Air Conditioning

What Is SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2)?

Definition

SEER2 rates how much cooling an air conditioner or heat pump delivers per unit of electricity over a typical season, tested under a revised, more realistic 2023 DOE procedure that replaced the older SEER rating. Higher SEER2 means lower cooling cost for the same comfort.

Why it matters for your home

Oregon's Heat Pump Purchase Program requires SEER2 16+ (paired with HSPF2 8.1+) to qualify for its rebate, stacking with Energy Trust incentives — a real reason to ask for the SEER2 number, not just "high-efficiency," on any AC or heat pump bid.

What to do about it

Compare bids on SEER2 (or HSPF2 for heating), not brand name alone — get it in writing.

Money term — the details

Is SEER2 the same number as old SEER ratings?

No — SEER2 uses a tougher, more realistic duct-static-pressure test, so a unit's SEER2 number typically reads a few points lower than its old SEER equivalent for the same real-world performance. Comparing a new SEER2 rating straight against an old SEER spec sheet understates the new unit.

What SEER2 rating actually qualifies for Oregon rebates right now?

See the Oregon rebates & incentives guide for the current qualifying tier and amount — it's tied to the specific program and changes, so that page (not this one) is the number of record.

See it in context AC Installation & Replacement

Sources

Oregon Dept. of Energy — Heat Pump Purchase Program

This definition is pending licensed-trade technical review. It's sourced from our own published service and guide content, not invented — but hasn't yet been signed off by a licensed HVAC reviewer.

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