Defining a good SEER rating is a moving target. As HVAC technology and the minimum SEER requirement of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) push the number steadily higher, what was once a good SEER becomes just average or even low. If you define it as a number that is a little above the current minimum, then a good SEER today is in the 16 to 18 range. The minimum for new systems today is 14, and will be bumped up to 15 on January 1, 2023.  

     Here’s a chart showing the history of SEER ratings. The first three entries show the average SEER of the earlier eras before the DOE started establishing minimum requirements. 

    When considering whether or not it’s time to replace your old air conditioner or heat pump, be sure to factor in the electricity savings with a new higher-SEER system. For example, going from 12 to 16 SEER gives you a 25% reduction in the portion of your bill for cooling. Go to our article How much will I save on my energy bill if I get a new higher SEER air conditioner? for a calculator to figure out your exact savings. 

    Also, see our blog post How can I find out the SEER of my air conditioner? 

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Field Guide for Home Inspectors, a quick reference for finding the age of 154 brands of HVAC systems, water heaters, and electrical panels, plus 210 code standards for site-built and manufactured homes, and the life expectancy rating of 195 home components. Available at amazon.com for $19.95.
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  To learn more about heating and air conditioning systems, see these other blog posts:

• How can I find out the SEER of my air conditioner? 

• My air conditioner won't turn on. What's wrong? 

• How can I find out the size of my air conditioner? 

• How can I tell whether the condenser (outdoor unit) is an air conditioner or heat pump? 

• Where is the air filter for my central air conditioner and furnace? I can’t find it? 

• Does an old air conditioner use more electricity as it ages? 

• How did homes stay cool in Florida before air conditioning? 

• What is wrong with an air conditioner when the air flow out of the vents is low?

• Why has the thermostat screen gone blank? 

• Why does it take so long to cool a house when an air conditioner has been off for a while? 

• Why is my air conditioner not cooling enough? 

• What are the most common problems with wall/window air conditioners?  

• Will closing doors reduce my heating and cooling costs? 

   Visit our HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.