What Is a SEER Rating?
Curious how your AC’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is impacting your monthly electric bill? In this quick guide, you’ll learn the SEER definition, and how your energy efficiency ratio could be impacting your home’s energy costs.
What Is A SEER Rating?
SEER stands for Season Energy Efficiency Ratio, and represents the cooling output of an HVAC system divided by the overall power consumption during the warmer months. The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is closely related to the SEER but instead of measuring multiple months, it measures instantaneous efficiency, which is why window units are measured in EER and HVACs are measured in SEER ratings.
What Is Considered A Good SEER Rating?
A SEER Rating of 14 or more is considered a good rating, the best SEER Rating is 25, however. In 2006, all residential air conditioners sold in the US were required to have a SEER rating of 14 or more. Not every home needs a Season Energy Efficiency Ratio of 25, though. Factors such as the size of the home should be the determining factor.
Is it worth paying for Higher SEER?
Your AC should have a SEER rating of at least 14 for greater efficiency.
However, whether it is worth paying for a higher SEER depends on the size of the unit, how much you’re willing to spend on the AC upfront, and how much you want to save on our electric bills over time.
In most cases, yes it is worth it to pay for a higher SEER rating.
How to tell what SEER your AC is?
Your AC should have a Yellow and Black Energy Guide rating sticker with the SEER number listed on it. If you can’t find it contact the manufacturer with your unit’s model number.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
Is it worth going from 14 SEER to 16 SEER?
Yes. A 16 SEER rating AC is about 13% more efficient than a 14 SEER rating AC. That means you can save up to $14 off your bill for every $100 you spend.
How much more efficient is a 20 SEER vs 14 SEER?
A 20 SEER AC is approximately 40% more efficient than a 14 SEER AC.
Is 21 SEER worth the money?
If you’re worried about energy costs, and want to reduce your monthly energy bills, a 21 SEER AC could be worth it.
What SEER is a 20-year-old AC?
A 20-year-old AC has a SEER rating between 10 and 12, and all units made after 2006 have a SEER rating of 14 or higher.
What SEER rating do I need for tax credit?
As of January 1, 2025, split system central air conditioners must meet SEER Ratings of 17 or higher, and a EER rating of 12 to be eligible for tax credits.
How much does a 16 SEER AC cost?
A 16 SEER AC costs between $3,000 and $7,500.