The AED Cost Calculator models the full 10-year cost of an AED program — not the sticker price most resellers quote. The math combines device cost, consumable replacement cycles, training amortization, registration, cabinet costs, and bulk-discount tiers. This article documents the full formula.
The full formula
What the calculator captures
| Cost component | Typical range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Device | $1,195–$2,795 | One-time + replace year 10 |
| Cabinet + signage | $120–$900 | One-time |
| Pad replacements | $55–$199 | Every 2–5 years (brand-specific) |
| Battery replacements | $89–$415 | Every 4–7 years |
| Training (Heartsaver) | $60–$110/person | Every 2 years (most states) |
| State registration | $0–$25 | One-time or annual renewal |
| Annual inspection labor | ~15 min × labor rate | Annually amortized |
| Bulk discount (10+ units) | −10% to −25% | Applied to fleet orders |
Brand-by-brand TCO at single-device scale
| Brand & model | 10-yr TCO |
|---|---|
| HeartSine PAD 350P | $2,550 |
| Defibtech Lifeline | $2,818 |
| Philips HeartStart OnSite | $2,910 |
| HeartSine PAD 360P | $3,050 |
| ZOLL AED Plus | $3,153 |
| Philips HeartStart FRx | $3,350 |
| Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 | $3,758 |
| ZOLL AED 3 | $4,085 |
| LIFEPAK CR2 | $4,608 |
What the calculator doesn’t capture
- Section 179 tax savings — handled separately; see AED Tax Deductions
- Insurance premium credits — broker-specific; see AED Insurance Coverage
- Grant funding — see AED Grants & Funding
- Software subscription — fleet management adds ~$60–$240 per AED/year for multi-site organizations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the calculator accurate?
Within ~5% for the inputs you provide. Pricing reflects 2024–2025 published MSRP and major-reseller benchmarks.
Why is the TCO so much higher than the sticker price?
Sticker captures ~30% of the 10-year cost. Consumables, training, and replacement drive the rest.
How does the calculator handle bulk discounts?
Applies tiered discount based on unit count: 6–10 units = ~10%; 11–25 = ~15%; 26+ = ~20–25%.
Does it model refurbished devices?
Yes — toggle “refurbished” to apply a 25–40% device discount with shorter warranty assumption.
What about international pricing?
Calculator is U.S.-focused. International buyers should consult local resellers for accurate pricing.
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Sources & References
- Manufacturer pricing across all 9 devices in the database
- AED Leader — Retail Pricing Benchmarks
Disclaimer: TCO modeling. Confirm pricing with authorized resellers before procurement decisions.
