Williams Air Solutions

Energy Savings Calculator

How much will a customer save by upgrading their system? Show them the dollar figure based on their actual SEER difference, tonnage, and electricity rate.

System Ratings

Find this on the nameplate or data plate of the outdoor unit. Systems from 2006-2015 are typically 10-14 SEER. Pre-2006 may be 8-10.
FL minimum (2023+): 15 SEER equivalent. Builder-grade: 14-15. Mid-range: 16-18. High-efficiency: 20-26.

System & Location

tons
1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hr. Typical residential: 2-5 tons. Check the outdoor unit nameplate.
hrs/yr
FL (Tampa/Clearwater area): 1,800 hours. South FL: 2,000-2,500. National average: 1,000.

Electricity Cost

$ /kWh
FL average: $0.14/kWh. Check your electric bill for the actual per-kWh rate.
$
Total cost of the new system installed. Enter to calculate payback period.

Enter the current and new system SEER ratings to calculate savings.

What to do with this number
  1. Build the customer's ROI case. Show the annual savings and payback period during the sales presentation. A $340/year savings on a $7,000 install is a 20-year payback on energy alone — but add reliability, warranty, comfort, and available rebates to complete the picture.
  2. Show the payback period honestly. Energy savings rarely justify a replacement by themselves. The payback is part of the story, not the whole story. Lead with comfort and reliability, use savings as supporting evidence.
  3. Know the diminishing returns above SEER 18. Going from 10 to 16 SEER saves far more per dollar than going from 16 to 22. The savings curve flattens. A 16 SEER system may be the better value than a 22 for most customers.
  4. Revisit when electricity rates change. Florida rates fluctuate. A rate increase makes the savings case stronger. Rerun this calculator with current rates before each sales season.

Savings calculated using DOE EnergyGuide methodology. Actual savings depend on usage patterns, thermostat settings, duct condition, and insulation. Energy savings alone rarely justify an upgrade — reliability, warranty, comfort, and rebates are additional factors.

Sources (4)
  • DOE — EnergyGuide label methodology
  • EIA — Florida electricity rates (2025)
  • ASHRAE — climate zone cooling hours
  • ACCA — SEER/SEER2 conversion guidelines