How are central air conditioners and heat pumps rated?
A. To start this answer I need to clarify that heat pumps both heat and cool your home. So in this answer Im talking about the cooling mode of a heat pump. Air conditioners and heat pumps us SEER (Season Energy Efficiency Rating). The higher the SEER the more efficient it operates. The minimum standard SEER is 13. Residential air conditioners and heat pumps range from 13 to 18 SEER. Expect to pay more the higher the seer rating or efficiency, but remember the additional cost will pay for itself with utility costs savings.
