By Mike Sanders, HVAC Expert
As of 2023, HVAC systems in the U.S. are no longer judged by the same efficiency standards as before. With the shift to SEER2 ratings, homeowners shopping for new heat pumps like the Goodman GLZS4BA3610 are facing a new set of labels, benchmarks, and performance expectations.
But what exactly is SEER2? How is it different from SEER? And how does the Goodman 15.2 SEER2 heat pump system stack up against older models?
Let’s break it down in plain terms, Mike Sanders–style.
🔍 What Is SEER2? And Why the Change?
📐 SEER vs. SEER2
| Metric | SEER (Old) | SEER2 (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio | Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 |
| Testing Method | Idealized, controlled conditions | More realistic, stricter test conditions |
| Introduced | 1970s | 2023 (effective Jan 1st) |
| Main Goal | Estimate cooling efficiency | Reflect real-world HVAC performance |
SEER2 uses updated external static pressure settings—meaning it mimics the actual ductwork resistance found in most American homes.
✅ This matters because SEER numbers from the past often overestimated real-world efficiency.
📎 Learn more about the SEER2 transition
🏆 Why the Goodman 15.2 SEER2 Heat Pump Matters
The Goodman GLZS4BA3610 heat pump is part of a new generation that meets or exceeds the DOE’s 2023 efficiency minimums—especially for southern states.
| Region | Minimum SEER2 (2023) |
|---|---|
| North | 14.3 SEER2 |
| South & SW | 15.2 SEER2 |
So, a 15.2 SEER2 system like Goodman’s isn’t just “compliant”—it’s ideal for southern or southwestern zones.
📎 Full 2023 HVAC Regulations by Region – ACHR News
🧪 The SEER2 Testing Standard: More Rigorous, More Realistic
Under SEER2, the external static pressure for testing was increased from 0.1 in. w.c. to 0.5 in. w.c.
This change:
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Reduces inflated efficiency ratings
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Better reflects real home duct resistance
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Shows which systems perform well in practice, not just in the lab
📌 Result? A 16 SEER system might become 15.2 SEER2 under the new rules.
This is exactly what happened with the Goodman GLZS4BA3610—it previously rated higher under SEER but now accurately reflects its true performance under SEER2.
📊 How the Goodman GLZS4BA3610 Stacks Up
Key Specs
| Feature | Goodman GLZS4BA3610 |
|---|---|
| SEER2 Rating | 15.2 |
| Tonnage | 3 Tons (36,000 BTU/hr) |
| Compressor Type | Energy-efficient scroll |
| Compatible Air Handler | AMST36CU1300 |
| Refrigerant | R-410A |
| Warranty | 10-year limited parts |
🚨 While it’s not inverter-driven, the system is engineered for affordability and simplicity, making it a go-to for mid-size homes that need efficiency without luxury price tags.
💰 SEER2 and Utility Savings
Upgrading from a 10 SEER legacy system to a 15.2 SEER2 system can save 30–40% in cooling costs annually.
Example:
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Old system (10 SEER): ~$960/year in cooling costs
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Goodman 15.2 SEER2: ~$620/year
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💵 Savings: ~$340/year
📎 HVAC Efficiency Savings Calculator – Lennox
📌 Multiply that over 10–15 years, and the Goodman GLZS4BA3610 pays for itself.
🌍 What About the Environment?
High-efficiency heat pumps are key players in reducing household greenhouse gas emissions.
Why?
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Less electricity demand = fewer fossil fuels burned at the power plant
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Heat pumps can be 100–300% more efficient than traditional electric resistance heat
SEER2 helps ensure these benefits are real, not theoretical.
📎 Heat Pumps and Climate Goals – NRDC
🔧 SEER2 Compliance & Installation Tips
Before buying a unit like the GLZS4BA3610, check:
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📍 Your regional minimum efficiency standard
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🏠 Whether your ductwork is compatible
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🔌 That your thermostat is SEER2-ready (for multi-speed systems)
Installation matters. Even the best SEER2-rated system can fail if:
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Ductwork is leaky
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Line sets are reused and contaminated
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Airflow is not balanced
✅ Always use a licensed, experienced installer who follows Manual J, S, and D protocols
🔍 SEER2 Myths Busted
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| "15 SEER = 15 SEER2" | ❌ Not true. SEER2 ratings are lower due to test changes |
| "Higher SEER2 is always better" | ⚠️ Depends on budget, climate, and usage |
| "All new units are SEER2-rated" | ❌ Only models made after Jan 2023 are required to be |
| "SEER2 is just marketing fluff" | 🚫 SEER2 reflects real-world energy usage more accurately |
🛒 Goodman’s Competitive Advantage in the SEER2 Era
Unlike some brands that slapped SEER2 ratings on legacy units, Goodman:
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Redesigned coils and blower speeds for true compliance
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Offers SEER2-rated models with budget-friendly pricing
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Backs its equipment with a 10-year warranty
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Uses durable all-aluminum coils to improve longevity
📎 Goodman Product Line Overview – Goodman Manufacturing
🧰 Mike’s Final Thoughts
“SEER2 finally gives homeowners a true picture of how a heat pump will perform. The Goodman GLZS4BA3610 with 15.2 SEER2? That’s my go-to pick for reliable performance in homes around 1600–2000 square feet.”
If you’re in the market for a new system, don’t just look at SEER. Ask for SEER2—and check your regional code. Because in 2025, it’s not just about saving energy—it’s about doing it smart.
In the next article we will read about: Heat Pump vs. AC + Furnace Combo: What’s Better for Your Home in 2025?
