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Energy Savings from Replacing Your Air Conditioner

The following calculation is designed to provide you with an estimate of the amount of money that you can expect to save by replacing your air conditioner with a more energy efficient model.*  The calculations work with either central air conditioners or room air conditioners. The calculations are simplified, so your actual savings could vary, but it will give you a good ball-park figure to work with.

For this calculation you will need:

  • Estimated current cooling system efficiency
  • Capacity of current cooling system in Btu/hr (1 ton = 12,000 Btu/hr)
  • Proposed cooling system efficiency
  • Capacity of proposed cooling system in Btu/hr (1 ton = 12,000 Btu/hr)
  • Cooling load hours for your area  (from table)
  • Current Electric rate in $/kwh

Throughout the form below you will find links to supportive information you may need to help you complete the calculation. Use your Back button to return to the form.

Present Cooling System Efficiency:
Efficiency is measured in SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). See accompanying table for SEER values.

Proposed Cooling System Efficiency:
Efficiency is measured in SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). Get this number from your dealer. A good AC unit would have a SEER between 12-14. The higher the number the more efficient the unit.
Capacity of Present Cooling System:
Capacity is figured in Btu/hr.  One ton equals 12,000 Btu/hr. This information should be on the unit name plate.
Capacity of Proposed Cooling System:
Capacity is figured in Btu/hr.  One ton equals 12,000 Btu/hr. Your dealer can get you this information or use same as Present Capacity.
Cooling Load Hours for Your Area/Conditions:
See accompanying chart and table for information.
Summer Electric Rate (enter amount in dollars):
Take one of your summer bills, take out any fixed charges and divide the kwh by the remaining total.
Dollar Savings:
Amount of dollars saved annually by replacing your air conditioner.		 $

* Your saving would be even greater if you switched to a evaporative cooler. Evaporative coolers are more efficient than air conditioners in dry climates like Colorado.

 
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