Curious about your air conditioner’s annual energy use? Our SEER2 Savings Calculator makes it easy to find out. Discover how much you could save by switching to an energy-efficient Exalt Air unit—both yearly and over 20 years. SEER2 (updated Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures efficiency under more realistic conditions: higher SEER2 means lower energy use. For example, upgrading from a 3-ton, 10 SEER2 (equivalent to an older ~10.5 SEER unit) to an 18 SEER2 unit, at $0.15 per kWh and 1200 hours of use, saves approximately $180 annually and $3,600 over 20 years.
To calculate your savings, set your unit’s tonnage (e.g., 36 ÷ 12 = 3 tons, found on the outdoor label), current SEER2, and the new unit’s SEER2. Add your electricity rate and cooling hours, then watch the savings appear. Adjust the sliders to explore options—it’s quick and revealing!
SEER2 is the new efficiency standard introduced in 2023 by the Department of Energy, designed to better reflect real-world performance with more stringent testing conditions. As a result, SEER2 ratings are typically lower than the old SEER ratings for the same unit.
For older units rated under the original SEER (pre-2023), you can estimate the equivalent SEER2 by multiplying the old SEER by approximately 0.95 (or dividing by 1.05). For example:
Use this conversion to input your current unit's equivalent SEER2 rating for accurate comparisons. New units must meet minimum SEER2 ratings of 13.4 in the North region (including Illinois) for air conditioners.
Compare your current SEER2 to a new unit on a selected tonnage.
| Annual Energy Savings | $0 |
|---|---|
| Lifetime (20 yr.) Energy Savings | $0 |
| Existing | New | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Energy Cost | $0 | $0 |
| Lifetime (20 yr.) Energy Cost | $0 | $0 |
Choosing the right size and efficiency for your air conditioner is key to saving energy and money. An oversized unit “short cycles,” running too briefly to dehumidify, while an undersized one overworks, wears out fast, and leaves your home muggy. Both increase costs and reduce system life. Proper sizing, beyond just square footage, requires a sizing guide and an HVAC contractor to optimize performance and savings.
A well-sized HVAC system pays off quickly with lower energy bills, quieter operation, and even temperatures thanks to advanced multi-stage motors. This investment boosts comfort and durability, making hot, humid summers more enjoyable.