Cost to Run an Air Conditioner

Calculate air conditioner running costs. Window units cost $30-80/month, while central AC costs $100-200/month in summer.

1 min read

Quick Answer

A window AC (10,000 BTU, ~1,200W) costs about $0.19/hour or $45-80/month running 8-12 hours daily. Central AC costs $100-200/month in summer depending on home size, efficiency, and climate. Calculate your cost with the Power Cost Calculator.

Key Takeaways

Window units typically draw 500-1,500 watts depending on BTU rating.
Each degree lower on the thermostat increases costs about 3%.
Ceiling fans allow raising thermostat 4°F without losing comfort.

Explanation

Window units typically draw 500-1,500 watts depending on BTU rating. A common 10,000 BTU unit uses about 1,200 watts. Portable ACs use more power than window units for the same cooling capacity.

Central AC systems range from 2,000-5,000 watts. A 3-ton system (36,000 BTU) might draw 3,500 watts while running. However, central AC cycles on and off based on thermostat settings, not running continuously.

Efficiency ratings matter greatly. A high-SEER central system or Energy Star window unit can cut cooling costs by 20-40% compared to older or less efficient models.

Things to Know

Each degree lower on the thermostat increases costs about 3%.
Ceiling fans allow raising thermostat 4°F without losing comfort.
Heat pumps cost about half as much to run as standard central AC for cooling.