The new efficiency standards are here. What SEER2 actually means for your energy bill.
As of 2023, the Department of Energy replaced SEER with SEER2, a stricter testing standard designed to reflect real-world duct static pressure. Same idea, tougher test.
The short version
Higher SEER2 = more cooling per watt = lower electric bill. The Southeast minimum for new equipment is 14.3 SEER2 (roughly equivalent to the old 15 SEER).
What we recommend in Florida
- 14.3–15 SEER2 for rental properties or short-term ownership
- 16–17 SEER2 for most homeowners: best value per dollar
- 18+ SEER2 (variable-speed) if you're staying 7+ years or want the best humidity control
The catch nobody tells you
A 20 SEER2 system installed on leaky ductwork performs like a 14. Efficiency ratings assume the ducts are sealed and the system is sized correctly. Spend on the install, not just the label.
Sunshine State Heating & Air technical team
Florida state certified HVAC contractor, license CAC1817890 · Google Guaranteed · serving Flagler, Volusia and St. Johns counties since 2014
Our guides are written and reviewed by the licensed technicians who run our service calls out of Bunnell, Florida. Family owned and operated since 2014, we work on residential systems across Flagler, Volusia and St. Johns counties every day, and everything published here reflects what we actually find in the field.
Published April 30, 2026 · Reviewed by our licensed team on April 8, 2026