Posted: June 22, 2026

Old vs New: How Air Conditioning Efficiency Standards Have Changed

What to Know About Efficiency Ratings Before You Go AC Shopping

Most people don’t have to shop around for new air conditioning equipment too often—on average, it might be 15 or 20 years before you need a new system. That’s good because it’s a big investment in your home and comfort that requires a bit of research. Cost is one factor, but the most important consideration is efficiency—how well a cooling system performs and how much energy it consumes. And if you’re shopping for a new AC, you’ll find there are new efficiency standards for cooling systems. The new standards mean that you can’t just look for a system with the same rating as your old equipment. But they will help you save energy, lower operating costs, and reduce environmental impact while keeping your home cool and comfortable.

Here’s what you need to know before you go shopping for a new air conditioning system.

Goodbye, SEER, Hello SEER2

Until a few years ago, SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) was the industry standard for measuring air conditioning efficiency. It calculated how much cooling a system provides over a typical cooling season compared to the amount of electricity it uses. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system.

But actual systems rarely operate under ideal laboratory conditions. So beginning in 2023, manufacturers and regulators shifted to updated testing procedures and a new rating system, SEER2, that better reflects real-world operating conditions found in homes. The main idea is that provides a more realistic estimate of performance.

As a result, the same equipment will typically receive a lower SEER2 rating than its original SEER rating.

Beyond Efficiency

While efficiency ratings are important, they are only one part of choosing the right air conditioning system.

Proper sizing and professional installation are just as important. An oversized or undersized unit can waste energy and struggle to keep your home comfortable, regardless of its efficiency rating. And poor installation will result in poor performance, as well.

Regular maintenance also plays a major role. If filters are dirty, coils are clogged, or routine service is neglected, even the most efficient air conditioner will lose efficiency.

The expert cooling team at Scarpelli understands that no two homes are alike. They can help you find the right size system for your home and your budget, and help you translate the old ratings and the new ones, including related measurements like EER2 (Energy Efficiency Ratio) and, for heat pumps, HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor).

Time for a New AC?

If your current system is working well and is less than 10 or 15 years old, you don’t have to replace it just because efficiency standards changed. But if your system is breaking down often, a new air conditioning system with a high SEER2 rating is an investment that will pay off in lower monthly utility bills, fewer repairs, and greater comfort.

If you’re seeing a spike in energy costs—or if your home just isn’t as cool as it used to be—it might be time to find out why homeowners and businesses throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties trust Scarpelli Mechanical to install and maintain their cooling systems.

Contact us for more information today.