Buying a new air conditioner or heat pump is not a decision to take lightly. These systems are expensive, making it imperative to get a perfect match for your home. A setup with the wrong rating can lead to higher energy bills and uncomfortable living spaces. Fortunately, it’s easy to understand SEER ratings in 2026 and how they influence choosing an AC or heat pump.
Basics of SEER Ratings
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a rating given to ACs and heat pumps that ranges from 13 to 26 and tells you how energy efficient the system is. For example, if an AC has a SEER rating of 16, this means it produces 16 BTUs of cooling for every watt-hour of electricity used.
The higher SEER rating a system has, the more energy efficient it will be. Better energy efficiency translates into lower energy bills and longer-lasting equipment. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you need the highest-rated system. The local climate and home size both play a large role in selecting the right setup.
What Changed with SEER2 Standards
SEER ratings were first introduced in 1979 by the U.S. Department of Energy. Air conditioners with a minimum SEER of 10 became mandatory in 1992. Over the years, the requirements have been updated, including in 2006 and 2015. In 2023, there was a major update, and this is when SEER2 was introduced. SEER2 ratings are more accurate because they use higher external static pressure and updated testing conditions.
SEER Ratings and Minimum Requirements in 2026
Understanding the current SEER2 ratings and minimum requirements for 2026 makes it easier to shop for a system. You’ll know what to look for and which systems to avoid.
Current Minimum SEER2 Standards
The minimum SEER2 ratings that apply to your home depend on where you live. For 2026, the minimum SEER2 for split-system air conditioners is 13.4 in northern states. If you live in southern (Southeast and Southwest) states, the minimum rating is 14.3 for units below 45,000 BTU/h and 13.8 for larger units. The minimum requirement for split-system heat pumps is 14.3 across the whole nation.
How SEER Ratings Affect Energy Bills
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the money to invest in a higher-rated system, the answer is almost always yes. Systems with higher ratings consume less energy to produce the same amount of cooling. Because of this, they help save on cooling costs.
Their energy-saving benefits are especially noticeable when the system runs during peak demand. For example, during the summer, the AC will run longer and cycle more often. With a higher SEER rating, it won’t draw as many watts, which keeps your bills more affordable. Plus, higher efficiency means less stress on the compressor. The reduced wear helps the system last longer with fewer repairs and breakdowns.
SEER Ratings for Air Conditioners vs. Heat Pumps
SEER ratings don’t have anything to do with heating. That’s why they don’t apply to furnaces. However, heat pumps are all-in-one systems that can provide both cooling and heating. This is why heat pumps also come with HSPF or HSPF2 ratings, which tell you how energy efficient the system is as it produces heat. If you’re installing a heat pump, you’ll want to consider both ratings. You don’t want to end up with a system that cools efficiently but then performs poorly when in heating mode.
Higher SEER vs. Higher Upfront Cost
A lot of people put off installing a higher-rated AC unit or heat pump because of the added upfront cost. This is a mistake in a lot of situations. Over time, the cost savings from a more efficient system can more than make up for the initial investment. Plus, a more efficient setup means less money spent on repairs and replacements.
Choosing the Right SEER Rating for Your Home
Now that you understand how SEER ratings work, it’s time to pick the most suitable rating for your home. Doing this requires taking several factors into consideration. You don’t simply base the choice on the SEER rating. Instead, you need to consider the local climate and how it impacts system usage. Equipment in warmer regions benefits the most from higher ratings. For homes in colder regions like North Dakota, a mid-range SEER can still provide a good balance between efficiency and comfort.
You’ll also want to consider a home’s size and the condition of the insulation. Larger homes and those with poor insulation often need a higher-rated system because they have larger cooling demands. If you have a smaller home with adequate insulation, a lower rating may be the best choice and won’t cost as much to install.
Make Smarter HVAC Decisions With Bears Home Solutions
Bears Home Solutions has more than 45 years of HVAC industry experience. We’ll thoroughly explain HVAC efficiency ratings in easy-to-understand terms that help you select the right unit for your home. We even offer emergency services for systems that need urgent attention. Booking regular AC maintenance is one of the easiest ways to preserve the AC’s energy performance.
Contact Bears Home Solutions now to learn more about air conditioner efficiency standards that apply to Grand Forks, ND.
Frequently Asked Questions
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