SEER Savings Calculator

Calculate how much you can save by upgrading to a higher SEER-rated air conditioner. Compare old and new systems side by side.

Results

Visualization

How It Works

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio — it measures how many BTU of cooling an air conditioner produces per watt-hour of electricity over a cooling season. Higher SEER means less electricity for the same cooling. The federal minimum is now SEER 14 for new units (SEER2 15 in 2023+). Old units from the 1990s may be SEER 8 to 10. Upgrading from SEER 10 to SEER 18 cuts cooling costs by 44 percent. The savings are largest in hot climates where the AC runs 2,000 or more hours per year. While higher SEER units cost more upfront, the energy savings often pay back the difference within 5 to 8 years, and the unit lasts 15 to 20 years.