or air conditioner during testing from 0.1 in WC to 0.5 in WC to account for ductwork and other factors not included in the original SEER calculations.
In general, the increased testing methods will have SEER2 ratings that are around 4.5% lower than the older SEER ratings, making older models that just met the SEER requirements before the change no longer compliant. The best air conditioner brands typically produced systems with a higher SEER than needed, which means many will meet the minimum efficiency requirements under SEER2.
What are the new SEER2 standards?
The new testing procedures outlined in the SEER2 standard will allow for more significant energy savings for homeowners, lower average electric bills, and lower use of fossil fuels. In general, the original SEER rating minimum of 14 has now been changed to 15 or a 14.3 equivalent with the new SEER2 ratings. While this is seen as a general new standard, other factors will affect the SEER2 regulations of your cooling system.
What region am I selling or installing an HVAC system in?
One of the first things that can affect your new SEER2 standards is the region where your system is installed and purchased. In the country's Southern region, the new SEER ratings for AC units with BTUs below 45,000 have moved from 14 SEER to 15 SEER. For systems over 45,000 BTUs, the new requirement will be a SEER2 rating of 14.5.
For installations and purchases in Northern regions, the SEER ratings will move from 13 SEER to 14 SEER for all units, translating to 13.4 SEER2.
What type of HVAC unit am I working with?
There may also be differences in SEER2 requirements based on the type of system you plan to install. Central air conditioners, like traditional split system air conditioners, will follow the same SEER2 ratings as above, while heat pumps and packaged systems will have different guidelines.
Under the new SEER2 ratings split system, heat pumps will need a SEER2 rating of 14.3 and an HSPF2 rating of 7.5 to meet minimum efficiency guidelines. To meet SEER2 requirements, packaged units will need a SEER2 rating of at least 13.4 and an HSPF2 rating of 6.7.
While some older systems will be grandfathered into the older regulations, all new cooling systems produced and installed after the SEER2 required deadline of January 1st, 2023, must follow the new minimum efficiency standards.
How is SEER2 calculated?
Whether you are looking at the best air conditioner brands or a more mid-range model, knowing how to calculate the SEER2 on a system will allow you to understand the energy savings that can come with higher-rated systems if you are looking for a reduction in your average monthly electric bills.
The new formula will use similar calculations, though it may add more assumptions to make the calculation representative of more real-life conditions.
To calculate SEER2, you must calculate how much cooling BTU your HVAC system will get from the wattage used during the three months of the cooling season. You will then divide the number of BTUs by the kWh to get the initial SEER rating.
Once you have the SEER rating, you can use a SEER conversion table to see the new SEER2 rating, which is roughly 4.5% less than the initial SEER rating. The lower number is the result of harsher testing conditions of SEER2, which increases the external static pressure fivefold and includes the following assumptions about the cooling season.
- Your AC unit will run at 100% load for only 1% of the cooling season.
- It will run at 75% load for 42% of the season
- It will run at 50% for 45% of the season.
- It will run at 25% for 12% of the season.
The resulting move to the SEER2 minimum energy efficiency standards will mean greater energy efficiency in your home and lower average utility bills in the summer months.
Do I need to do any math on my own?
While you could perform the calculations independently to determine SEER and then use a table to convert to SEER2, you won’t be expected to make your own calculations. All manufacturers are now required to label new systems with the new SEER2 rating so that you can see the energy savings and ensure your system complies. While manufacturers have been made aware of the new SEER2 guidelines, it is always good practice to check the SEER2 rating before you purchase to ensure that it has the correct minimum efficiency standards for your region.
Superior Home Supplies carries the best SEER2-compliant air conditioner brands
Whether you are interested in enjoying a lower electric bill or want to find the best SEER2 air conditioner systems and brands under the new SEER2 guidelines, the sales team at Superior Home Supplies is here to help. If you have questions about the new SEER2 standards or are looking to replace your current system with one that is SEER2 compliant, contact us today at 855-578-7374.