The US Department of Energy has recently adopted new energy efficiency standards for HVAC equipment called SEER2. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or “Rating”. It ushers in a new set of standards designed to help you reduce your monthly energy usage and save on energy bills.

What Is SEER2?

The SEER standard measures the ratio of the cooling output of air conditioner and heat pump over a typical cooling season, divided by the energy it uses in Watt-Hours. SEER2 is the current, updated version that incorporates a new M1 blower testing procedure in the calculation resulting in a more accurate measure of “real-world” conditions of installed equipment.

Read More: 5 Common Causes For AC Failure

SEER vs SEER2

The main difference is that SEER2 provides a more accurate measure by creating realistic testing conditions. The original SEER testing protocol did not account for the influence of ductwork on external static pressure resulting in skewed numbers that did not reflect actual in-home conditions.

SEER2 measurements reflect a system’s energy efficiency by providing a scale that shows minimal standards up to the highest level gauge for residential use. The new SEER2 standards have been adapted to accommodate 3 regions – North, Southeast, and Southwest. Here in the Atlantic County area of New Jersey, we fall into the Northern region. But our neighbors in Delaware are in the Southeast Region.

The new SEER2 rating gauges the efficiency of cooling systems. The higher the rating – the more efficient the system. According to the US Department of Energy, a score of 13.4 is the minimal standard of efficiency. A score of 21.5 is considered to be the maximum score for energy efficiency in a residential setting.

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Are There Different SEER2 Standards By States?

In the Northern tier, which comprises pretty much everything above the Mason Dixon Line,  a SEER2 score of 14 is the base line or minimally efficient target. In the Southeast Region, which includes our Delaware friends, the minimally efficient target is 15. Each new target represents improved efficiency that will ultimately save the consumer on their energy bills. The targets are adjusted for the overall regional temperature swings.

How This Change Affects You

Your home comfort and your pocketbook are the standards that you will apply when making your decision on which HVAC system is right for you. In the Atlantic County area of New Jersey our weather swings from bitter cold to hot and humid – with an emphasis on humid. 

So when your home heating and air conditioning system needs to work overtime for extended periods of time, it may make more sense to choose a higher efficiency system. A higher efficiency system may be more expensive at purchase, but it will save you money in the long term on your energy bills.

Read More: Why You Should Choose A Multi-Stage HVAC System

Why Is The SEER Change Important

Alt Text: Why Are The SEER Changes Important

Understanding the tradeoffs when purchasing your HVAC system can help you make informed choices that will stand the test of time and the weather. Even the least expensive options will provide you with higher quality, energy efficient options than were available under the original SEER standards.

Under the new SEER2 standards you may pay more money up front for the greater efficiency, but the trade off is lower ongoing energy consumption costs.

Tax Benefits Included

New system purchases will have the benefit of some pretty attractive tax incentives. Tax credits and rebates are available to help make upgrading your system a more attractive option – not to mention the savings that you will experience on energy consumption. Your HVAC technician will be able to provide you with all the information that you will need to take advantage of these incentives.

Read More: The IRA And HVAC Rebates And Tax Credits

Air Conditioning Replacement At The Jersey Shore

In the South Jersey area Broadley’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning are the experts when it comes to air conditioning and heating. We can help you out with any AC service, replacement, or repairs that may be needed. Just give us a call at 609-390-3907, or click here to contact us online!