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SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2: the ratings on an LA quote
SEER2 measures seasonal cooling efficiency, EER2 efficiency at a hot peak, and HSPF2 a heat pump's heating efficiency; higher is better. In California a new split AC or heat pump needs at least 14.3 SEER2 (and a heat pump 7.5 HSPF2), but LA rebates start higher: LADWP at 15.2 SEER2 and 7.7 HSPF2, Pasadena at 15.3 and 7.8.
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The three numbers
| Rating | Measures | Why it matters in LA |
|---|---|---|
| SEER2 | Cooling over a season | Drives most of your summer bill; rebate tiers key on it |
| EER2 | Cooling at a hot peak | Valley heat waves; California sets an EER2 floor |
| HSPF2 | Heat pump heating over a season | Rebate tiers key on it too |
The "2" versions come from the DOE test procedure in force since 1 January 2023, which tests at higher external static pressure, closer to real ductwork. That makes a SEER2 number lower than the old SEER for the same unit. For the general definition see HyreHVAC's SEER2 glossary entry.
What the number literally means
SEER2 is cooling delivered in Btu divided by electricity used in watt-hours, across a test season. HSPF2 works the same way for heating. EER2 is the same ratio at one hot operating point. Because the unit is Btu per watt-hour, you can turn any rating into kilowatt-hours with one division, and then multiply by your own electric rate.
The gap between 14.3 and 17 SEER2 in this example is about 167 kWh a season. A Valley house that cools far more than this example widens the gap; a coastal house that barely runs the AC shrinks it.
Minimums and rebate floors side by side
California is in DOE's Southwest region. A split AC installed since 1 January 2023 needs 14.3 SEER2 below 45,000 Btu/h (13.8 above), plus an EER2 minimum of 11.7 (11.2 for larger units; 9.8 at 15.2 SEER2 or more). Split heat pumps need 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2.
Why California gets an EER2 rule
DOE splits the country into regions for central AC standards, and California sits in the Southwest region with Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico. That region is the only one with an EER2 minimum for split ACs, because peak-hour efficiency matters most where summer afternoons are hot and dry. The regional standard applies to where a split AC is installed, not just where it is sold, so a contractor cannot legally fit a Southeast-only unit in Los Angeles.
Where EER2 earns its keep
Woodland Hills averages 35.6 days a year at 100 °F or more on NOAA normals; LAX averages 0.2. On those afternoons the AC runs near its EER2 point for hours. If you live in the Valley, compare EER2 between quotes as well as SEER2.
HSPF2 floors for heat pumps
| Program | HSPF2 needed |
|---|---|
| Federal split heat pump minimum | 7.5 |
| LADWP ducted, first tier | 7.7 |
| LADWP ductless, first tier | 7.8 |
| Pasadena PWP | 7.8 |
Both numbers must clear
A heat pump with a high SEER2 but a low HSPF2 lands in whatever tier its weaker number allows. Ask for both ratings for the matched system.
Ratings belong to the matched system
A rating applies to one combination: outdoor unit, indoor coil or air handler, and sometimes the furnace fan. Ask for the AHRI certificate for the exact combination on the quote. A brochure's "up to" figure is the best pairing the maker sells, not necessarily yours. You can look any combination up yourself in the AHRI Directory, and LADWP asks for that certificate with its rebate application.
- Copy the model numbers for the outdoor unit and the indoor coil or air handler from the quote.
- Search the AHRI Directory by outdoor model, then pick the row with your indoor model.
- Read SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 from that row, and note the AHRI reference number.
- Check the reference number is on the invoice; LADWP wants it there.
Is a higher SEER2 worth it in LA?
That depends on how much you cool. NOAA normals show about 115.3 days a year at 90 °F or more in Woodland Hills, against 4.8 at LAX. A Valley house runs its AC far more, so efficiency pays back faster there. Published LA sources price 17+ SEER2 equipment at an extra $2,500–$5,000 (Cold Cloud, 2026). Set that premium against the kWh difference above, at your own rate, and against the LADWP tier step it unlocks in the rebate estimator.
Sources
- 10 CFR 430.32(c), Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (retrieved 2026-09-29)
- AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance (retrieved 2026-10-26)
- LADWP, "Consumer Rebate Program" (Heat Pump HVAC) (retrieved 2026-10-20)
- LADWP, "Consumer Rebate Program" (heat pump HVAC documents and application steps) (retrieved 2026-10-26)
- Pasadena Water and Power heat pump rebate (retrieved 2026-10-20)
- NOAA NCEI, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, annual/seasonal (stations USW00023174, USW00093134, USW00023152, USC00049785) (retrieved 2026-09-29)
- Cold Cloud (Glendale), central air cost in Los Angeles (retrieved 2026-09-29)
Questions
What is the minimum SEER2 in California?
14.3 SEER2 for split ACs below 45,000 Btu/h (13.8 above), with EER2 minimums; split heat pumps need 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2.
Is SEER2 the same as SEER?
No. SEER2 uses a newer, tougher test, so the number is lower for the same equipment. Compare SEER2 with SEER2.
What SEER2 do I need for the LADWP rebate?
At least 15.2 SEER2 with 7.7 HSPF2 for ducted heat pumps, and 15.2 with 7.8 for ductless; higher tiers pay more per ton.
How do I convert SEER2 into electricity use?
Divide the season's cooling load in Btu by the SEER2 to get watt-hours, then by 1,000 for kWh. Multiply by your electric rate for the cost.
How do I check the rating on my quote?
Look up the outdoor and indoor model numbers together in the AHRI Directory. The certificate shows SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 for that exact pair.
Next step
Free quote request
Get a quote to check against these numbers
- Tell us about the job. Service, ZIP, property and timing. The form says right away if your ZIP is outside the area.
- We check the license first. Requests go only to contractors whose CSLB C-20 license we have matched on the state register. If none covers your ZIP yet, we email you and say so.
- Compare what comes back. Line the written quote up against the published ranges and the quote checklist.
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