Life-Cycle Cost and Payback Period Analysis for Commercial Unitary Air Conditioners

Publication Type

Report

Date Published

03/2004

Authors

Abstract

This report describes an analysis of the economic impacts of possible energy efficiency standards for commercial unitary air conditioners and heat pumps on individual customers in terms of two metrics: life-cycle cost (LCC) and payback period (PBP). For each of the two equipment classes considered, the 11.5 EER provides the largest mean LCC savings. The results show how the savings vary among customers facing different electricity prices and other conditions. At 11.5 EER, at least 80% of the users achieve a positive LCC savings. At 12.0 EER, the maximum efficiency analyzed, mean LCC savings are lower but still positive. For the ≥65,000 Btu/h to <135,000 Btu/h equipment class, 59% of users achieve a positive LCC savings. For the ≥135,000 Btu/h to <240,000 Btu/h equipment class, 91% of users achieve a positive LCC savings.

Year of Publication

2004

Organization

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