If you’ve ever shopped for a new air conditioner in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, you’ve probably run into two efficiency ratings: SEER and EER. Most salespeople talk about SEER. Most ads highlight SEER. But if you live in Garland, Mesquite, Rowlett, or anywhere else in North Texas, there’s an argument that EER deserves just as much of your attention — especially during those brutal July and August afternoons when your AC never seems to get a break.
Here’s what both ratings actually mean, why they’re different, and how to use them when making your next HVAC decision.
What Is SEER? (And What Is SEER2?)
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures how efficiently your air conditioner cools your home over an entire cooling season — factoring in a range of outdoor temperatures from mild spring days all the way up to hot summer afternoons. The higher the SEER number, the less electricity the system uses to produce the same amount of cooling.
In January 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy updated how AC systems are tested and introduced SEER2 as the new standard. SEER2 uses more realistic duct pressure conditions than the old SEER test, so the numbers are slightly lower — but they’re a more accurate reflection of real-world performance. A quick rule of thumb: multiply an old SEER rating by 0.95 to estimate the SEER2 equivalent.
Texas minimum requirements (as of 2023):
- Split-system ACs under 45,000 BTU: 14.3 SEER2 (equivalent to 15.0 SEER)
- Split-system ACs 45,000 BTU and above: 13.8 SEER2 (equivalent to 14.5 SEER)
- Heat pumps: 14.3 SEER2 nationwide
These are the minimum legal requirements. In Texas’s Southwest climate region, any system that doesn’t meet these standards cannot be legally installed.
What Is EER? (And EER2?)
EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures how efficiently your AC performs at a single, fixed outdoor temperature — typically 95°F. Like SEER, EER2 is the updated version using the newer test procedures introduced in 2023.
The key difference: SEER averages performance across the whole season, while EER measures peak-day performance. If you want to know how your system handles a 100-degree afternoon in August, EER is the more relevant number.
Why EER Matters More in Texas Than in Most of the Country
Texas summers are not average. In the DFW area, we routinely see stretches of 95–105°F days for weeks at a time. During those stretches, your AC isn’t running under mild, seasonal conditions — it’s running hard, all day, at its absolute peak load.
A system with a high SEER rating but a mediocre EER rating may look great on paper but struggle to keep up during the hottest part of the day. That’s when your electricity usage spikes, your bills climb, and your thermostat never quite reaches the temperature you set.
When comparing two systems, don’t just look at SEER2. Ask your contractor for the EER2 rating as well — especially if you’re choosing between a standard and premium unit.
SEER vs. EER: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| SEER / SEER2 | EER / EER2 | |
|---|---|---|
| What it measures | Efficiency over the whole cooling season | Efficiency at peak heat (95°F) |
| Best for | Comparing annual energy costs | Comparing hot-day performance |
| Tested at | Range of temperatures (65°F–104°F) | Fixed 95°F outdoor temperature |
| Most relevant for Texas? | Yes — for estimating annual utility bills | Yes — for performance during summer peaks |
Both matter. In Texas, you want a system that scores well on both.
What’s a Good SEER2 Rating for DFW Homes?
The legal minimum is 14.3 SEER2, but that’s the floor — not the target. Here’s a general guide for North Texas homeowners:
- 14.3–15.2 SEER2 — Meets code but offers minimal savings. Not recommended for long-term value.
- 15.2–17 SEER2 — Solid mid-range. Good balance of upfront cost and monthly savings. Most DFW homeowners land here.
- 17–19 SEER2 — High efficiency. Better for larger homes or homeowners planning to stay long-term.
- 19+ SEER2 — Premium efficiency. Best for maximum long-term savings, but takes longer to recoup the upfront cost.
For most homes in the Garland and Dallas area, a 16–18 SEER2 system offers the best balance of performance and return on investment.
One Thing Most Contractors Don’t Tell You
A high SEER2 or EER2 rating on the label doesn’t guarantee your system will actually perform at that level. Real-world efficiency depends on:
- Duct condition — Leaky ductwork can waste 20–30% of your conditioned air
- System sizing — An oversized unit short-cycles, reducing efficiency and comfort
- Installation quality — Improper refrigerant charge or mismatched components drag down performance
- Insulation — A well-insulated home requires less runtime, amplifying the benefit of a high-efficiency system
This is why choosing the right contractor matters just as much as choosing the right equipment.
Should You Upgrade Your Current System?
Here are signs your current system may not be delivering the efficiency you’re paying for:
- Your system is 10–15+ years old
- Your energy bills keep climbing even though your usage hasn’t changed
- Your AC runs constantly on hot days but still can’t keep the house cool
- You’re calling for repairs more than once a year
- Some rooms are noticeably hotter than others
If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s worth getting a professional assessment.
We Help Garland-Area Homeowners Make the Right Call
At Expedition Heating & Air, we’re a licensed Texas HVAC contractor (TACLB112648E) serving Garland and the greater DFW area. When we help you evaluate a new system, we look at your home’s actual load, your ductwork condition, and your usage patterns to recommend the system that makes the most sense for your situation.
Call or text us at 469-905-4822 or visit expeditionhvac.com.
Expedition Heating & Air | Garland, TX | License TACLB112648E | Serving the Dallas–Fort Worth area
