SEER Upgrade Cooling Savings Calculator

Quantify how much an air conditioner or heat pump upgrade will trim your power bill. Provide today’s cooling spend and the existing SEER rating, then compare it with a higher-SEER system to see new annual costs, dollar savings, and simple payback if you add project pricing.

Estimate electricity spend attributable to air conditioning for a typical year.
Look up the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio on the unit label or manual.
Leave blank to assume a SEER 18 upgrade.
Equipment plus labor; used to estimate simple payback.
Increase or decrease expected cooling hours versus last year.

Energy savings are estimates; actual performance depends on load calculations, installation quality, and climate.

Examples

  • $1,800 annual spend, SEER 13 to SEER 18, $11,000 upgrade ⇒ new spend $1,300.00, savings $500.00 per year, payback 22.0 years.
  • $2,400 spend, SEER 10 to default SEER 18, usage +5% ⇒ new spend $1,400.00 and savings $1,000.00 (41.67% reduction).

FAQ

How accurate is my annual cooling spend estimate?

Use smart thermostat reports, sub-metered data, or summertime utility bills to isolate cooling costs. The closer the baseline, the better the savings estimate.

What if I am installing variable-speed equipment?

Variable-speed systems often outperform their rated SEER; consider lowering the planned SEER input slightly to reflect real-world gains or rerun a best/worst case.

Can I include tax credits?

Yes. Subtract available credits or rebates from the upgrade cost input so the payback reflects your true out-of-pocket spend.

Does this include heating savings?

No. It focuses on cooling electricity only. If your heat pump will also replace resistance heat, run a separate heating savings analysis.

Additional Information

  • SEER compares cooling output to electricity input; higher SEER units consume fewer kWh for the same comfort level.
  • Usage adjustments help account for hotter summers, thermostat changes, or added occupants.
  • Payback ignores tax credits or utility rebates—apply them by lowering the upgrade cost input.

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