Quote:
Originally Posted by CoachKandSportsguy
Per the data on this page, based upon energy savings estimate by SEER,
The monthly savings per 1.0 unit increase in SEER = 15.6 kWh per month * 0.14 $ per kWh = $2.20 per month electrical cost savings * $12 = $26.4 savings per year per unit increase of SEER
If you are determining the purchase based upon the electrical usage cost differential per the SEER differential, I would recommend looking at the qualitative factors instead, which of course is harder to quantify. . .
Of course if the only criteria are costs, then the additional SEER of the quoted cost differential of $1,400 has an accounting payback period of 53 years. . . however, your house is not an investment, your house is shelter costs only, and therefore purchase what will make you happy for your retirement. That point of view should ask you to make the decision upon qualitative factors such as longevity, dependability, and mean time between failures and lost cooling time due to waiting for repair parts
former finance guy who use all the accountants' data for the future valuation analysis for purchase. .
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Great post. Something else to remember. That higher SEER unit won't last 53 years. So you will get to start all over again based on the costs when it dies in 8 to 10 years.
Higher energy efficient appliances are great from an overall energy usage reduction for a state or country. When looking at it from the perspective of who has to pay the higher cost for the more efficient equipment (individual consumer) it makes alot less sense. Throw in the fact that more energy efficient=high complexity=shorter life/more frequent repairs and it can make even less sense.