AC Efficiency Ratings: What SEER Rating Do You Need in Canada?

Central AC systems are becoming more popular in Canada, with 68% of air-conditioned households opting for central air conditioning over other types of units.

Buying and running an air conditioner can be pricey, but you can help mitigate operational costs and help the environment by opting for a high-efficiency system.  

If you’re in the market for a new AC system, we’re here to help. Read on to learn more about air conditioner SEER ratings, benefits of high-efficiency AC units, government rebates, and how to pick the right AC for your home.

Key takeaway from this article: Most Canadians should opt for a central air conditioner rated between 14 and 18 SEER to get the best balance between AC cost and energy savings.

Everything You Need to Know About AC SEER Ratings

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures the energy efficiency of your AC system.

SEER is calculated by dividing the cooling output of an air conditioner over a season by the energy it uses.

New developments in HVAC technology mean that modern AC systems are much more energy efficient than older ones. These days, it’s rare to find a machine with a SEER of 10 or lower in operation.

However, SEER only measures the maximum efficiency of an AC system. It isn’t a guarantee that the system will operate at its rated SEER efficiency all the time. AC systems need regular maintenance to work as efficiently as possible, so it’s important to keep on top of your system’s maintenance needs!

Difference Between SEER, SEER2, and EER

SEER measures the amount of cooling power an air conditioner produces versus how much energy it consumes.

SEER2, which is a more recent measurement adopted in Canada and the U.S., measures efficiency under a wider range of operating conditions to provide a rating that better reflects real-world conditions.

EER, energy efficiency ratio, is another measure of AC efficiency. It’s similar to SEER, but the calculation is made using a specific outdoor temperature, indoor temperature, and humidity level.

Air Conditioner SEER Ratings in Canada: Understanding Canada’s AC Efficiency Standards

In 1995, the Canadian federal government introduced the Energy Efficiency Regulations. These laws set standards for the energy efficiency of various home appliances and systems, including central air conditioners.

SEER Rating Requirements in Canada

In Canada, central AC systems must meet the minimum allowable efficiency level of 13.4 SEER2. 

AC systems with a SEER of 14.5 or higher can earn the ENERGY STAR® designation, proving that they meet a high standard of energy efficiency. 

And ENERGY STAR rated air conditioning systems may qualify for government or utility company rebates (if any are available in your area) when replacing an older model.

AC systems rated above 20 SEER aren’t usually worth the investment in Canada, where summers tend to be shorter and milder.They’re considerably more expensive, so the energy savings you make won’t offer you the same return on investment.

Choosing an Energy-Efficient AC in Canada

Here are some tips to help you choose an efficient air conditioner in Canada:

• Don’t buy a system with a SEER below 14
• For long-term savings and comfort, opt for a system with a SEER between 16 and 18
• Avoid models with SEER ratings higher than 19—the purchase price will be high without additional energy savings
• Use the EnerGuide label to understand how the system’s efficiency compares to other models
• Look for the ENERGY STAR label
• Check for government rebates before you buy

Ultimately, the best thing you can do is research. Compare the best AC options available before you commit to buying anything, and consider your long-term needs as well as your short-term spending. 

If you compare system and installation costs before you buy, you’ll be able to cool your home with confidence every summer for years to come.

Benefits of High SEER-rated AC Units

Cost Savings Over Time

A higher air conditioner SEER rating means the system is more efficient and can cool your home using less power, which means you’ll spend less money on electricity for years to come.

You should also keep in mind that installing a more energy-efficient AC system might entitle you to a rebate. As mentioned above, federal, provincial, and local governments, as well as many utility companies, may offer you ways to save if you buy a high-efficiency AC system.

Plus, local HVAC contractors also often have promotions and deals for buying a new AC.

Environmental Benefits

Beyond cost, there are also environmental reasons to upgrade your air conditioner.

One example is that modern air conditioners use more eco-friendly refrigerants. A refrigerant is the chemical in an AC system that absorbs heat from your home and transfers it outside. Older refrigerants were more damaging to the planet because they were powerful greenhouse gasses that also depleted the ozone layer. Since 2020, those refrigerants have been banned and replaced with non-ozone-depleting refrigerants.

Furthermore, older air conditioners are more prone to refrigerant leaks. Even modern refrigerants that don’t deplete ozone are still greenhouse gasses, so it’s important to fix leaks or upgrade.

Finally, modern air conditioners are more efficient, which can translate to lower greenhouse gas emissions if your electricity is generated from coal, natural gas, or other fossil fuels.

Additional Comfort Features

New air conditioners are light years ahead of older systems technologically. With a new AC, you could get access to special features like:

• Communicating capabilities
• Two-stage or variable-speed capacity
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Improved proprietary components
• Much quieter operation
• Self-diagnostic control boards
• A brand new warranty

Humidity Management

Two-stage and variable-speed air conditioners run for longer periods at lower levels, so they have more time to remove humidity from the air compared to single-stage AC systems that only have ON/OFF settings.

Variable-speed air conditioners tend to be the quietest, most efficient, and best at removing moisture, and some even have additional technologies to further improve humidity management.   

What Is a Good SEER Rating?

Minimum and Maximum SEER Ratings

Modern air conditioner SEER ratings typically range from 13 to 28, but most models fall into the 15 to 19 range.

In Canada, a SEER rating between 14 and 18 will generally suffice, with the optimal range being 16 to 18 SEER.

How Does SEER Rating Affect Operational Costs?

SEER Ratings Chart

How to Calculate Your System’s Operating Costs Using SEER

There’s an easy calculation you can use to determine how much it will cost to operate your air conditioner:

Annual operating cost =

AC tonnage x 12,000 x Total Cooling Hours (per year)

÷ (SEER x 1,000 BTU/Wh) x Electricity Rate ($/kWh)

For example, let’s say you have a 4-ton AC with a SEER rating of 15, pay 0.12/kWh for electricity, and run the system for 400 hours over the course of the summer, you get:

4 x 12,000 x 400 ÷ (15 x 1,000) x 0.12 = $153.60 in annual operational costs

Maintenance Practices for Sustaining High SEER Ratings

One of the most important things is to have your air conditioner installed and serviced annually by a licensed HVAC professional. They’ll make sure it’s sized properly and installed correctly to provide maximum efficiency. You should also clean the indoor and outdoor units once a year and replace the filters every one to three months.  

Make the Most of Every Dollar

Air conditioning can be a big upfront expense, but in the long term, it doesn’t have to break the bank. If you pay attention to AC efficiency, a smart initial investment can represent major savings over your AC system’s lifespan.

At FurnacePrices.ca, we believe in empowering you to make the right choices when it comes to cooling your home. We’ll provide you with multiple free quotes from accredited local contractors, so you can choose the AC system that’s best for you and your home.

Compare quotes today, and our Certified local HVAC partners will get back to you with a range of options to suit your home and your budget.

Save on your energy bills with a new AC this summer – you won’t regret it.

FAQ

What’s the difference between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER?

A SEER of 14 means the air conditioner can produce 14 British Thermal Units (BTUs) of cooling power per watt-hour of electricity consumed. By comparison, a SEER of 16 means the air conditioner can produce 16 BTUs of cooling power per watt-hour of electricity consumed. In other words, a 16 SEER AC produces more cooling output with the same amount of money compared to a 14 SEER AC.

Can I improve the SEER rating of my existing AC?

Air conditioners do become less efficient as they age, but there may be some things you can do to restore some of the system’s efficiency, including:

• Having the system cleaned and serviced by a professional once a year
• Cleaning or replacing the filters
• Connecting a programmable or smart thermostat
• Cleaning your ducts and sealing leaks

What is the average lifespan of a high SEER air conditioner?

A typical air conditioner has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, and modern, high-SEER AC units can potentially last 15 to 18 years with professional installation and regular maintenance and upkeep.

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