SEER2 is the efficiency rating on every new air conditioner. The higher the number, the more cooling you get for the power you pay for.
If you're shopping for a new system in Phoenix, it's the one number worth knowing. Here's what it measures, the rule for Arizona, and when a higher rating is worth the money.
What SEER2 measures
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Think of it like miles per gallon for your AC.
The old SEER test didn't match real homes very well, least of all homes that run the AC hard for months like ours do. So the Department of Energy brought in SEER2 in 2023.
The new test pushes air against the kind of resistance a system meets in real ductwork. That makes the rating a closer match to what you'll see on your power bill.
The Arizona minimum, and when to go higher
Arizona is held to a higher floor than cooler parts of the country. A new central AC put in here has to be rated at least 14.3 SEER2.
Every new system meets that floor. The real choice is whether to pay for more.
Most higher-rated systems use a variable-speed inverter. A basic system is all on or all off. An inverter makes small changes to its speed and runs longer at a low, steady pace.
What variable speed gets you
- Even temperatures, without the swing from cold to warm between cycles.
- Drier air. Running longer pulls more water out of the air, which helps a lot in monsoon season.
- A quieter unit, with no loud start every few minutes.
We often recommend Trane inverter systems for Valley homes. They do well on all of the above and rate above the SEER2 minimum.
What it does for your bill
A newer, efficient system uses less power for the same cooling. In a city where the AC runs from spring into fall, those savings add up every month.
You also get a system that's far less likely to quit on the hottest day of the year. And a newer, efficient unit can help when it's time to sell the house.
How we help you pick
New rules and new terms can make a simple choice feel hard. You don't need to know every rating to choose well.
We'll look at your AC, hear what bugs you about it, and price both a fix and a new one. If you go new, our HVAC installation work starts with sizing the system to your house.
Want a second opinion? Get one, we're happy to be compared. And if you'd like to see what's out there first, our cooling systems page covers heat pumps and central air built for Valley summers.