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 | $1,411 to $3,701 new, from $875 recertified | One-time + replace year 10 |
| Cabinet + signage | $120 to $900 | One-time |
| Pad replacements | $60 to $282 | Every 2 to 5 years (brand-specific) |
| Battery replacements | $100 to $495 (LIFEPAK 1000: $694) | Every 4 to 7 years |
| Training (Heartsaver) | $60 to $110/person | Every 2 years (most states) |
| State registration | $0 to $25 | One-time or annual renewal |
| Annual inspection labor | ~15 min × labor rate | Annually amortized |
| Bulk discount (6+ units) | −10% to −25% | Applied to fleet orders |
Brand-by-brand TCO at single-device scale
| Brand & model | 10-yr TCO |
|---|---|
| HeartSine PAD 350P | $2,613 |
| Defibtech Lifeline | $2,739 |
| Philips HeartStart OnSite | $3,213 |
| HeartSine PAD 360P | $2,853 |
| ZOLL AED Plus | $3,142 |
| Philips HeartStart FRx | $3,683 |
| Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 | $4,229 |
| ZOLL AED 3 | $3,564 |
| LIFEPAK CR2 | $4,060 |
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 to $240 per AED/year for multi-site organizations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the calculator accurate?
Within ~5% for the inputs you provide. Pricing is benchmarked against AED Leader store prices, with device and part ranges checked in September 2026. Confirm current prices before you buy.
Why is the TCO so much higher than the sticker price?
The device price is about half to two-thirds 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 to 10 units = ~10%; 11 to 25 = ~15%; 26+ = ~20 to 25%.
Does it model refurbished devices?
Yes, toggle “refurbished” to apply a recertified device price with a shorter warranty assumption. At AED Leader, recertified units are $875 for most models, $1,150 to $1,295 for the ZOLL AED 3 and $1,225 for the Powerheart G5.
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.
