EER, which stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio, measures the cooling efficiency of an air conditioner or heat pump at the outdoor temperature of 95°F. Recently, the Department of Energy (DOE) updated its testing procedure for determining EER, which changed HVAC system ratings to be called EER2.
EER2 minimums vary based on the part of the country you are in, as well as the system capacity.
SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating), measures a cooling unit’s average efficiency throughout the entire cooling season, over a range of temperatures from 65°F to 104°F. EER2 and SEER2 both evaluate cooling efficiency but use different temperature conditions.
The higher the EER2 rating, the more efficient the cooling system is on very hot days.
If you live in a very hot climate such as Phoenix, an AC unit’s EER2 may be more important than SEER2 because you will spend more time trying to cool your home at those higher temperatures.
American Standard® product descriptions will include the cooling unit’s SEER2 rating, as that is the industry standard. You can get the EER2 rating of a particular air conditioner or heat pump by contacting your local dealer.
By Anne Fonda, Content Writer
Expert review by Mark Woodruff, Senior Product Manager, Ducted Outdoor
SEER measures the efficiency of a heat pump or air conditioner over an entire cooling season. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system.
HSPF measures the efficiency of a heat pump over an entire heating season. The higher the HSPF, the more efficient the heat pump.
BTU, or British Thermal Units, are how to measure the amount of heat required to raise or lower one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit, and can help determine the right size system for your home.
Connect with our Customer Care team about your products, warranties, and dealer concerns.
Available Monday – Friday from 7am to 5pm CST
A phone
Dealers can answer questions, help you find the right products for your home, and repair your system.