Deciding to implement an automated external defibrillator (AED) program is a critical step in protecting your employees and customers. But the next question is often more complex: should you purchase the equipment outright or opt for a rental program? This isn’t just a financial calculation. It’s a strategic decision about long term operational simplicity, risk management, and compliance.
For procurement officers, EH&S directors, and operations managers, the choice impacts everything from capital budgets to administrative workload. While buying an AED seems straightforward, the total cost of ownership involves far more than the initial price tag. Let’s break down the factors to help you determine which model best aligns with your organization’s strategy.
The true cost of an AED a 10 year breakdown
To make an informed decision, you need to look beyond the initial invoice and calculate the total cost of ownership (TCO) over the typical 8 to 10 year lifespan of an AED. The numbers might surprise you.
Scenario 1: Purchasing an AED
When you buy an AED, you own a physical asset. However, you also own all the responsibilities that come with it. The initial purchase is just the beginning of your investment.
A new AED suitable for a business environment typically costs between $1,400 and $1,715. But ongoing maintenance is where the hidden costs appear. Here is a realistic 10 year cost projection for a single purchased device:
| Cost Item | Year 0 | Year 2 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 | Year 8 | 10 Year Total |
| AED Unit | $1,500 | $1,500 | |||||
| Pads (Set 1) | Included | Included | |||||
| Battery (Set 1) | Included | Included | |||||
| Pads (Set 2) | $75 | $75 | |||||
| Pads (Set 3) | $75 | $75 | |||||
| Battery (Set 2) | $400 | $400 | |||||
| Pads (Set 4) | $75 | $75 | |||||
| Pads (Set 5) | $75 | $75 | |||||
| Total Cost | $1,500 | $75 | $75 | $400 | $75 | $75 | $2,275 |
This brings the total hardware cost to over $2,200. This calculation doesn’t even include the internal administrative hours for tracking expiration dates, conducting monthly inspections, managing training certifications, and handling post event data downloads and device servicing. When you factor in these soft costs, the annualized cost of owning an AED is often over $200 per year.
Scenario 2: Renting an AED
An AED rental program transforms a large capital expenditure into a predictable operating expense. Instead of a large upfront cost, you pay a fixed monthly fee. These fees, typically ranging from $50 to $80 per month, cover not just the device but the entire ecosystem of support.
Over 10 years, a rental at $60 per month would total $7,200. While this number appears higher than the purchase TCO, it includes services that the purchase-only model leaves for you to manage and fund separately, such as automatic consumable replacements, loaner devices after use, and comprehensive program management.
Rent vs buy a side by side feature comparison
The decision becomes clearer when you compare the two models across key business functions. It’s less about which is cheaper and more about which solution provides the most value and operational peace of mind.
| Feature | Purchasing an AED | Renting an AED |
| Upfront cost | High capital expenditure ($1,400+) | Low to zero upfront cost |
| Monthly cost | None, but budget needed for future expenses | Fixed, predictable operating expense |
| Consumables | Separate, unpredictable purchases | Pads & batteries automatically replaced |
| Maintenance | In house responsibility; requires staff time | Included; handled by vendor |
| Compliance | Requires internal tracking & management | Often includes program management & oversight |
| Risk & liability | Program failure falls on the owner | Vendor shares responsibility for device readiness |
| Tech upgrades | Requires a new capital purchase | Easy to upgrade to newer models at end of term |
Who benefits most matching the model to your business
The right choice depends entirely on your organization’s structure, resources, and priorities.
Ideal for renting
Renting is often the best fit for organizations that prioritize budget predictability and operational simplicity. This includes:
- Startups and small Businesses:
Avoids a large capital outlay when cash flow is critical.
- Multi-location enterprises:
Centralizes AED management for retail chains, property management firms, and corporate campuses, ensuring uniform compliance and maintenance across all sites without burdening local staff.
- Event organizers and seasonal businesses:
Provides life saving equipment for a specific duration, such as a concert, festival, or seasonal resort operation, without a long term commitment.
- Organizations seeking total peace of mind:
For any business that wants to offload the complete responsibility of device maintenance, compliance tracking, and post event servicing to a dedicated expert.
Ideal for buying
Purchasing can be a viable option for well established organizations with the internal infrastructure to manage an AED program effectively. This includes:
- Large organizations with dedicated staff:
Companies with robust facilities management or EH&S departments that can absorb the tasks of inspection, tracking, and consumable reordering.
- Government and public entities:
Municipalities or institutions that have budget cycles favoring capital expenditures and possess the internal resources for long term asset management.
- Businesses planning for 5+ years:
If an organization is confident it can manage the program internally for the full lifespan of the device, purchasing may offer a lower total cash outlay.
The technology factor how WiFi and remote monitoring change the game
Modern AEDs are no longer isolated devices. Many now feature WiFi connectivity that links to cloud based management platforms. These systems automate readiness checks, monitor battery health, and send alerts when consumables are nearing expiration.
This technology significantly reduces the “program management” burden, which has traditionally been a major pain point for AED owners. For businesses that choose to purchase, investing in a WiFi enabled AED is a smart move to simplify upkeep.
However, this same technology is a core component of premium rental programs. A rental agreement gives you access to these advanced monitoring features without having to manage the software or platform yourself, ensuring your device is always connected and ready.
Beyond the device understanding AED program management
Whether you rent or buy, a truly effective AED program is more than just a box on the wall. It requires comprehensive management to ensure it is legally compliant and ready to use at a moment’s notice.
Key components of a well managed program include:
- Medical oversight and prescription:
An AED is a medical device that requires a physician’s prescription and oversight to ensure it is deployed and used according to medical best practices. - Readiness checks and reporting:
Regular documented inspections are required by law in many states to verify the device is operational. - Consumable tracking:
Proactive management of pad and battery expiration dates is crucial for readiness. - Post event service:
After an AED is used, it must be serviced, and the event data must be downloaded for physician review. A loaner device is often needed immediately.
This entire lifecycle of management is the primary value of an all inclusive rental program. It bundles the hardware with the essential services needed to run a compliant and effective emergency response program, reducing your administrative workload and liability.
Making your final decision
To make the best choice, ask yourself these strategic questions:
- Budgeting:
Is it easier for my organization to approve a one time capital expenditure or a predictable monthly operating expense?
- Personnel:
Do we have dedicated staff with the time and expertise to manage monthly inspections, track supplies, and handle post event logistics across all our locations?
- Risk:
What is the cost to our organization if an AED fails due to an expired battery or a missed inspection? Do we prefer to manage that risk internally or share it with a service partner?
- Simplicity:
How valuable is a “set it and forget it” solution that consolidates equipment, maintenance, and compliance into a single point of contact?
For many businesses, the answer points toward renting. It transforms the complex task of managing a life saving medical device into a simple, predictable service, allowing you to focus on your core operations with the confidence that your AED program is always ready.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Isn’t buying always cheaper in the long run?
A: Not necessarily. While the initial purchase price might seem lower than years of rental fees, the total cost of ownership for a purchased AED includes replacement batteries and pads, staff time for management, and potential costs for compliance software. A rental program bundles all these hardware and service costs into one predictable fee, often providing better overall value and reduced financial risk.
Q: What happens if our rented AED is used in an emergency?
A: A key benefit of a rental program is post event service. After you use the AED, the rental provider will typically retrieve the device, download the event data for medical review, and provide you with an immediate loaner AED so your facility is never without protection. The original device is then serviced, restocked, and returned to you.
Q: Can I upgrade my rented AED to a newer model?
A: Yes, most rental agreements offer the flexibility to upgrade to newer technology at the end of your term. This allows you to keep your program current with the latest life saving features without another large capital investment, which is a significant advantage over purchasing.
Q: What kind of support is included in an AED rental program?
A: Comprehensive rental programs, like the AED Total Solution, include the AED and a carrying case, all necessary consumables (pads and batteries) with automatic replacement before they expire, medical oversight, compliance reporting, and post event support.
Q: Are AED rental fees a tax deductible business expense?
A: In many cases, yes. AED rental fees can often be classified as a 100% tax deductible operating expense. This can provide a financial advantage over purchasing, which is treated as a capital asset and depreciates over time. As always, you should consult with your accountant to confirm the specific tax implications for your business.