Cooling Energy, Modeled Transparently

Cooling usage is estimated from per-square-foot benchmarks normalized to a SEER 14 system: 6.5 kWh/sq ft per year for central AC, 5.2 for heat pumps, 8.5 for window units, and just 1.4 for evaporative coolers, which use far less electricity because they chill air with water. SEER and thermostat settings then scale the baseline — the model never hides its assumptions.

SEER: Efficiency You Can Buy

Cooling energy scales inversely with SEER, so upgrading from a SEER 14 to a SEER 20 system cuts usage by 30% — the same cooling for less electricity. The trade-off is upfront cost: high-SEER units cost more, but in hot climates the monthly savings usually repay the difference within a few seasons. Enter your system's SEER to see your own number.

Small Settings, Real Savings

Thermostat behavior moves the needle more than most people expect: each degree of setback saves about 3% of cooling energy, so a 70°F vs 78°F setting is worth 15–25% of your season total. Combine that with ceiling fans and window shading, and a $350 cooling season can become a $250 one without touching the system.