Try Our SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) Calculator

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When you're considering upgrading to a newer, higher-efficiency heat pump or air conditioner, it can be difficult to decide if it's worth the upfront cost. Luckily, this handy calculator can help you visualize the energy savings over 5, 10, and 15-year periods. 

The methods to calculate your cooling needs are explained below. However, calculating heating can be a little different. The heating calculation is geared toward replacing an existing natural gas or propane furnace. As a generalization, these systems are typically referred to as either 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 96% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) furnaces with various BTU sizes (see "AC Capacity" below for an explanation of BTUs). In the calculator, "Average BTU Per Heating Season" is simply the size of your furnace in BTUs. "Current AFUE" is the efficiency rating of your current furnace. The model number or bright yellow ENERGYGUIDE sticker attached to your furnace will give this information. A Google search of your manufacturer's name and the model number should help. "New AFUE" is the efficiency rating of a new furnace you've been researching on your own or saw in a quote from Ridgeline or another HVAC company.

AC capacity refers to the size of the HVAC equipment in your home in British Thermal Units (BTU). This is the standard unit of measure for furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps. 12,000 BTUs equals one ton, which is why many HVAC systems are referred to in tons (2 ton, 3.5 ton, 5 ton, etc.) This rating is typically found on the rating sticker of your equipment as a portion of the model number. A simple Google search should help find your equipment size based on the manufacturer name and model number (MN). 

A simpler, but less accurate, method is to roughly calculate your AC capacity by the square footage of your home. 600 - 1,000 sq ft would need approximately 1.5 tons (18k BTU). 1,000 - 1,500 sq ft would need approximately 2 tons (24k BTU). 1,500 - 2000 sq ft would need approximately 3 tons (36k BTU). 2,000 - 2,500 sq ft would need approximately 4 tons (48k BTU). 2,500 - 3,300 sq ft would need approximately 5 tons (60k BTU). 

While the square footage method is useful for quick reference, the experts at Ridgeline will always size your system by performing a full load calculation that accounts for ceiling height, windows, insulation value, etc. You will be provided a copy of this report, at no cost, with a quote for our services.

This information can be found on the ENERGYGUIDE sticker attached to your equipment or the manual. If the sticker is absent, the rating can usually be obtained via the model number (MN). A Google search of the manufacturer and MN should lead you to a breakdown of the various letters and numbers.

If you've already found a system that appeals to you, or you've received a quote from Ridgeline or another HVAC company, the SEER rating of the new equipment should be readily available.