Understanding SEER Ratings

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it measures how efficiently your air conditioning system converts electricity into cooling power. Think of it like miles per gallon (MPG) for your car. The higher the SEER rating, the less energy your AC uses to keep your home comfortable. Older AC systems typically have SEER ratings between 8-10, while modern high-efficiency systems can reach SEER 16-25. Just as a car with better gas mileage saves you money at the pump, an AC system with a higher SEER rating can dramatically reduce your monthly electricity bills, especially during Oklahoma’s hot summers when your air conditioner works overtime.

Upgrading to a higher SEER-rated system isn’t just about saving money, it’s also about improved comfort, reduced environmental impact, and protecting yourself from rising energy costs. The federal minimum SEER rating for new AC systems is now 14-15 (depending on your region), but investing in an even higher-rated system means more savings over the 15-20 year lifespan of your unit. Use our calculator below to see exactly how much you could save by upgrading your current system. You might be surprised at how quickly a new, efficient AC system can pay for itself through lower energy bills!

Quick Tips for Using the Calculator

Not sure about your AC specs? Check the manufacturer’s label on your outdoor unit for tonnage and SEER rating, it’s usually a metal plate on the side. If you can’t find your SEER rating, homes built before 2006 typically have 8-10 SEER, while systems from 2006-2015 average 13-14 SEER. Your electricity rate is listed on your utility bill as “cost per kWh” just convert it to cents (for example, $0.1274 per kWh = 12.74 cents). Don’t worry if you don’t know your yearly operating hours; the calculator uses Oklahoma’s typical cooling season of 1,715 hours as a default. The results show not just your first-year savings, but also what you’ll save over 5, 10, and 15 years, helping you see the true value of upgrading to a more efficient system.