SEER Savings Calculator
See how much a higher SEER air conditioner can save each year. Enter the cooling capacity, run hours and electricity price, then compare two SEER ratings.
How to estimate SEER savings
- Enter the cooling capacity in BTU per hour.
- Set the cooling run time in hours per year and your electricity price.
- Enter your current SEER and the new SEER to compare.
- Read the annual cost for each and the yearly savings.
Examples
36,000 BTU, SEER 10 vs 16
36,000 BTU, 1,000 hrs, $0.15 per kWh
$540 vs $337.50, saving $202.50 a year
Frequently asked questions
What does SEER mean?
SEER is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, the cooling output in BTU divided by the watt-hours of electricity used over a season. A higher SEER uses less power.
How is annual cost calculated?
Annual kWh equals the BTU capacity divided by SEER, times the run hours, divided by 1,000. Multiply by your price per kWh to get the yearly cost. This is an estimate.
How many run hours should I use?
Cooling hours vary widely by climate, often from a few hundred in mild regions to over 2,000 in hot ones. Use a figure that matches your local cooling season.
Why is the real saving sometimes different?
SEER is a seasonal average under test conditions. Weather, thermostat habits, humidity and duct losses all shift the actual bill, so treat the result as a guideline.
Does a higher SEER always pay off?
Not always. The savings must offset the higher purchase price over the unit's life. More run hours and pricier electricity make a high SEER pay back faster.
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