air conditioner efficiency. air conditioner problem suppose an older home in san antonio is equipped...

Air Conditioner Efficiency

Air Conditioner Problem

Suppose an older home in San Antonio is equipped with a central air-conditioning unit with SEER rating equal to 6 and that this home consumes 36,000 kWh of electrical power each year to power this system. Suppose this system is replaced by a central unit with a SEER rating equal to 18.

1.  How much energy (in kWh) is consumed annually by the central A/C unit after the upgrade?

Energy Consumed =

= 36,000 kWh • Old SEER / New SEER= 36,000 kWh • 6 /18= 36,000 kWh • 1 /3= 12,000 kWh

2.  How much energy is saved annually by switching to the A/C unit with the higher SEER rating?

Energy Saved =

= 36,000 kWh – 12,000 kWh= 24,000 kWh

3.  How much money is saved annually, assuming that the cost of electricity equals $0.10/kWh?

Money Saved =

= 24,000 kWh • $0.10/kWh= $2,400

4.  What is the payback period if the cost of purchasing and installing the new A/C unit equals $4,800?

Cost = $4,800Savings= $2,400/yearPayback = Cost / Savings = 2 years