When it comes to purchasing a new air conditioner, one of the decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go with a 13 SEER or a 14 SEER unit. The SEER rating stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and it’s used to measure the efficiency of an air conditioner. In general, the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit is. As of 2023, all air conditioners must have a minimum SEER rating of 14, so it may be necessary to upgrade to meet new requirements.
The main difference between a 13 SEER and a 14 SEER unit is the energy savings. On average, a 14 SEER unit will use 7-8% less energy than a 13 SEER unit. This can translate to significant savings over time, especially if you’re running your air conditioner for many hours each day.
There are a few factors to consider when deciding between a 13 SEER and a 14 SEER unit. The first is the cost of electricity in your area. If electricity prices are high, then the energy savings from a 14 SEER unit will be more significant. The second factor is the cost of the cooling unit itself. 14 SEER units are typically more expensive than 13 SEER units, so you’ll need to weigh the initial cost difference against the long-term savings. Finally, the new 2023 mandated minimum SEER requirements should be considered when making your decision.
How to Calculate 13 SEER vs 14 SEER Savings
To calculate the average wattage of a 13 SEER and a 14 SEER unit, you can use the formula:
Average Wattage = Cooling Output (in BTU) / SEER Rating.
For example, if we’re looking at 3 ton units, a 13 SEER unit will run on an average of 2,769 watts, while a 14 SEER unit will run on an average of 2,571 watts.
To calculate the electricity cost per hour, you can use the formula:
Running Cost Per Hour = Electricity Expenditure Per Hour (in kWh) × Price Per kWh.
By multiplying the average wattage by the number of hours the unit is running, you can calculate the electricity cost per hour.
To calculate the electricity cost per season, you can multiply the running cost per hour by the number of hours the unit is running per season. For example, a 13 SEER unit will cost $365.23 per season, while a 14 SEER unit will cost $339.11 per season. To calculate the electricity cost over 20 years, you can multiply the running cost per season by the number of seasons in 20 years. For example, a 13 SEER unit will cost $609 per 1000 hours, while a 14 SEER unit will cost $570 per 1000 hours.
When choosing between a 13 SEER and a 14 SEER unit, it’s important to consider the cost of electricity, the cost of the cooling unit, and the new 2023 mandated minimum SEER requirements. By calculating the energy savings over time, you can make an informed decision that will save you money in the long run. If the savings in 20 years are bigger than the price difference between 13 SEER and 14 SEER unit, it’s best to go for the 14 SEER unit. If the savings in 20 years are lower than the price difference between 13 SEER and 14 SEER unit, it’s best to go for the 13 SEER unit.
13 SEER vs 14 SEER Savings Chart
Another helpful tool in making your decision is a 13 SEER vs 14 SEER savings chart.
| AC Tonnage | 13 SEER Cost Per Hour | 14 SEER Cost Per Hour | Savings Per Hour | Savings Per 1000 hours | Savings Per Year | Savings Per 10 Years | Savings Per 20 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Ton | $0.36 | $0.34 | $0.02 | $20 | $24 | $240 | $480 |
| 1.5 Ton | $0.54 | $0.51 | $0.03 | $30 | $36 | $360 | $720 |
| 2 Ton | $0.73 | $0.68 | $0.05 | $50 | $60 | $600 | $1200 |
| 2.5 Ton | $0.91 | $0.85 | $0.06 | $60 | $72 | $720 | $1440 |
| 3 Ton | $1.09 | $1.02 | $0.07 | $70 | $84 | $840 | $1680 |
| 3.5 Ton | $1.28 | $1.18 | $0.1 | $100 | $120 | $1200 | $2400 |
| 4 Ton | $1.46 | $1.34 | $0.12 | $120 | $144 | $1440 | $2880 |
| 5 Ton | $1.82 | $1.71 | $0.11 | $110 | $132 | $1320 | $2640 |
| 6 Ton | $2.18 | $2.05 | $0.13 | $130 | $156 | $1560 | $3120 |
This chart can provide a visual representation of the energy savings for different ton units, such as 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5, and 6 ton units. The chart can also include calculations for running cost per hour, running cost per season, and running cost over 20 years. This can help you to easily compare the savings and make a decision based on your specific needs and budget. In addition to the cost savings, there are other advantages to choosing a higher SEER rated unit. These units tend to be more dependable and have a longer lifespan. They also tend to be quieter and provide better air quality. It‘s important to consider not only the cost savings, but also the overall performance and quality of the unit when making your decision. Choosing between a 13 SEER and a 14 SEER unit can be a complex decision.
New SEER rating requirements as of January 1, 2023
All air conditioners must have a minimum SEER rating of 14 as of January 1, 2023. By considering the cost of electricity, the cost of the cooling unit, the new 2023 mandated minimum SEER2 requirements, and the energy savings over time, you can make an informed decision that will save you money in the long run. A 13 SEER vs 14 SEER savings chart can also be a helpful tool in determining the best option for your specific needs. Bear in mind that upgrading to a higher SEER rated unit not only will save you money on your energy bill but also will provide you with a reliable and high–quality cooling system for your home.
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