A Good SEER Rating: Defined
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SEER Rating
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A SEER rating is a number that most homeowners are familiar with. Located on most HVAC systems, a unit’s SEER is a way for consumers to make a more educated choice on a new unit for their homes. Broadly speaking, a SEER rating is an indication of energy efficiency.
More specifically, SEER is an abbreviation that stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (though you will sometimes hear it referred to as a Ratio instead of a Rating). SEER is typically a double digit number that is calculated using the following numbers:
The total cooling output of an A/C system throughout a usual summer season, divided by —
The total energy the A/C system uses throughout that season (typically measured in Watt-Hours)
The resulting number gives us the unit’s Seer Rating.
The History of SEER Ratings
In 1975, the US passed the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. This new policy required the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to create minimum energy conservation standards for certain equipment, in order to protect consumers.
The DOE passed the first set of standards in 1992, stating that all new central air conditioning units must have a minimum SEER of 10. In 2006, the standards were revised again, and new A/C units were required to have at least a 13 SEER.
Today, the majority of air conditioning units must have a rating of 14 or higher (this standard is slightly lower in many Northern states, which still adhere to an older minimum standard of 13). Prior to 2005, the standard SEER was around 8-10. Old HVAC systems may have a lower rating, around 8 or 9.
SEER Standards in 2020
The latest standards, passed in 2015, require A/C units to have a minimum SEER rating of either 13 or 14. It’s the first set of DOE standards that differentiates between the Northern and Southern states.
For the following Northern states, the minimum SEER rating is 13.
Northern Region States
Alaska
Colorado
Connecticut
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Dakota
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Utah
Vermont
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
For the following Southern states (divided into Southwest and Southeast), the minimum SEER rating is 14.
Southwestern Region States
Arizona
California
Nevada
New Mexico
Southeastern Region States
Alabama
Arkansas
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Mississippi
North Carolina
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington, D.C.
Be Prepared for the Future: SEER Ratings in 2023
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the SEER standards will go up again in 2023. Here’s what you can expect as a homeowner: if you live in a Northern state, new A/C units will be required to have a minimum 14 SEER rating. Southern states are required to be at least a 15 SEER.
A Good SEER Rating Defined
On today’s market, the majority of air conditioning units fall somewhere between 15-18 SEER — although some models boast as high as 33 SEER.
The higher the SEER, the lower your energy costs will be over time. However, for most homeowners, sticking with a unit that has a 15-18 SEER is a wise investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SEER rating is the best for my home?
Most homeowners benefit from choosing a unit that is between 15-18 SEER. There are two main factors to balance when you’re looking at a new A/C unit for your home: where you live, and the size of your home.
If you live in the north of the USA, you should aim for at least a minimum 13 SEER, as this is the legal minimum outlined by the DOE. If you live in a southern state, you should have a minimum 14 SEER.
Next, you need to consider what size of air conditioning unit you’ll need for your home. This is harder to determine on your own, so it’s recommended that you reach out to a local HVAC company or contractor for a consultation.
From there, look at several A/C models and compare prices to determine which one will fit into your budget and save you the most on your energy bills. While higher SEER ratings will lower your utility bills, they can also be more expensive, so you want to be sure that the higher price will pay off in the long run.
What SEER rating do I need for a tax credit in 2020?
If you purchase a qualifying air conditioning unit, you can actually claim it on your tax return and receive a credit. This energy incentive program is meant to encourage homeowners to buy energy efficient appliances and equipment.
You must install the equipment into your primary residence: new construction or investment properties won’t qualify for the program. According to the IRS, there’s a limit of $500 to this tax credit.
The IRS does not make it entirely clear what SEER rating will allow you to receive a tax credit. Their website states that the air conditioner must “meet the applicable standards in the law”. To clarify, you should contact the manufacturer of your A/C unit, or search on their website for information about the federal tax credit program.
Where is the SEER rating located on my air conditioner?
The SEER rating should be printed on a sticker on the side of your A/C unit. If not, it may be written on the front, along with the model number and serial number.
If, for some reason, you’re unable to find the number anywhere on the unit itself, don’t fret. Simply call your manufacturer and ask them for the rating. They will likely ask you for your unit’s model and serial number, both of which will be printed on your A/C unit.
Understanding SEER ratings
Although the topic can be confusing at first, it’s important to know what a SEER rating means. The number allows homeowners to easily compare different models, determining which one is the most efficient and making an educated choice on a new unit for their homes.
Units with higher SEER ratings often come with modern features that allow them to spread cool air evenly, reduce humidity, and maintain temperature even in extreme weather. By installing a unit with a high SEER rating, homeowners can save on energy costs and keep their homes cooler in all types of weather.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
