When you're considering purchasing an automated external defibrillator (AED) for your workplace, gym, school, public space, business, or home one of the first questions is usually about price. The upfront cost of an AED can seem significant, but when you break it down over the device's actual lifespan, the picture becomes much clearer—and far more compelling.

Let's talk about the real numbers behind the cost of an AED and why this investment in life safety makes remarkable financial sense.

Understanding the True Cost of an AED

The cost of an AED typically ranges from $2,000 to $2,500 for a quality, reliable unit. For this analysis, we'll use $2,300 as a realistic figure for a professional-grade device with advanced features and reliability. An AED has an estimated lifespan of 8 to 10 years, depending on usage and maintenance. We'll use 9 years as our baseline.

Here's where the math gets interesting.

Cost Breakdown Over Time

Total Investment: $2,300 Lifespan: 9 years

Cost Per Day: $0.71 Cost Per Week: $4.98 Cost Per Month: $21.30 Cost Per Year: $255.56

That's right. When you're investing in the cost of installing a defibrillator at your facility, you're looking at roughly 71 cents per day in equipment costs.

Putting It in Perspective: The Coffee Comparison

Here's a reality check that might surprise you. The average American spends about $5 per day on coffee—that's roughly $1,825 per year. Some people spend even more if they're frequenting specialty coffee shops.

Let's compare:

• Annual coffee spending: ~$1,825
• Annual AED cost: ~$256
• The difference: You could fund your AED program for the entire year with less than 15% of what most people spend on coffee

When you look at it this way, the defib price isn't an expense—it's a bargain for a device that could literally save someone's life.

What About Maintenance?

It's important to note that the initial cost of an AED isn't the only expense to consider. There are ongoing maintenance costs, including:

• Pad replacements: Typically $100-$300 every 4-5 years (pads expire)
• Battery replacements: Usually $100-$300 every 4-5 years
• Annual inspections and certification: Often minimal or included with service plans

Even factoring in these maintenance costs, you're adding roughly $100 per year to your total investment. Your new total? Still well under $400 annually—or about a dollar per day.

Comparing AED Price Points

If you're shopping around for an AED for sale, you'll encounter different options:

• Basic models: $1,899 - $2.000
• Mid-range devices: $2,000-$2,300
• Premium units with advanced features: $2,300-$2,500

The AED price varies based on features like connectivity, data storage, durability ratings, and warranty coverage. However, even the most expensive option on the market works out to less than $1 per day over its lifetime.

The Real Value: What You Can't Put a Price On

While we've been focusing on the financial breakdown, let's be clear about what this investment actually represents. Every AED has the potential to save a life during a sudden cardiac arrest event. According to the American Heart Association, immediate defibrillation can improve survival rates by up to 90%.

The cost of a defibrillator is modest. The value of being able to respond to a cardiac emergency with an effective, proven medical device is immeasurable.

Making the Decision

Whether you're looking at the cost of an AED for a corporate office, a fitness facility, a school, or a public venue, the financial justification is straightforward:

• Less than $200 per year
• About $3.21 per week
• Less than what most people spend on daily coffee

Beyond the numbers, you're investing in safety, compliance, and peace of mind. You're also demonstrating to employees, clients, and members that you take their wellbeing seriously.

If you've been on the fence about purchasing an AED because of concerns about defib prices or the upfront cost of installation, we hope this breakdown helps reframe the conversation. The real question isn't whether you can afford to install an AED—it's whether you can afford not to.

Ready to explore AED options for your organization? The time to invest in life safety is now. Contact Canada's AED Company, AED.ca to learn more about AED availability and pricing in your area.