What SEER means
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures how much cooling a system delivers per unit of electricity over a season - higher is more efficient. Because cooling cost scales inversely with SEER, moving from an old SEER 10 unit to a modern SEER 16 one cuts the energy used for cooling by roughly a third. Newer SEER2 ratings are measured a little differently, but the idea is the same.
Reading your estimate
This tool compares your current and new SEER and applies that ratio to your yearly cooling cost. It is a solid ballpark, but real savings also depend on how much you run the system, your electricity rate, and how well the new one is sized and installed. A right-sized, well-installed system captures the full savings; an oversized one does not.
Rebates can add up. High-efficiency systems often qualify for SMUD or federal incentives on top of the energy savings. We flag every rebate you qualify for.
Energy Savings Questions, Answered
How do you calculate energy savings from a new AC?
For a cooling upgrade, savings scale with the jump in SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). Divide your old SEER by the new one and subtract from 1 to get the percent reduction, then apply that to your current cooling cost. Going from SEER 10 to SEER 16, for example, cuts cooling energy about 38%. The calculator above does this for your numbers.
How much can a higher-SEER AC or heat pump save?
It depends on how inefficient your current system is and how much you cool. Replacing a 1990s-era SEER 8 to 10 unit with a modern SEER 16+ system commonly trims cooling costs 30 to 50%, which in the hot Sacramento-area summer can be a few hundred dollars a year. Right-sizing and a quality install are what let you capture the full savings.
Is it cheaper to run the AC all day or turn it off and on?
In our climate it is usually cheaper to hold a steady, slightly higher setpoint (or use a smart schedule) than to switch the AC fully off and force it to pull the house back down from a deep afternoon heat soak. Modern variable-speed systems are especially efficient when held at a steady temperature.
Should I use my AC's energy-saver mode?
Energy-saver mode cycles the fan off when the compressor is not actively cooling, which saves a little on a window or portable unit. On a central system, a programmable or smart thermostat does more by easing setpoints when you are away or asleep. Neither replaces the savings of an efficient, right-sized system.
What temperature should I set my AC to save money?
Every degree you raise the summer setpoint cuts cooling energy roughly 2 to 3%. Many households land around 76 to 78 degrees when home and higher when away for a good balance of comfort and cost. Pair that with a higher-SEER system and the savings compound.
What uses the most electricity in a home in summer?
In the Sacramento-area summer, central air conditioning is typically the single biggest electricity user, which is exactly why AC efficiency matters. Upgrading an old, low-SEER system, adding a smart thermostat, and sealing ducts all target the largest line item on your summer bill.
Do plug-in “electricity saver” devices really work?
No. The small plug-in boxes marketed to slash your bill do not meaningfully reduce a home's energy use, and independent testing has repeatedly debunked them. Real, lasting savings come from efficient equipment such as a higher-SEER AC or heat pump, plus a smart thermostat, sealed ducts, and good insulation.
See Your Real Savings, Free.
We will size the system correctly, factor in your actual rates and rebates, and give you a written estimate - no pressure, no obligation.