Understanding SEER2 Ratings and Choosing the Right AC

Does your old air conditioner have you feeling completely underwhelmed?

Weak airflow? Check.

Patchy hot and cold spots? Check.

Noisy whenever it runs? Check.

High electric bills? Check.

If you’re a homeowner in Bend or Portland, you know that a properly functioning AC is a necessity for surviving our warm summers. But if your current system is showing its age with these all-too-familiar symptoms, it’s a drain on your wallet and your peace of mind.

Upgrading to a new, high-efficiency air conditioning unit can solve all these problems, providing you with consistent cooling, a quieter home, and substantial savings on your energy bills.

Pyramid Heating and Cooling is your go-to HVAC company for homes and businesses in Portland, and all the neighboring communities. In this blog, we will explain SEER2 efficiency ratings and why it matters to you.

Why It Pays to Invest in a Quality AC

While the upfront cost of a new air conditioner can seem like a significant investment, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial expense.

Lower Bills and Long-Term Savings

Modern air conditioners are engineered for efficiency. Unlike older models that struggle to maintain a consistent temperature, today’s high-efficiency units use advanced inverter technology to cool your home with less energy.

This technology translates to a noticeable reduction in your monthly electric bills, especially during the peak summer months. Over the lifetime of the unit, these energy savings can amount to thousands of dollars, making your new AC a smart financial choice.

Environmental Benefits

By consuming less electricity, a new AC unit also reduces your home’s carbon footprint. This is a crucial consideration for environmentally conscious homeowners in Bend and Portland who want to do their part in building a more sustainable future.

Investing in an energy-efficient system is a step toward a greener home and a healthier planet. A key part of achieving these financial and environmental benefits lies in a unit’s efficiency rating, which is where SEER2 comes in.

What Is SEER2?

When you begin shopping for a new air conditioner, you’ll encounter various efficiency ratings. The most important of these is the SEER2 rating.

In 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) introduced new testing standards to create the SEER2 rating, replacing the old SEER standard.

SEER2, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2, is the industry-standard metric for measuring the efficiency of an air conditioner or heat pump. A SEER2 rating measures a unit’s cooling output over an entire season compared to the total energy it consumes.

Think of it like the miles-per-gallon rating on your car: the higher the number, the more efficient the system.

The key difference is that SEER2 ratings are calculated under more realistic, real-world conditions, including factors like ductwork and external static pressure that older SEER tests didn’t account for.

This means that a SEER2 rating provides a more accurate and reliable picture of how your new system will perform in your home.

The Difference Between SEER2 and AC Size

It’s important to understand that the SEER2 rating is an efficiency measure, not an indicator of the AC’s size. A unit’s size is measured in “tons” or BTUs (British Thermal Units), and it refers to its cooling capacity—how much heat it can remove from your home.

Choosing the right size is just as critical as choosing the right SEER2 rating. An AC that is too small won’t be able to cool your Portland, home effectively, while one that is too large will cycle on and off frequently, leading to poor dehumidification and an uncomfortable environment.

Finding the Right AC Fit for Your Home

Choosing the right AC for your home involves more than just a single number. Our professionals at Pyramid Heating & Cooling understand that every home is unique, from its square footage and insulation to the number of windows and sun exposure.

These factors are all taken into consideration when our experts perform a load calculation to determine the perfect size and SEER2 rating for your specific needs.

For homeowners in Bend, a high SEER2 rating can make a significant difference during the hot, dry summers. In Portland, with its more humid climate, an efficient system with advanced features like variable-speed compressors can not only cool your home but also provide superior dehumidification for greater comfort.

We offer a range of high-efficiency, SEER2-rated systems from top manufacturers, ensuring you get a unit that not only meets federal standards but also delivers the performance you expect.

Our goal is to find the perfect balance between your budget, your home’s needs, and your long-term energy-saving goals.

Protect Your HVAC Investment With Maintenance

A new, high-efficiency AC unit is a significant investment in your home’s comfort and value. To ensure it operates at peak performance for years to come, regular maintenance is essential. Neglecting your system can lead to a gradual loss of efficiency, unexpected breakdowns, and costly repairs—all the problems you just paid to get rid of.

That’s where the Pyramid Comfort Club comes in. Designed to help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs, our club offers three tiers of membership to fit your wallet.

Benefits of joining the Pyramid Comfort Club include:

• Preventative Care: Regular inspections and cleanings to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently.
• Discounts: Enjoy discounts on diagnostic fees, services, and filters. The more comprehensive your plan, the greater your savings.
• Priority Service: As a club member, you receive priority scheduling for service calls, ensuring you’re never left waiting in the heat.
• Peace of Mind: Our maintenance plans help uphold warranty requirements and maximize the life of your AC system, protecting your investment for years to come.
• Accrued Credits: With the Advanced and Premier plans, you can even accrue credits toward future replacements or upgrades, making your next investment even more affordable.

By joining the Pyramid Comfort Club, you’re partnering with a team of experts dedicated to your home’s comfort and the longevity of your HVAC system. It is a stress-free way to care for one of the largest investments in your Portland, home.

Enjoy a More Comfortable Home Today

Ready to say goodbye to a lackluster AC and hello to a new era of home comfort and savings? Contact the experts at Pyramid Heating and Cooling today.

We’ll help you find the perfect high-efficiency, SEER2-rated system for your home in Portland, OR, and ensure it performs flawlessly for years to come. Call us today at 503-783-8488 or request service online for a free consultation.