Understanding 13.4 SEER2 — How Efficient Is the Goodman GLXS3B2410?

🧭 1. What is SEER2 — and why did it replace SEER?

• SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) has long measured seasonal cooling performance—BTUs removed per watt-hour.

• SEER2, effective January 1, 2023, tightens test conditions (notably increased external static pressure from 0.1 to 0.5 in. WC), aiming to reflect real-world operation more accurately

• Numerically, SEER2 readings come in about 4–5% lower than old SEER for the same unit

💡 2. What does 13.4 SEER2 really mean?

• Goodman’s GLXS3B2410 condenser is rated 13.4 SEER2, the minimum efficiency allowed under current DOE rules 

• It’s a single-stage, rotary‑compressor, R‑32 refrigerant unit—quality-focused but budget‑minded 

🔍 3. SEER2 vs old-school SEER — which should you use?

• SEER2 is tougher to "game" and gives you a realistic sense of what you’ll pay in your electricity bill 

💰 4. How does 13.4 SEER2 stack up cost-wise?

• Minimum-efficiency units (~13–14 SEER2) are the most affordable upfront.

• Higher-SEER2 units (16–20+) can cost up to 20–40% more initially, but use 20–30% less energy .

• If you live in a cold climate with low cooling demand, Goodman’s 13.4 SEER2 model may deliver the best total cost of ownership.

🌍 5. What this means for your home

• Expect realistic savings estimates reflective of your actual home setup.

• Pairing Goodman’s 13.4 SEER2 unit with proper insulation and a well-matched coil/air handler ensures it delivers where it counts.

• For homes used heavily in summer (e.g., 4–6 months), a higher SEER2 may be worth the extra investment.

🛠️ 6. Quick pros and cons list

• ✅ Pros:

  • Budget-friendly — lowest cost option that meets 2025 standards.

  • Up-front clarity in efficiency and cost expectations.

  • Streamlined, simpler compressor = fewer parts to break.

• ❌ Cons:

  • Higher running costs vs mid-to-high SEER2 units.

  • Only single-stage—less consistent comfort than multi-stage or variable-speed options.

🧭 7. Mike’s homeowner take:

“If you’re flipping an older home or upgrading an entry-level split system, this Goodman GLXS3B2410 hits the sweet spot. You get reliable, code-compliant efficiency without overpaying. Want smoother comfort or bigger utility savings long-term? Step up to a 16 or 18 SEER2 model.”

✅ Bottom Line:

• 13.4 SEER2 = Goodman’s entry-level, code-compliant efficiency for 2-ton systems.

• If you're watching the budget, it’s a smart pick—just know that the real savings hit comes with higher-SEER2 models.

• Use this as your baseline when comparing offers and deciding whether the sweet spot lies in affordability or long-term performance.

This energy-cost calculator shows you roughly how much you'll spend each year depending on which SEER2 unit you install, assuming 1200 hours of cooling per year at $0.14/kWh. Here's how they compare:

• At 13.4 SEER2 (the Goodman GLXS3B2410), you're looking at about $300.90/year.

• Upgrading to 16 SEER2 cuts your annual cost by nearly $50.

• Pushing to 20 SEER2 saves almost $100 per year.

👉 Mike’s Take:
If you plan to stay in your home for 10–15 years, that extra efficiency can pay back the higher upfront cost nicely, especially as energy prices keep rising. But if you’re flipping a house or on a tight budget, 13.4 SEER2 absolutely gets the job done — no shame in that.

👉 Mike’s Homeowner Takeaway:

• If you only run your AC occasionally (light use), upgrading from 13.4 to 16 SEER2 might save you ~$25/year.

• For heavy-use households, the savings stack up fast—over $80/year.

• The hotter your climate, the more a higher SEER2 makes sense long-term.

In the next article we will know about: Why R-32 Refrigerant Is Changing the Game for Residential Air Conditioners