A West Jordan customer in a 2005-built two-story home contacted us about AC replacement. Their original 18-year-old single-stage AC was operational but inefficient — summer electric bills had risen substantially over the years as efficiency declined. The customer was specifically focused on energy savings and wanted realistic payback analysis on premium equipment tiers rather than marketing-driven efficiency claims.
Customer Situation
- Home: 2005-built West Jordan two-story, approximately 2,800 sq ft
- Existing equipment: 18-year-old single-stage 13 SEER AC, 4 ton; existing variable-speed furnace (compatible with two-stage AC)
- Symptom: Equipment operational but summer bills $280+/month average
- Customer priorities: Realistic energy savings, payback analysis, equipment longevity
Equipment Comparison and Payback Analysis
We provided honest payback analysis across three tiers:
Option 1: 14.3 SEER2 single-stage — $7,200 installed
– Modest efficiency improvement vs. existing 13 SEER
– Estimated annual savings: $180/year
– Payback: not meaningful improvement
Option 2: 16 SEER2 two-stage — $9,600 installed
– Better dehumidification, comfort, and efficiency
– Estimated annual savings: $360/year
– Payback period: approximately 7 years (premium vs. Option 1)
Option 3: 18 SEER2 variable-speed — $13,800 installed
– Best efficiency and comfort
– Estimated annual savings: $520/year
– Payback period vs. Option 1: approximately 13 years (premium not justified by savings alone)
Customer selected Option 2 (two-stage). Best balance of efficiency improvement and payback economics. Option 3 efficiency premium not justified by realistic savings projection.
Installation and Commissioning
Standard AC condenser replacement with matching evaporator coil. All commissioning measurements within specifications.
Final Cost
Customer’s cost: $9,600
Rebates filed:
– Federal 25C tax credit: $600
– Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart AC rebate: $150
Effective net cost: $8,850
Customer Outcome — First Year
Documented summer electric bills:
| Month | Year 1 (old AC) | Year 2 (new AC) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | $245 | $185 | $60 |
| July | $310 | $215 | $95 |
| August | $325 | $225 | $100 |
| September | $245 | $175 | $70 |
First-year savings: $325 (slightly below projected $360 due to mild summer; second year tracking closer to projection during hotter summer)
What This Case Study Demonstrates
- Honest payback analysis — not all “efficiency upgrade” pitches deliver promised savings
- Two-stage equipment delivers meaningful savings with reasonable payback (~7 years)
- Variable-speed premium often not justified by savings alone — comfort considerations sometimes justify it, but pure savings math doesn’t
- Documented year-over-year electric bills verify actual savings vs. projections
Considering AC Replacement?
If you’re researching AC replacement in West Jordan with energy savings focus, call (385) 250-0687 for honest payback analysis.
- Phone: (385) 250-0687
- Address: 4454 Manhattan Ct, West Valley City, UT 84120