If you’re a homeowner in Louisiana, you know just how brutal the heat and humidity can be during our long summer season. That’s why your air conditioning system needs to run efficiently and reliably to keep your home cool and your energy bills under control.
One of the best ways to make sure you’re getting the most out of your AC is to understand SEER2 ratings—and how they differ from the old SEER ratings you might be more familiar with. This will help you choose the best possible system for a new AC installation in Hammond, LA.
What Is SEER2?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures how efficiently an air conditioner or heat pump can cool your home over an entire cooling season. The higher the SEER rating, the more cooling you get for every dollar you spend on electricity. SEER2 is the updated version of SEER that came into effect in 2023. It uses new testing procedures that better reflect real-world conditions, including higher static pressure to simulate the impact of your home’s ductwork on system performance.
In short, SEER2 gives you a more accurate picture of how efficient an AC unit will be once installed in your home.
How SEER2 Differs from SEER
The biggest difference between SEER and SEER2 is the testing method. SEER2 testing standards are tougher, so a unit’s SEER2 number will typically be slightly lower than its old SEER number for the same equipment. For example, an AC that was rated at SEER 16 under the old system might now be rated around SEER2 15.
This change doesn’t mean your system is less efficient—it just means you’re getting a more realistic idea of how it will perform when battling our Louisiana heat and humidity.
Minimum SEER2 Requirements
The U.S. Department of Energy sets minimum efficiency standards for air conditioners, which vary by region to account for different climate demands. Here in the South—including Louisiana—the minimum SEER2 requirement for new central AC units is currently 14.3 SEER2 (which equates to about 15 SEER under the old rating).
In the Northern U.S., the minimum is slightly lower at 13.4 SEER2, since those regions don’t face the same long cooling seasons. Because our summers are hot and sticky, meeting only the minimum standard may not be the smartest financial choice for Louisiana homeowners.
Why a Higher SEER2 Rating Makes a Difference
Choosing an air conditioner that exceeds the minimum SEER2 rating can pay off in a big way in our climate. A higher SEER2 unit uses less energy to keep your home comfortable, which means lower monthly utility bills. Over the life of your system, those savings can add up to thousands of dollars—more than enough to offset the higher upfront cost of a more efficient unit.
Plus, higher-efficiency systems often include advanced features like variable-speed compressors and fans, which provide more consistent comfort and quieter operation.
We’re Here to Help You Save
If you’re considering upgrading your air conditioning system, understanding SEER2 is a great first step toward long-term comfort and savings. Our team would love to help you choose a system that keeps your Louisiana home cool while cutting your energy bills down to size. Contact us today to learn about your options and find the perfect high-efficiency AC for your needs!
When you need it done right, contact Professional Heating & Air.