SEER2 in Plain English
When you compare AC quotes, you will see numbers like 14.3, 16 or 18 SEER2. SEER2 stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2. It measures how much cooling a system delivers for the electricity it uses over a typical season. Higher is more efficient. If you are planning AC installation in Foley, understanding this number helps you pick the right system for a long Gulf Coast cooling season.
SEER vs SEER2
Since January 1, 2023, new systems have been rated in SEER2 instead of the older SEER. The difference is the test. SEER2 testing uses higher external static pressure, which better reflects how systems perform with real-world ductwork. Because the test is tougher, SEER2 numbers come out lower than SEER numbers for the same equipment.
So a system that used to be advertised as 15 SEER might now be listed around 14.3 SEER2. It has not gotten worse. It is being measured more realistically. When comparing an old quote to a new one, make sure you are comparing the same rating.
| Rating | What it measures | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SEER2 | Cooling efficiency over a season | Higher is better |
| EER2 | Cooling efficiency at a hot, fixed condition | Useful in very hot climates |
| HSPF2 | Heat pump heating efficiency | Higher is better |
Southeast Regional Minimums
The U.S. Department of Energy sets minimum efficiency standards by region. Alabama is in the Southeast region, which has higher minimums for central AC than the North, because systems here run so much. For new installs:
- Split-system central AC under about 45,000 Btu/h (roughly under 3.75 tons): at least 14.3 SEER2
- Split-system central AC at 45,000 Btu/h and above: at least 13.8 SEER2
- Split-system heat pumps (nationwide): at least 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2
These are the floors. Many systems sold in South Baldwin are rated well above them. Standards can change, so ask your contractor to confirm the current requirements and show you the AHRI certificate for the exact indoor and outdoor combination being installed.
When a Higher Rating Pays Off on the Gulf Coast
Higher SEER2 systems cost more upfront. Whether the savings cover that difference depends on how much you run the AC, and on the coast, you run it a lot. From April through October, and often beyond, systems here work hard. That long season makes efficiency upgrades pay back faster here than in cooler parts of the country.
Things that make a higher rating more worthwhile:
- You live in the home full-time and run the AC most of the year
- It is a rental with heavy use and high guest expectations
- Your current system is very old and inefficient
- You want better humidity control, since many higher-efficiency systems use variable-speed or two-stage equipment
Things that make it less worthwhile:
- The home is a second home that sits empty much of the year
- You plan to sell soon
- The ductwork is leaky or undersized, which limits real-world efficiency
Ask your contractor to estimate yearly running costs for two or three options. For general price ranges, see AC replacement cost in Alabama.
The Refrigerant Change
Refrigerants have changed too. The older R-22 was phased out and is no longer produced. R-410A replaced it and is in most systems installed over the past 15 years. Under federal rules, new residential systems have moved to lower global-warming refrigerants, mainly R-454B and R-32.
What that means for you:
- Existing R-410A systems can still be repaired and recharged.
- New systems will use R-454B or R-32, and indoor and outdoor units need to be matched for that refrigerant. That usually means replacing both halves together.
- Line sets may be reused if they are the right size and in good condition, but the contractor should check them.
- R-22 systems are expensive to repair when refrigerant is needed. That often tips the decision toward replacement.
Get Clear Numbers
Call (251) 270-2500 for free replacement quotes from licensed, insured contractors in South Baldwin. Ask each one to explain the SEER2 and HSPF2 ratings they are quoting and what they mean for your bills. There is no referral fee.