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Understanding HVAC SEER Ratings

Learn about HVAC SEER ratings and how they impact energy efficiency and cost savings in our insightful guide. Make smart, informed choices.

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One of the most important aspects of choosing an HVAC system for your home or business is its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) continually updates energy-efficiency requirements for a wide range of home appliances, including air conditioning units, heat pumps, and furnaces. In 2023, the DoE also introduced a new SEER standard — SEER2.

Here’s what you need to know about minimum SEER ratings for 2023, as well as the new SEER2 standards. 

Clean AC unit outside with pink flowers

What is the SEER Rating for HVAC Systems? 

Your HVAC unit’s SEER rating is a measurement of its energy efficiency (heat pumps and mini-split systems have a different energy efficiency measurement — HSPF — because they both heat and cool the home).

Here’s the formula used to calculate the SEER rating for HVAC systems:

Energy usage per hour / British Thermal Units (BTUs) of heat removed per hour 

HVAC systems are tested in a variety of operating conditions in temperatures ranging from 60 to 100 degrees. SEER ratings vary by geographical region since some hot climates — Florida, Southern Texas, Arizona — have greater cooling needs than more temperate northern climates.

How Does SEER Differ From SEER2 and EER Ratings? 

Most air conditioning units in use today will have SEER rating since SEER2 only went into effect on January 1, 2023. We’ll jump into minimum SEER ratings for 2023 by region a bit later. For now, let’s look at how SEER differs from SEER2.

As mentioned earlier, an HVAC unit’s SEER rating is a measurement of how much energy it uses divided by how much heat (in BTUs) is removed from a room in an hour’s time. SEER2 simply takes the testing process a bit further by increasing the amount of static pressure used during the testing process.

Think of static pressure as resistance to airflow. Static pressure could stem from closed vents, obstructions in the ductwork, dirty filters or anything else that makes the HVAC unit’s blower work harder. SEER testing used .1 inches of static pressure, while SEER2 more accurately reflects real-world operating conditions with .5 inches of static pressure.

An EER rating, meanwhile, is a measure of energy efficiency for freestanding room or window insert air conditioners. 

Minimum SEER Rating in 2023 by State and Region

SEER ratings were increased slightly beginning in 2023. All new air conditioning units must have a minimum SEER rating of 14, a step up from the prior standard of 13. The increase translates to an approximately 8 to 10 percent additional energy savings. HVAC units with higher SEER ratings offer homeowners greater energy savings, but they also will cost more upfront.

Here are minimum SEER ratings for 2023 by region and state:

North Region

Here are all the states that are considered in SEER ratings for the Northern region. They are organized alphabetically.

  • 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

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North SEER Rating
Old SEER RatingNew SEER RatingSEER2 Rating
13 SEER14 SEER13.4 SEER2

Southeast Region

Below, you’ll find an alphabetical list of states that are in the Southeast region for SEER ratings.

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Mississippi
  • North Carolina
  • Oklahoma
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia

Southeast SEER Rating
Old SEER RatingNew SEER RatingSEER2 Rating
14 SEER15 SEER14.5 SEER2

Southwest Region

There are just a few states in the Southwest region:

  • Arizona
  • California
  • New Mexico
  • Nevada

Southwest SEER Rating
Old SEER RatingNew SEER RatingSEER2 Rating
14 SEER15 SEER14.3 SEER2

Note: Smaller air conditioning units under 3.5-ton capacity in Southwest and Southeast regions may have slightly lower SEER and SEER2 requirements. In both regions, those ratings are 14.5 SEER and 13.8 SEER2. 

Choosing the Right SEER Rating for Your Home

When choosing a new air conditioning unit for your home, bigger doesn’t always mean better. You have to take into account the total square footage that needs to be cooled.

Purchasing a unit that’s too big for a small area will not work efficiently — it will overcompensate. Conversely, buying a unit that’s too small to cool a larger area means it will work overtime, run up your utility bill, and place unnecessary strain on the unit. You’ll also need to take into account how long you plan to stay in your home. Purchasing an AC unit with a higher SEER or SEER2 rating will cost more, and you likely won’t recoup your investment if you only stay in the house for a few years.  

Close-up image of a person adjusting an Energy Efficient AC Unit Thermostat

SEER Rating by HVAC System 

There are four main types of HVAC systems:

  • Furnace and air conditioning unit.
  • Furnace and heat pump.
  • Heat pump.
  • Ductless mini-split.

Some homeowners also elect to install geothermal heat pumps where there are sufficient geothermal resources to support their operation.

As noted earlier, all new AC units (including ductless mini split systems) must meet the minimum SEER rating in 2023 of 14 SEER/13.4 SEER2. The standard for heat pumps, however, has increased to 15 SEER/14.3 SEER2.

Converting SEER to SEER2 Ratings

As a rough rule, there’s about a difference of 4.5 between SEER and SEER2 ratings. The table below clearly defines the differences between the two standards: 

SEER vs SEER2 Ratings
SEER RatingSEER2 Rating
1211.5
1312.4
1413.4
1514.3
1615.3
1716.2
1817.2
1918.1
2019.1
2120.1

Why Are SEER Ratings Important for Your Home HVAC Systems?

In a nutshell, a higher SEER/SEER2 rating means greater energy efficiency. It’s a bit like sizing for a television – a 65-inch television has almost a 40-percent greater viewing area than a 55-inch model (and costs more as well).

The table below shows your potential energy savings if you purchase AC units with higher SEER2 ratings: 

SEER and Energy Efficiency
SEER2 RatingIncreased Energy Efficiency
13.40%
14.36%
15.212%
1616%
1826%

A higher SEER2 rating means your unit will operate more efficiently and consume less energy. Some manufacturers sell AC units with a 21.5 SEER2 rating, but it’s important to note that the high rating is a maximum — the unit may not reach that high of efficiency in your home due to its operating conditions. Think of vehicle fuel ratings — your car will get much better mileage driving across the plains of Kansas than in the mountains of Colorado. 

Frequently Asked Questions about SEER Ratings

Why have the SEER/SEER2 regulations changed?

The changes in Seer ratings stem from changes in HVAC testing procedures. The former SEER ratings did not accurately reflect real-world field conditions for HVAC systems.


​What are the estimated yearly energy savings associated with an air conditioner that meets the new minimum SEER rating?

The answer here varies depending on the SEER rating of your current air conditioning unit versus the rating of a new SEER2 unit. As an example, however, a 3-ton AC unit with a SEER rating of 9 consumes roughly $1,950 in electricity annually. That same-sized AC unit with a SEER2 rating of 18 consumes about half that much power, about $925 per year.


Does change in SEER rating increase prices of HVAC systems?

Yes. Installation of new SEER2 systems and upgrades to existing systems are expected to rise between 15 and 20 percent. The increases are due to higher labor costs, changes in equipment design and size, and improved internal components. 


How does SEER compare to HSPF rating?

The SEER/SEER2 rating is a reflection of the amount of heat removed from your home by the AC divided by the amount of energy used for the process. HSPF rating, meanwhile, describes the heating efficiency rating for heat pumps. Apples to oranges, in other words.


How does SEER compare to EER rating?

Energy efficiency ratio (EER) describes your air conditioning unit’s cooling capacity in regards to the power it uses. Higher EER ratings equate to more-efficient AC units.


Are there incentives or tax rebates on purchasing HVAC systems with higher SEER ratings?

Yes. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provides for up to $3,200 in tax credits to homeowners who install energy-efficient upgrades such as heat pumps and other equipment.


Is it worth going from 13 SEER to 16 SEER?

A higher SEER rating always equates to increased unit efficiency and lower energy usage. A high-efficiency SEER 16 unit will cost more, but it’s eligible for a federal tax credit, and as a two-stage unit it transfers air twice as fast.


What is the minimum SEER rating for new systems?/What are the minimum SEER rating requirements?

The minimum SEER rating in 2023 depends on where you live. Refer to the minimum SEER rating in 2023 by state and region above.


Find the Right Contractor for Your HVAC Project

Whether you’re ready to begin your project now or need some expert advice, our network of contractors are here to help. With a few simple questions, we’ll find the best local professionals for you