Introduction: To reduce wasted energy, the U.S. Department of Energy has set up central air conditioning system's minimum efficiency standards. Each unit is provided an efficiency rating, referred to as SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating).
This is listed on the yellow Energy Guide label posted on every unit. It is very critical to seek these ratings, because the higher the number, the more efficient the unit is, and the lower the cost to offer a given amount of cooling.
Thirteen is the minimum allowable SEER rating for new central air conditioners. The models that are most efficient have 15 to 19 SEER rating. When buying, watch the terminology. "High efficiency" models are really those that fit the minimum SEER standard of 13.