SEER Energy Savings Calculator
Use Method Air’s Energy Savings Calculator to Show Utah Customers Real Savings
The cost of heating and cooling homes and businesses in Utah adds up quickly, especially when using outdated equipment that struggles to keep up with demand. To help customers reduce their high energy costs, explain the benefits of upgrading to a new air conditioner or heat pump system and show them how much money they can save with Method Air’s SEER Energy Savings Calculator.
What is SEER?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.
Every air conditioner and heat pump comes with a SEER rating, which represents the unit’s energy efficiency. Generally, the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit and the less energy it consumes. This translates to lower cooling costs for your Utah customers and a strong selling point for your team.
Since 2015, national energy efficiency standards have required a minimum SEER rating for all air conditioners and heat pumps sold and installed. While older HVAC equipment may have an 8 or 9 SEER rating, modern units typically start at 14 SEER (depending on state regulations) and go as high as 21 to 25 SEER.
Another round of national energy efficiency standards for residential central AC and heat pumps went into effect in 2023.
However, choosing the best air conditioning system or heat pump isn’t just about picking the highest SEER rating. Method Air’s SEER Rating Calculator determines actual costs and energy savings based on a specific HVAC formula tailored to Utah’s climate.
How to Calculate SEER Energy Savings
To calculate SEER, Method Air uses four key factors to determine how much a customer could potentially save on energy costs by upgrading to a more efficient unit:
SEER rating of customer’s current air conditioner or heat pump
Look for the yellow and black “EnergyGuide” tag on the outdoor condenser or indoor air handler, or check the model and serial number with the manufacturer.
Size (in tons) of customer’s current air conditioner or heat pump
Tonnage represents the cooling capacity of the unit. For example, a 1-ton air conditioner removes 12,000 BTUs of heat per hour, while a 2-ton unit removes 24,000 BTUs.
Cost of electricity per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in Utah
Utah’s electricity rates are generally lower than the national average, hovering around $0.11–$0.13 per kWh. Click here to find Utah’s current electricity rate.
Estimated annual cooling or heating hours for Utah’s climate
The national average cooling season is about 2,100 hours. However, Utah’s high desert climate means summers can be extremely hot, increasing cooling hours. Reviewing a customer’s past utility usage can help estimate their average operating time.
The SEER Rating Savings Calculator then compares this data against a higher-efficiency air conditioner or heat pump, showing customers their potential energy savings over one year, five years, or more to help them see the ROI on a new system.
SEER Formula + Example
The SEER formula calculates the cooling output of an air conditioner or heat pump over a typical cooling season, divided by the energy consumed in kilowatt hours.
Example: If a customer replaces a 3-ton, 9 SEER unit with a 3-ton, 16 SEER unit and pays $0.12 per kWh in Utah, they would save approximately $514 per year on cooling costs.
A good SEER rating for most systems ranges from 14 to 16 SEER, balancing efficiency and upfront costs. Use our SEER Savings Calculator to compare different HVAC SEER ratings and potential savings.
SEER Rating Chart
Think of a SEER rating like miles per gallon (MPG) in a car. A more efficient system saves more energy—unless it’s improperly sized. If an air conditioner or heat pump is too large, it short-cycles, leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary wear. If it’s too small, it will struggle to maintain the desired temperature and wear out faster.
Method Air’s SEER Savings Calculator takes the guesswork out of estimating energy savings, making it easier for customers to understand the benefits of upgrading their system.
AFUE Energy Savings Calculator: Quantify Furnace Efficiency for Utah Homes
Nearly half of all homes in Utah rely on natural gas as their primary heating fuel. With energy costs rising, upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace can help homeowners reduce their winter heating bills. Method Air’s AFUE Energy Savings Calculator allows you to show customers how much they can save.
What is AFUE?
AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency.
Every gas furnace has an AFUE rating that measures how efficiently it converts fuel into heat. A higher AFUE means lower heating costs.
For example:
An 80 AFUE furnace converts 80% of its fuel into heat, wasting 20%.
A 95 AFUE furnace converts 95% into heat, wasting just 5%.
Federal energy standards require a minimum AFUE rating of 90% in Utah and other northern regions. Most high-efficiency furnaces today offer 90 AFUE or higher, with some top models reaching 98% efficiency.
How to Calculate AFUE Savings
AFUE measures the percentage of fuel used to generate heat. To calculate potential savings, Method Air’s AFUE Energy Savings Calculator considers four factors:
AFUE rating of the customer’s current furnace
Check the bright yellow-and-black EnergyGuide label or the furnace manual.
HVAC load calculation
The HVAC load calculation determines the necessary BTUs per hour to efficiently heat a home.
Cost of natural gas per thousand cubic feet (MCF) in Utah
Utah’s natural gas prices fluctuate but remain lower than the national average. The current rate is around $10–$12 per MCF. Click here for Utah’s latest natural gas rates.
Estimated annual heating hours for Utah’s climate
Utah’s long, cold winters mean higher heating usage compared to other states. Reviewing past energy bills can help estimate an average.
The AFUE Energy Savings Calculator then compares these figures with a high-efficiency gas furnace to show potential savings over time.
AFUE Formula + Example
AFUE is calculated by dividing the amount of fuel supplied to the furnace by the heat output (BTUs).
Example: If a homeowner upgrades from a 60 AFUE furnace to an 80 AFUE furnace, they can save 25% per year on heating costs.
5-year savings: $2,506
10-year savings: $5,012
15-year savings: $7,518
Upgrading to a 90 AFUE furnace saves 33% per year:
5-year savings: $3,341
10-year savings: $6,682
15-year savings: $10,023
AFUE Rating Chart
Like SEER ratings for cooling, AFUE ratings impact heating efficiency. A correctly sized and installed furnace ensures optimal energy savings. Method Air’s AFUE Energy Savings Calculator removes the guesswork, making it easier to communicate energy savings to your Utah customers.
