Florida Cooling Bill Tool
SEER2 Energy Savings Calculator
Check the rating standard and matched-system efficiency in each system's documentation. SEER and SEER2 use different test methods, so this tool withholds a numerical comparison when the standards differ or are unconfirmed. Starting numbers are editable scenarios, not verified ratings for your home.
Last updated September 6, 2026Methodology sources and assumptions below
Quick answer
How much can I save by upgrading my AC SEER2 rating?
Cooling-energy use depends on the modeled load and each system's efficiency. Confirm that both ratings use SEER or both use SEER2 before comparing them. This tool shows lower use, higher use or no change; an optional usage-based electricity rate adds a cost estimate.
How This Calculator Works
Modeled cooling load (Btu) = tons x 12,000 Btu/h per ton x equivalent full-load cooling hours. Annual cooling kWh = modeled load / the confirmed seasonal rating (Btu/Wh) / 1,000. Both systems use the same load and rating standard. Energy difference = existing kWh - proposed kWh; cost difference = energy difference x the entered usage rate. A negative difference means an increase.
Florida Factors to Review
Palm Beach County weather, humidity, thermostat settings, shade, duct condition and maintenance affect actual use. Equivalent full-load hours express the load as time at stated capacity, not simply thermostat or fan runtime. A constant seasonal rating cannot model every part-load condition, and this comparison is not a measured savings forecast.
Choosing Your Electricity Usage Rate
The rate starts blank. Enter the per-kWh energy, fuel and other usage charges from your rate plan, excluding fixed monthly fees and taxes. A fixed fee does not disappear when HVAC use falls, so whole-bill cost divided by kWh is not necessarily the cost avoided by saving electricity. No utility tariff or current price is assumed here.
Your entered rate applies to the full modeled period. Tiered, time-of-use, minimum-bill and changing prices require more detail than one rate can provide. Dollar results estimate HVAC energy cost, not your total bill or guaranteed savings.
Methodology Sources
These sources explain rating definitions, usage charges and equivalent full-load-hour methods. They do not validate the starting scenarios for a Palm Beach County home. The cooling evaluation protocol is a historical methodology reference, not a current local calibration.
Calculator FAQs
What electric rate should I use?
Enter the per-kWh energy, fuel and other usage charges from your rate plan, excluding fixed monthly fees and taxes. Leave the rate blank to see energy use without dollar estimates. A single rate only approximates tiered or time-of-use pricing and is applied to the full modeled year.
Does SEER2 savings include fixed fees and taxes?
No. Cost estimates use only the usage rate you enter. Fixed fees, taxes and non-HVAC electricity are excluded. Do not divide the whole bill by kWh when that total includes fixed charges.
Can I compare an old SEER number directly with a new SEER2 number?
No. Their test methods differ, and this tool does not apply a universal conversion. Use comparable matched-system ratings on the same confirmed basis, or ask CCS to help identify the equipment ratings. Do not substitute an advertised product-family maximum for your system's rating.
Estimate Disclaimer
Calculator results are planning estimates for homeowner education. They are not a Manual J load calculation, diagnostic finding, utility bill audit, financing approval, rebate confirmation, or installed-price quote. Climate Control Services can inspect the home, review equipment, and explain written options before work begins.