What SEER2 Ratings Actually Mean When Buying a New AC or Heat Pump

What SEER2 Ratings Actually Mean When Buying a New AC or Heat Pump. A SEER2 rating is an important consideration when replacing your air conditioner or installing a heat pump in St. Louis. This helps you measure the energy efficiency of your new unit.

Understanding SEER2 ratings and how they are measured can help you choose your next AC unit or heat pump. SmartHouse can give you recommendations and install it for you.

Key Takeaways

• SEER2 is a measurement used to determine how efficient an AC unit or heat pump is.
• It focuses on the performance of the unit through a season.
• A higher SEER2 rating can result in more efficient energy usage, quieter operation, and more benefits.
• A SEER2 rating of 15.2 is considered “high-efficiency” via Ameren Missouri’s current standards.

SEER vs. SEER2 vs. EER2 Ratings

If you’ve bought an air conditioner or heat pump in the past, you might have seen the original SEER ratings and/or EER ratings for the unit. These measurements are all related, but knowing the differences is important when picking a new heat pump or AC unit.

SEER
SEER, or “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio,” measures an HVAC unit’s average efficiency over an entire season of cooling a home. It was used as the standard efficiency measurement for over 40 years.

SEER2
SEER2 became the new standard for AC and heat pump efficiency measurement after a Department of Energy regulation went into effect in 2023. While it also measures average cooling efficiency across a season, it uses new testing methods to make the ratings more realistic.

EER2
EER2, an abbreviation for “Energy Efficiency Ratio,” doesn’t look at the season as a whole. Instead, it measures a heat pump or air conditioner’s efficiency under high-heat (95° F outdoors temperature) situations.

SEER to SEER2 Conversion Chart

Note: These ratings are approximations – consult with an experienced AC and Heat Pump service provider for further assistance.

The Benefits of High SEER2 Ratings

Adding a heat pump or AC unit with a high SEER2 rating offers numerous benefits:

• Lower Energy Use: Less energy is needed to cool your house.
• Quieter Operations: Because units with higher SEER2 ratings often feature advanced technology (such as multi-stage or variable-speed compressors), they don’t need to perform noisy, full-power startups.
• Better Environmental Impact: Less energy usage improves your carbon footprint, and new refrigerants are more environmentally friendly.
• Take Advantage of Rebates/Financing Options: To take advantage of opportunities like Ameren’s FastTrack program, you need to upgrade to a high-efficiency system.
• Increase Property Value: With an AC unit or heat pump that uses less power, buyers can look forward to lower energy use.

What SEER2 Rating Should You Look For in a New AC or Heat Pump in St. Louis?

If you live in St. Louis, you know that the hot, humid summers can be almost unbearable at times. A strong air conditioner or heat pump is a must for St. Louis residents. By upgrading to one with a high SEER2 rating, you’re maximizing your comfort and energy efficiency.

When looking for a high-efficiency system in St. Louis, it’s important to know that Ameren Missouri currently considers a 15.2 SEER2 rating as the high-efficiency baseline. However, this is not the only factor to keep in mind. An even higher SEER2 rating can directly lead to lower energy usage, as well as further increased home value.

Generally, the more you plan on using your HVAC system, the higher you’ll want your SEER2 rating. In St. Louis, with hot, humid summers, many residents need a rating higher than 15.2 to efficiently reach their desired level of comfort.

If you need help picking out a heat pump or air conditioner for your home, our knowledgeable project managers can help you find the right unit for you. We’ll look at your home’s temperature conditions, your goals, and your budget. We can use this information to recommend a minimum SEER2 rating and an HVAC unit that meets your needs.

Install a New, Efficient Heat Pump or AC Unit With SmartHouse

SmartHouse provides expert, friendly HVAC service to the St. Louis area. Our NATE-certified technicians focus on doing what’s right for each customer on every job.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We make recommendations backed by science, not sales goals.
• We offer a wide range of services for all your HVAC needs.
• We are winners of the BBB Torch Award for Ethics.
• Our team members always ask themselves, “What is the right thing to do?” when working on a project.

Our phone lines are always open. You can call us at 314-370-1816, text us at 314-310-2242, or schedule service online.