.seer-calculator-container {
font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif;
max-width: 700px;
margin: 20px auto;
padding: 25px;
border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;
border-radius: 10px;
background-color: #f9f9f9;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.08);
}
.seer-calculator-container h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
text-align: center;
margin-bottom: 25px;
font-size: 28px;
font-weight: 600;
}
.seer-calculator-container .input-group {
margin-bottom: 18px;
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
}
.seer-calculator-container label {
display: block;
margin-bottom: 8px;
color: #34495e;
font-weight: 500;
font-size: 16px;
}
.seer-calculator-container input[type="number"] {
width: calc(100% – 20px);
padding: 12px;
border: 1px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 6px;
font-size: 16px;
color: #333;
transition: border-color 0.3s ease;
}
.seer-calculator-container input[type="number"]:focus {
border-color: #007bff;
outline: none;
box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(0, 123, 255, 0.25);
}
.seer-calculator-container button {
display: block;
width: 100%;
padding: 14px 20px;
background-color: #28a745;
color: white;
border: none;
border-radius: 6px;
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: 600;
cursor: pointer;
transition: background-color 0.3s ease, transform 0.2s ease;
margin-top: 25px;
}
.seer-calculator-container button:hover {
background-color: #218838;
transform: translateY(-2px);
}
.seer-calculator-container .result-section {
margin-top: 30px;
padding: 20px;
background-color: #e9f7ef;
border: 1px solid #d4edda;
border-radius: 8px;
text-align: center;
font-size: 18px;
color: #155724;
line-height: 1.6;
}
.seer-calculator-container .result-section strong {
color: #0f5132;
font-size: 20px;
}
.seer-calculator-container .error-message {
color: #dc3545;
margin-top: 10px;
text-align: center;
font-weight: 500;
}
.seer-calculator-container h3 {
color: #2c3e50;
margin-top: 40px;
margin-bottom: 15px;
font-size: 24px;
border-bottom: 2px solid #e0e0e0;
padding-bottom: 10px;
}
.seer-calculator-container p {
line-height: 1.7;
color: #555;
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.seer-calculator-container ul {
list-style-type: disc;
margin-left: 20px;
margin-bottom: 15px;
color: #555;
}
.seer-calculator-container ul li {
margin-bottom: 8px;
line-height: 1.6;
}
SEER Efficiency Calculator
function calculateSEERCost() {
var coolingCapacity = parseFloat(document.getElementById('coolingCapacity').value);
var dailyHours = parseFloat(document.getElementById('dailyHours').value);
var coolingDays = parseFloat(document.getElementById('coolingDays').value);
var seerRating = parseFloat(document.getElementById('seerRating').value);
var electricityCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById('electricityCost').value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('seerResult');
if (isNaN(coolingCapacity) || isNaN(dailyHours) || isNaN(coolingDays) || isNaN(seerRating) || isNaN(electricityCost) ||
coolingCapacity <= 0 || dailyHours <= 0 || coolingDays <= 0 || seerRating <= 0 || electricityCost <= 0) {
resultDiv.style.display = 'block';
resultDiv.className = 'result-section error-message';
resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields.';
return;
}
// 1. Total Annual Operating Hours
var totalAnnualOperatingHours = dailyHours * coolingDays;
// 2. Total Annual Cooling Output (BTU)
var totalAnnualCoolingOutputBTU = coolingCapacity * totalAnnualOperatingHours;
// 3. Total Annual Electrical Energy Input (Watt-hours)
// SEER = BTU / Wh, so Wh = BTU / SEER
var totalAnnualElectricalEnergyWh = totalAnnualCoolingOutputBTU / seerRating;
// 4. Total Annual Electrical Energy Input (kWh)
var totalAnnualElectricalEnergyKwh = totalAnnualElectricalEnergyWh / 1000;
// 5. Annual Operating Cost ($)
var annualOperatingCost = totalAnnualElectricalEnergyKwh * electricityCost;
resultDiv.className = 'result-section';
resultDiv.style.display = 'block';
resultDiv.innerHTML =
'Based on your inputs:' +
'Your AC unit will consume approximately
' + totalAnnualElectricalEnergyKwh.toFixed(2) + ' kWh annually.' +
'The estimated annual operating cost for cooling is
$' + annualOperatingCost.toFixed(2) + '.';
}
Understanding SEER and Your AC's Efficiency
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a crucial metric for evaluating the energy efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps. It measures the total cooling output of an air conditioner or heat pump over a typical cooling season, divided by the total electrical energy input during the same period. A higher SEER rating indicates greater energy efficiency, meaning the unit uses less electricity to provide the same amount of cooling.
Since January 1, 2023, new minimum SEER ratings have been implemented across the United States. For most of the country (North and Central regions), the minimum SEER is 14, while in the Southwest and Southeast regions, the minimum is 15 SEER for split systems. This change reflects an ongoing effort to promote more energy-efficient cooling solutions and reduce energy consumption.
How to Use This Calculator
This calculator helps you estimate the annual energy consumption and operating cost of your air conditioning unit based on its SEER rating and your specific usage patterns. Here's a breakdown of the inputs:
- AC Unit Cooling Capacity (BTU/hr): This is the cooling power of your AC unit, typically found on the unit's label or in its specifications. A common residential unit might be 24,000 BTU/hr (2-ton) or 36,000 BTU/hr (3-ton).
- Average Daily Operating Hours: Estimate how many hours per day your AC runs during the cooling season. This will vary based on your climate and comfort preferences.
- Number of Cooling Days per Year: The number of days in a year when you typically use your air conditioner.
- SEER Rating of Unit: The SEER rating of your specific AC unit. This is usually listed on the EnergyGuide label or in the product documentation.
- Electricity Cost ($/kWh): Your local electricity rate, which can be found on your utility bill.
Example Calculation
Let's consider a typical scenario:
- AC Unit Cooling Capacity: 36,000 BTU/hr (a 3-ton unit)
- Average Daily Operating Hours: 8 hours
- Number of Cooling Days per Year: 180 days
- SEER Rating of Unit: 14
- Electricity Cost: $0.15 per kWh
Using these values, the calculator would determine:
- Total Annual Operating Hours: 8 hours/day * 180 days/year = 1440 hours/year
- Total Annual Cooling Output: 36,000 BTU/hr * 1440 hours/year = 51,840,000 BTU
- Total Annual Electrical Energy Input: 51,840,000 BTU / 14 SEER = 3,702,857.14 Watt-hours
- Total Annual Electrical Energy Input (kWh): 3,702,857.14 Wh / 1000 = 3,702.86 kWh
- Annual Operating Cost: 3,702.86 kWh * $0.15/kWh = $555.43
Now, imagine upgrading to a more efficient 21 SEER unit with the same usage:
The annual operating cost would drop to approximately $370.29, demonstrating significant savings over time.
Why a Higher SEER Rating Matters
Investing in an AC unit with a higher SEER rating can lead to substantial long-term savings on your electricity bills. While units with higher SEER ratings often have a higher upfront cost, the energy savings can offset this initial investment over the lifespan of the unit. Additionally, more efficient units tend to run quieter, provide more consistent cooling, and contribute to a reduced carbon footprint.
Tips for Improving AC Efficiency
- Regular Maintenance: Schedule annual professional tune-ups for your AC unit. Clean or replace air filters monthly.
- Seal Air Leaks: Seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and ducts to prevent cooled air from escaping.
- Improve Insulation: Ensure your home has adequate insulation in walls, attics, and crawl spaces.
- Use a Smart Thermostat: Program your thermostat to adjust temperatures when you're away or asleep.
- Shade Your Home: Use blinds, curtains, or awnings to block direct sunlight, especially on south-facing windows.
- Consider Zoning: If you have a large home, consider a zoned system to cool only the areas you are using.