SEER and SEER2 Rating Comparison Chart

SEER and SEER2 Rating Comparison Chart

Starting January 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy requires new residential cooling equipment to be rated using the SEER2 test procedure (M1 external static pressure, vs. 0.1 in. w.c. for SEER). SEER2 ratings are approximately 4 to 5 percent lower than SEER ratings for the same equipment.

Why SEER2 Numbers Are Lower

The M1 test adds 0.5 in. w.c. of external static pressure to simulate real-world ductwork resistance. Equipment that previously earned a 16 SEER rating in ideal lab conditions typically earns a 15.2 SEER2 under the more realistic test.

Approximate Conversion

Multiply SEER by 0.952 to estimate the SEER2 equivalent:

SEER	Approx. SEER2
13	11.7
14	13.3
15	14.3
16	15.2
17	16.2
18	17.1
20	19.0
22	20.9
25	23.8

Minimum Efficiency Standards (2023+)

Region	Cooling Min. SEER2
North	13.4
South	14.3
SW	14.3

Source: U.S. DOE Final Rule, 10 CFR Part 430, January 2023; AHRI Standard 210/240-2023.