Cooling costs
Air Conditioner Running Cost Calculator
Estimate the electricity cost of running a window unit, portable AC, mini-split, or central air conditioner.
Planning estimate—not a guarantee
Use product labels and your current utility rate. Actual energy use varies with equipment, settings, climate, condition, installation, provider charges, and behavior.
watts
Use the nameplate, manual, energy label, or a plug-in power meter.
hours
days
$/kWh
Find the all-in rate on your bill, or divide bill cost by total kWh.
Your estimate
Estimated annual cost
$244.80
Average monthly cost
$20.40
Cost on a day it runs
$2.04
Energy on a day it runs
12.00 kWh
Actual AC power cycles with temperature, thermostat settings, humidity, insulation, equipment efficiency, and maintenance.
Runs in your browser Use your own utility rate
Calculation method
How this estimate is calculated
Annual cost = (watts ÷ 1,000) × hours per day × days per year × rate
ENERGY STAR: Room Air ConditionersImportant assumptions
What can change the result
- Entered wattage is the unit's average draw while running.
- Runtime means compressor operating time, not merely thermostat-on time.
- The estimate does not model temperature, humidity, insulation, or cycling.
For the most useful estimate, use measurements from a plug-in energy monitor, connected charger, vehicle dashboard, or product energy label whenever available.
Improve your inputs