SEER2 Explained: What the Rating Means for Your Florida Power Bill

What SEER2 measures

SEER2 is the cooling a system delivers over a typical season divided by the electricity it uses, in Btu per watt-hour (ENERGY STAR specification definitions). Higher is more efficient.

The "2" matters. Since January 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has used a new test procedure meant to "better reflect real-world installation and use" (DOE 2023 standards FAQ). One change: conventional ducted systems are now tested against a minimum of 0.5 inches of water column of external static pressure. That simulates the resistance of real ductwork (Federal Register, DOE test procedure).

Because the test changed, DOE says SEER2 ratings "are not directly comparable" to old SEER ratings. The same equipment usually scores a lower number under SEER2.

Florida's minimums

DOE splits the country into regions. Florida is in the hot-humid Southeast region (DOE FAQ).

Sources: AHRI regional standards and the DOE FAQ.

Two practical points:

• Installation date counts for split ACs. In the Southeast, a split AC that doesn't meet the 2023 standard can't legally be installed after January 1, 2023, even if it was built earlier. DOE takes reports of illegal installations through its regional standards enforcement office.
• The rating belongs to the matched system. A SEER2 rating applies to a specific outdoor unit paired with a specific indoor coil or air handler. You can look up certified combinations in the AHRI Directory. Ask for the AHRI reference number on your quote.

A note on ENERGY STAR

On February 1, 2026, EPA ended the ENERGY STAR specification for central air conditioners (ENERGY STAR: Central Air Conditioners Sunset). New central ACs no longer carry the label.

Heat pumps are still certified. An ENERGY STAR split-system heat pump must reach at least 15.2 SEER2, 11.0 EER2 and 7.8 HSPF2 (ENERGY STAR Heat Pump Specification v6.2). Thinking about one? See our heat pumps page.

How to estimate your own savings

We don't publish dollar figures, because your bill depends on your home, your thermostat habits and your rate. You can still run the math yourself.

The ratio method. Under the same conditions, cooling energy scales with 1 ÷ SEER2. So:

Cooling energy with new system ≈ cooling energy with old system × (old SEER2 ÷ new SEER2)

Example: going from 13.4 SEER2 to 15.2 SEER2 gives 13.4 ÷ 15.2 ≈ 0.88. The 15.2 system would use about 12% less electricity for cooling.

That lines up with DOE's own numbers. In the Federal Energy Management Program's Southeast example, a 13.4 SEER2 central AC uses an estimated 9,159 kWh a year. A 15.2 SEER2 model uses 8,074 kWh, and a 23.5 SEER2 model uses 5,222 kWh, under FEMP's stated assumptions (DOE FEMP). Your numbers will differ. The proportions are the useful part.

To apply it to your bill:

1. Look at your monthly kWh. Compare a mild month with a peak summer month. The difference is a rough sense of cooling use.
2. Multiply that cooling use by the ratio of the two SEER2 ratings.
3. Remember the limits. If your current system has an old SEER rating, convert it roughly first (AHRI equates 14 SEER to about 13.4 SEER2). Ratings also assume the system is in good shape.

Ratings assume a good installation

The rating on the label is what the equipment can do. DOE notes that oversizing, improper refrigerant charge and leaky ducts "result in efficiency losses, occupant discomfort, and shortened equipment life" (DOE FEMP). A higher SEER2 unit on undersized or leaky ductwork won't deliver its full number. That's true in a home and in a small office, shop or other light commercial space.

The next step

We look at the home or building first: size, ductwork, the current equipment and how you use the space. Then we quote matched systems in writing, with their ratings.

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Local heroes on the Space Coast can get 10% off the total, up to $2,500, on new units and repairs through our Local Heroes program. Family members qualify too. It can't be combined with other offers.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. ENERGY STAR specification definitions
2. DOE 2023 standards FAQ
3. Federal Register, DOE test procedure
4. AHRI regional standards
5. regional standards enforcement
6. AHRI Directory
7. ENERGY STAR: Central Air Conditioners Sunset
8. DOE FEMP

Written by OBC Air & Heat, Space Coast, Brevard County, FL. State Certified Air Conditioning Contractor, License No. CAC1825377. General information only; your system and home are reviewed before any recommendation.