How much will a higher SEER2 save me?

To a first approximation, the ratio of the two ratings times your cooling kWh times your rate. Moving from 14 to 18 SEER2 on 2,000 kWh at 16¢ is about $71 a year. Heating is a different rating (HSPF2).

Can I compare SEER to SEER2?

No. SEER2 is tested at higher external static pressure from 2023, so the same machine reads lower. Mixing them invents a saving.

Is this the saving I will see on my bill?

No. Ratings are measured on a test stand. In a house, ducts, charge and airflow decide whether you get the rating you paid for.

Does the federal credit still apply?

Not for property placed in service after 31 December 2025. Utility rebates are separate.

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SEER2 savings, as a ratio of two ratings

Cooling energy scales, to a first approximation, as old SEER2 over new SEER2. A 14-to-18 step on 2,000 kWh at 16¢ is $71 in year 1. That is not a bill forecast, and it is not a reason to mix a SEER number with a SEER2 number.

$71 year 1 on the defaults 2,000 kWh of cooling × 16¢ × (1 − 14/18). Simple ratio, no degradation, no heat, undiscounted. SEER2 is a different test from SEER (higher external static pressure from 2023).

On the defaults — 2,000 kWh of cooling, 16¢/kWh, SEER2 14 → 18 — year-1 saving is $71, or $1,067 over 15 years undiscounted. The new system uses 78% of the old cooling energy on paper. Duct leakage, wrong charge and wrong airflow give most of that difference back. §25C is $0 after 31 December 2025, so do not subtract a federal credit from the equipment column.

Old over new, times the kWh

Your cooling kWh and both SEER2 ratings. Nothing is emailed.

— Year-1 saving

— Undiscounted total

— Energy ratio

— Rating warning

What this assumed —

Simple ratio of two SEER2 ratings. Not a bill forecast. HyreHVAC does not sell equipment. §25C is $0 after 31 December 2025.

Questions this calculator answers

How much will a higher SEER2 save me?: To a first approximation, the ratio of the two ratings times your cooling kWh times your rate. Moving from 14 to 18 SEER2 on 2,000 kWh at 16¢ is about $71 a year. Heating is a different rating (HSPF2).
Can I compare SEER to SEER2?: No. SEER2 is tested at higher external static pressure from 2023, so the same machine reads lower. Mixing them invents a saving.
Is this the saving I will see on my bill?: No. Ratings are measured on a test stand. In a house, ducts, charge and airflow decide whether you get the rating you paid for.
Does the federal credit still apply?: Not for property placed in service after 31 December 2025. Utility rebates are separate.

Sources and methodology

Figures dated 23 August 2026. Last reviewed August 16, 2026.

2023 energy efficiency standards — regional SEER2 minimums (AHRI, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (IRS, retrieved 2026-08-12. §25C ended for property placed in service after 31 December 2025.)

Heat pump vs furnace Heating is HSPF2 and AFUE, not SEER2.
HVAC replacement cost Put year-1 saving next to the premium for the higher-tier machine, without a vanished credit.
AC sizing A high SEER2 on the wrong tonnage still short-cycles.

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Old over new, times the kWh

Questions this calculator answers

Sources and methodology

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