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Understanding SEER and SEER2 for Canadian cooling systems
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures the total cooling output of an air conditioner or heat pump over a typical cooling season divided by the total electrical energy input over that same period, expressed in BTU per watt-hour. A higher SEER means more cooling delivered per dollar of electricity spent. SEER2 replaced the original SEER testing standard with more demanding test conditions that better reflect real-world ductwork static pressure, making SEER2 a more accurate predictor of field performance.
Because SEER2 testing uses higher external static pressure (0.5 in. w.c. versus the old 0.1 in. w.c.), equivalent equipment typically scores 4-5% lower under SEER2 than it did under the old SEER standard. Canada's current minimum efficiency requirement for new residential central air conditioning is 13.4 SEER2, equivalent to roughly 14 SEER under the old standard. Use the conversion mode above to translate between an older SEER-rated unit's nameplate and its approximate SEER2 equivalent for accurate comparison against current minimums.
Calculating annual cooling cost from SEER2
Annual cooling energy (kWh) = Cooling load (BTU/hr) × Full-load hours ÷ SEER2 ÷ 1000. Full-load hours represent the equivalent number of hours the system would need to run at 100% capacity to deliver the season's total cooling — not the same as total hours the system runs, since most runtime is at partial load. This value varies significantly by Canadian climate: a hot, humid city like Windsor sees considerably more full-load hours than a cooler, drier city like Calgary, even with similar nameplate cooling capacity.
Multiply annual energy by your local electricity rate to get annual cooling cost. Canadian electricity rates vary dramatically by province — Quebec's hydroelectric-dominated grid offers some of the lowest rates in North America, while Ontario's rates can be 2-3 times higher. This rate difference significantly affects the economics of choosing a higher-SEER2 unit, since the payback period depends directly on how much each kWh saved is actually worth in your location. Use the payback period calculator to evaluate whether upgrading to a higher-efficiency unit makes financial sense given your specific electricity rate and load.
SEER2 vs. EER: seasonal average vs. peak condition
SEER2 represents a seasonal average across a range of outdoor temperatures, while EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures efficiency at a single specified peak design condition, typically 95°F (35°C) outdoor. A unit can have a high SEER2 but a relatively lower EER if its efficiency drops off significantly at peak load. For hot Canadian climates where the air conditioner runs hard during extended summer heat waves, checking EER in addition to SEER2 gives a more complete picture of expected performance when it matters most. See the EER calculator for peak-condition analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
SEER2 replaced SEER as the official testing standard, using higher external static pressure (0.5 in. w.c. vs. 0.1 in. w.c.) to better reflect real ductwork resistance. SEER2 ratings are typically 4-5% lower than equivalent SEER ratings for the same equipment. A unit rated 14.3 SEER is roughly equivalent to 13.4 SEER2. Canada's minimum for new residential central AC is 13.4 SEER2, approximately equal to the old 14 SEER minimum. Use the conversion mode above to translate between the two standards.
Annual energy (kWh) = Cooling load (BTU/hr) × Full-load hours ÷ SEER2 ÷ 1000. For 36,000 BTU/hr at 13.4 SEER2 with 800 full-load hours: 36,000×800/13.4/1000 = 2,149 kWh. Multiply by your electricity rate for annual cost. Higher SEER2 reduces energy proportionally — 16 SEER2 uses roughly 16% less than the 13.4 baseline for the same load. Use the energy mode above with your local rate and climate-specific full-load hours for an exact figure.