SEER Requirements by State 2026

Higher SEER2 Requirements in Warmer Regions

Minimum SEER2 standards are highest in the Southeast and Southwest, where air conditioning is used heavily for much of the year. States including Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, and Georgia require a minimum SEER2 rating of 14.3 for most split-system air conditioners under 45,000 BTU/h, compared with 13.4 in northern states. Heat pump requirements remain consistent nationwide at 14.3, reflecting their dual role in both cooling and heating.

Higher efficiency standards help reduce long-term energy consumption, lower household utility bills, and limit strain on power grids during peak summer demand — an increasingly important consideration as extreme heat events become more common.

Lower SEER2 Requirements in Northern States

Northern states typically have lower minimum SEER2 requirements because air conditioning is used less often and for shorter periods each year. Across most of this region — including states such as New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Washington — the minimum rating for split-system air conditioners is 13.4.

The difference reflects climate realities rather than weaker efficiency standards. In cooler regions, households rely more heavily on heating than cooling, so regulators prioritize cost-effective equipment over higher cooling efficiency thresholds.

By aligning requirements with actual usage patterns, these states help prevent homeowners from paying for performance they are unlikely to fully use, while still maintaining modern energy-efficiency baselines.