What does SEER2 measure?
SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. It compares the cooling a system delivers over a season, in Btu, to the electricity it uses, in watt-hours. A higher rating means more cooling per unit of electricity.
SEER2 uses the revised DOE test procedure, which was designed to better reflect real installation conditions. DOE states that SEER2, HSPF2 and EER2 are similar to the old metrics but not directly comparable. Do not convert an old SEER number to SEER2 by guesswork. Use the rating on the AHRI certificate for the exact matched system.
What are the minimum SEER2 ratings?
Since January 1, 2023, DOE sets minimums for central equipment. The rules differ by region, because DOE split the country into North, Southeast and Southwest. Always confirm the current rule for the state where you install, because DOE publishes the state lists and the rules can change.
- Split-system air conditioner, under 45,000 Btu/h: 13.4 SEER2 in the North, 14.3 in the Southeast and Southwest.
- Split-system air conditioner, 45,000 Btu/h and larger: 13.4 in the North, 13.8 in the Southeast and Southwest.
- Split-system heat pump: 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2, nationwide.
- Single-package air conditioner: 13.4 SEER2 nationwide, with regional standards that raise it in the South.
- The Southwest also has an EER2 minimum for split-system air conditioners.
Which date decides what you can install?
In the North, DOE ties compliance to the date of manufacture. A unit built before January 1, 2023 that met the earlier standard may still be installed after that date. In the Southeast and Southwest, compliance is tied to the date of installation, and DOE says a contractor should not install a unit that does not meet the standard.
That makes the model number and the AHRI certificate part of every quote, not an afterthought.
What does a higher SEER2 save? A worked example
Use a 3 ton system, 36,000 Btu per hour, and an assumed 1,000 equivalent full-load cooling hours a year. Your climate and usage will differ, so treat the hours as an example.
Seasonal cooling: 36,000 x 1,000 = 36,000,000 Btu. At 13.4 SEER2 the system uses 36,000,000 / 13.4 = 2,686,567 Wh, or 2,686.6 kWh. At 16 SEER2 it uses 36,000,000 / 16 = 2,250,000 Wh, or 2,250 kWh.
The difference is 436.6 kWh a year. At an assumed $0.15 per kWh that is $65.49 a year. If the 16 SEER2 option costs $1,200 more, simple payback is $1,200 / $65.49 = 18.3 years, before any utility rebate or tax credit.
Savings depend on local rates and hours, so run the numbers with your customer's real usage.
How should an estimator talk about SEER2?
Show the rating of each option on the proposal, say what the minimum is, and explain the trade between price and running cost in plain dollars. Avoid promising a utility bill result. Quote the rating, the model and any rebate that you have confirmed with the program.
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Sources: U.S. DOE EERE: 2023 Central Air Conditioner Standards FAQ