You're getting ready to make a big investment and purchase a new mini-split system in your home. But before you sign on the dotted line, you want to know - what's considered a good SEER rating for mini splits these days? We get it, you're looking for the right balance between efficiency and cost. A mini split sizing calculator can also help. The higher the SEER, the more efficient it is. But higher SEER units also have a higher price tag. So what's the sweet spot? What SEER rating gives you the best bang for your buck? Here at The Trade Table, we'll break down the different SEER levels, what they mean for efficiency and costs, and help you decide what makes sense for your home and budget.
MRCOOL DIY 4th Generation E Star 12k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System 115V/60Hz
$1,738.00
DIY 4th Generation E Star 12k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System 115V/60Hz Introducing the latest in home comfort technology with the 4th Generation MrCool DIY 12K BTU, 22 SEER Ductless Heat Pump System. This powerful single-zone system has… read more
Typical SEER Ratings for Mini Splits
If you're in the market for a mini-split, you'll want to consider the SEER rating. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and measures how efficiently an AC unit cools. The higher the SEER, the more efficient it is. For mini splits, look for a SEER of at least 15.
Most major brands like Daikin, Mitsubishi, and LG offer units with SEER ratings of 15 to 32. A SEER of 15 to 20 is pretty standard and energy efficient. If you want maximum efficiency, consider a SEER of 22 or higher. These super-efficient units can significantly lower your cooling costs over time. However, they often cost more upfront. You'll need to weigh the initial investment versus long-term savings.
SEER 15-16: Basic, affordable efficiency. Can lower cooling costs by 10-15% versus older units.
SEER 18-21: High efficiency. Can reduce cooling costs by 15-30% compared to SEER 10-13 units. A good balance of efficiency and value.
SEER 22-32: Highest efficiency. It can cut cooling costs by 30% or more. Best for the environment but higher in price.
The specific SEER rating you need depends on your climate and usage. Do you live in a hot environment where the AC runs frequently? Then maximize efficiency. Are cooling needs moderate? An 18-21 SEER unit may suit you fine and save you money upfront. Your HVAC contractor can determine the ideal SEER for your home based on a load calculation.
Buck Cool Mini-Split EZ Connect 36K BTU Complete Installation Kit
$3,929.54
$4,869.99
Buck Cool Mini-Split EZ Connect 36K BTU Complete Installation Kit The Buck Cool Mini-Split EZ Connect Complete Kits are designed to offer a simple solution for your heating and cooling needs. The pre-charged EZ Connect line sets allow for a… read more
What Factors Impact SEER Ratings for Mini Splits?
The SEER rating of a mini-split system indicates how efficiently it can cool your space. The higher the SEER, the more energy-efficient the system is. However several factors determine a unit's SEER rating.
Size and Capacity
The larger the mini split and the more BTUs it has, the lower its SEER rating will typically be. More powerful units require more energy to run, so they can’t achieve the same efficiency levels as smaller systems. For the most efficient system, choose the appropriately sized mini split for your space.
Components
The components like the compressor, condenser coil, and evaporator coil all play a role in the SEER rating. More advanced, high-quality components are designed to maximize efficiency. Cheaper, lower-quality parts won’t perform as well, lowering the overall SEER.
Installation
How the mini split is installed also impacts the SEER rating. A system that is incorrectly sized, not properly charged, or has leaky or uninsulated ductwork won’t achieve its rated efficiency. Proper installation by an HVAC professional is key.
GREE Livo Gen4 18K BTU 17.5 SEER2 Wall Mount Mini-Split Single Zone Heat Pump - 4LIV18HP230V1A
$1,710.55
GREE Livo Gen4 18K BTU 17.5 SEER2 Wall Mount Mini-Split Single Zone Heat Pump The 4LIV18HP230V1AH / 4LIV18HP230V1AO single-zone system is one of Gree’s new 3rd generation of Livo mini splits designed to provide a convenient, efficient method to cool… read more
Recommended SEER Ratings for Mini Splits
To get the most efficiency and savings from your mini split, aim for a model with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER rating. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit is. For mini splits today, look for a rating of at least 15 SEER or higher.
SEER 15-19: Good Efficiency
Mini-splits in this range are a good balance of efficiency and cost. They can reduce your cooling bills by up to 30% compared to older units. Popular name brands like Samsung, LG, Mitsubishi, and Fujitsu offer models at 15-19 SEER that work well for residential use. For a small home or apartment, a single-zone unit in this range is a great place to start.
SEER 20-23: Very Efficient
High-efficiency units at 20 SEER or above can cut your costs by up to 50% or more compared to older models. They do cost more upfront but can pay for themselves over time through energy savings. These are good options if you want maximum efficiency and savings, or if you live in an area with high electricity rates. Multi-zone mini splits in this range are ideal for larger homes.
SEER 24 and Up Premium Efficiency
The highest efficiency mini-splits currently top out around 24-30 SEER. These are the most advanced, eco-friendly models that can reduce energy usage by 60% or more. They incorporate the latest compressor and heat exchanger technology to achieve maximum efficiency. However, they also come with the highest price tags. Only choose a model in this range if energy efficiency and sustainability are top priorities for you, as the added cost may be hard to recoup through savings alone..
MRCOOL E Star DIY 4th Gen 18k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System - 208-230V/60Hz
$2,156.00
E Star DIY 4th Gen 18k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System - 208-230V/60Hz The MrCool 4th Generation DIY 18K BTU, 22 SEER Ductless Heat Pump system offers a complete solution to your home’s heating and cooling needs. This… read more
Good SEER Rating FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered
How is SEER calculated?
SEER is calculated by dividing the total cooling output of an AC unit during the cooling season by the total electric energy input during the same period. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system is. Most experts recommend choosing an AC unit with a SEER of at least 15 for the best efficiency and energy savings.
What SEER rating should I look for in a mini split?
For mini split AC systems, look for a SEER rating of at least 16 to 20. Mini-splits are more efficient than standard central AC units, so they can achieve higher SEER ratings. A SEER 16 to 20 mini split can lower your cooling costs by 30 to 60% compared to an older system. The higher the SEER, the more you’ll save on energy.
Do higher SEER ratings cost more upfront?
Yes, as a rule of thumb the higher the SEER rating the higher the initial cost. However, the higher upfront cost will pay off over time through lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact. You can often recoup the added cost through energy savings in just a few years. Some utility companies and local governments also offer rebates for installing high-efficiency AC units, which can offset some of the upfront costs.
How much can I save with a higher SEER unit?
Compared to an older SEER 10 unit, a SEER 16 mini split can lower your cooling costs by up to 30% per year. A SEER 20 unit can save up to 60% or more. The actual savings will depend on factors like the size of your home, climate, utility rates, and how often you run the AC. On average, you can expect to save between $200 to $500 per year on cooling costs for every SEER point above 10.
GREE Livo SEER2 Gen4 24K BTU Wall Mount Mini-Split Single Zone Air Handler
$675.48
GREE Livo SEER2 Gen4 24K BTU Wall Mount Mini-Split Single Zone Air Handler The 4LIV24HP230V1AH is a 24,000 BTU variable speed air handler from Gree. It is designed for use with 230V systems and features a DC inverter compressor for… read more
What is a Good SEER Rating for a Mini-Split
So what's the bottom line on SEER ratings for mini splits? The short answer is, to aim for a SEER of 16 or higher if you want an efficient system that will save you money on energy costs in the long run. Sure, units with lower SEER ratings cost less upfront. But they're less efficient, so you pay more for power over time. And higher SEER ratings mean less pollution too. For the best value and performance, look for ENERGY STAR-certified systems with a SEER of at least 16. The few extra bucks you invest now will pay dividends every time you get your utility bill. With technology improving every year, a high-efficiency mini split is a smart investment in your home's comfort and your wallet's future.
