SEER2 and cooling costs, without the guesswork

01

Compare the rating of the actual system

An efficiency label is most useful when it describes the exact indoor and outdoor equipment proposed for your home. Ask for the matched models and the documented rating, including any controls required for the configuration. A product family’s best advertised number may not be the rating of every combination. Keep the supporting information with the quote so a comparison does not quietly switch between a catalog maximum and the specific system being sold.

02

Keep SEER and SEER2 distinct

SEER and SEER2 use different testing procedures. Do not put the two numbers into a simple ratio and assume the result is a precise savings estimate. Ask which method each input uses and which comparison is appropriate. Goodman’s efficiency information also explains regional equipment standards; location and system type matter when confirming eligible equipment. Ask the contractor to identify the applicable requirements for the proposed installation rather than selecting equipment from a rating number alone.

03

Separate cooling cost from the whole utility bill

A household electric bill includes more than air conditioning. If you enter the full bill as cooling cost, the resulting savings estimate can be misleading. Review seasonal usage and any available usage breakdown to create a reasonable cooling-only estimate. If you are unsure, try a range rather than a single precise input. Keep the assumptions visible. Your goal is to see whether efficiency could materially affect the comparison, not to forecast every future bill.

04

Explore scenarios with the same assumptions

Use Prime’s calculator to compare rated efficiency and an estimated annual cooling cost on a consistent basis. Then change one input at a time and see how the result moves. A lower electricity rate or smaller cooling budget changes the value of an efficiency improvement. Write down the assumptions alongside any result you discuss with a designer. A calculator output should never replace an equipment match, a home evaluation or an actual installation proposal.

05

Ask what else the upgrade changes

Efficiency is one factor alongside comfort, sound, controls, equipment condition and installation work. Ask what a higher-tier option adds and whether those features matter to your household. Include the difference in installed price and financing cost when comparing options. If an existing duct or airflow issue remains, discuss how it affects the project. Avoid judging two proposals solely by the difference between their advertised efficiency ratings.

06

Make a realistic decision

Use the estimate as one input in a broader decision. Weather, thermostat use, electricity prices and the home’s operation can change. Ask the contractor to explain assumptions instead of promising a fixed dollar reduction. Keep any published rebate or incentive separate until current eligibility is confirmed by the program itself. Prime can help you compare equipment options for your DFW home and understand which questions still need an answer before you approve a replacement.

Common questions.