You lower the thermostat every time the temperature rises.

But no matter how low you set it, the house still isn’t the comfortable 70 you want it to be.

In the meantime, your electric bill is climbing and climbing.

If your air conditioner is more than a decade old, it’s not only aging; it’s sliding down the efficiency scale, making it harder and more expensive to cool your home.

What You Need to Know About Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER):

What SEER Is, and Why Should You Care

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures how efficiently your air conditioner cools your home over an average cooling season.

The higher the SEER number, the more efficient the system, and the less electricity it uses to do the same job.

How it works:

SEER is calculated by dividing the total heat removed from your home (in BTUs) by the amount of energy required to do so (in watt-hours).

To put it simply:

Higher SEER = Lower utility bills.

In Pennsylvania, where ACs often run through the hot, humid summers, even a few SEER points can translate into hundreds of dollars in annual savings.

SEER2: Updates in Efficiency Ratings

In 2023, a new testing standard went into effect, and SEER2 officially replaced the original SEER as the required energy efficiency rating on all new systems.

SEER2 uses a more realistic testing method that reflects how systems actually perform in real homes, not just in a lab.

The updated test adds higher external static pressure (i.e., airflow resistance from ductwork and vents) to better simulate real-world conditions.

What does this mean for you?

Overall, SEER2 is a stricter test that better represents the real-life conditions of your home, which means appliances are held to a higher standard of efficiency.

SEER2 ratings tend to be about 4.7% lower than older SEER numbers for the same unit. Therefore, if your unit was previously rated SEER 16, its SEER2 rating may now display 15.3.

This doesn’t mean you have a worse system, but the stricter test shows a more realistic picture of how your older unit may be affecting your bills.

What About HSPF and EER?

When researching new systems, you may also run into terms like HSPF and EER (and their updated counterparts, HSPF2 and EER2).

Here’s a quick breakdown:

HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) applies to heat pumps; it’s like SEER but for heating mode.
EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) is another cooling efficiency rating, but unlike SEER, it’s based on a fixed outdoor temperature (usually 95°F) with no seasonal variation. EER2 is the updated version, but it’s more useful in specific technical comparisons than in everyday decisions.

Bottom line:

If you’re replacing or evaluating your air conditioner, SEER2 is the number to focus on.

Should You Upgrade Your System?

If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it’s rated SEER 10 to 13, far below today’s SEER2 14.3 minimum for new systems in the Northeast.

You can usually find your system’s SEER rating by finding the yellow and black “EnergyGuide” sticker on the unit.

During a routine tune-up, an HVAC technician can check your system’s model and performance specs to give you a clear picture of where it stands… and whether it might be time to consider an upgrade.

Upgrading to a modern, high-efficiency system, like one rated SEER2 16 or higher, could cut your cooling energy use by 30–40%. That’s real, measurable savings on your utility bill every summer.

Even if your old AC still “works,” it may be costing you far more than you realize in wasted energy, uneven comfort, and higher maintenance needs.

Signs Your Old AC Is Costing You

Still not sure if your system is worth replacing? Here are some warning signs:

High summer energy bills that keep climbing
Inconsistent temperatures between rooms
Humidity issues or that sticky, “clammy” feeling indoors
Frequent repairs or refrigerant leaks
Short cycling (turning on and off quickly)
Unit is 10–15+ years old.

Even a “working” AC can quietly cost you more than you think, especially with today’s energy prices.

Want to Know if It’s Time to Upgrade? Let Us Take a Look.

Understanding your AC’s efficiency is the first step.

At Kauffman Gas, we help homeowners across Pennsylvania stay comfortable without overpaying for cooling. Our team can:

Review your current system’s efficiency
Help you compare SEER2 ratings
Recommend options that balance comfort, cost, and performance

Schedule a system check-up today and find out if your old unit is quietly racking up your energy bill or if it’s time for a smarter, more efficient solution.

FAQ

Why is my furnace not producing heat?

Check your thermostat, propane valve, and pilot light. A blown fuse or ignition issue may also be to blame—call a pro if you’re unsure.

What does it mean if the fan isn’t running?

A red or no light in the blower window could indicate a transformer or motor issue. Call a technician to diagnose safely.

Why won’t my furnace blower shut off?

Check if your thermostat fan setting is on “auto.” If it is, you may have a faulty control switch that needs replacing.

Is it bad if my furnace keeps turning on and off?

Yes—this could be due to a dirty air filter or thermostat setting. If those check out, the motor or belt may need service.

How can I prevent furnace problems?

Schedule yearly maintenance in late summer or early fall. Change air filters regularly and check your thermostat batteries each season.

Should I try to fix my furnace myself?

Minor checks are okay, but if in doubt—or if you smell gas—always call a professional. Safety comes first.

AC Efficiency: How to Tell If Your System Is Costing You