How Much Does It Cost to Run a Window Air Conditioner? [2024 Data]
Calculate the cost of running a window AC unit
Highlights
The cost to run a window air conditioner is $0.06 to $0.88 per hour at $0.13 kWh.
Unit size, location, hourly usage, and EER will impact the actual average cost.
Formula to calculate an accurate estimate: Watts * (hours used) / 1,000 * (Local kWh) = daily cost of running a window unit.
Typically, the cost of a central air conditioner is higher than the average cost to run a window AC unit, which is $0.06 per hour to $0.88 per hour at the national average of $0.13 kWh. That price assumes that the homeowner uses their window unit for eight hours a day. The actual cost of running a window air conditioner will depend on BTU, hourly usage, kWh, room size, and comfort level. In this guide, discover how window units affect your energy bill, when to hire a window AC repair pro, and what factors influence the cost to run them.
Average Cost to Run a Window Air Conditioner By State
The cost per kilowatt hour or kWh varies by state and can impact how much it’ll cost you to use a window unit. Here are some averages homeowners across the country see when using one of these units. These factors assume an 8,000 BTU window unit for 24 hours with an EER of 10.
| State | Average Cost per Month |
|---|---|
| California | $133.11 |
| Texas | $69.35 |
| Idaho | $57.31 |
| Kansas | $76.44 |
| Florida | $69.00 |
| Illinois | $74.25 |
| Pennsylvania | $80.76 |
| Maine | $95.50 |
| Tennessee | $65.89 |
Price to Run a Window AC Unit Per Hour
Here’s the cost to run a window AC unit every hour, at the national average of $0.13 kWh.
| Energy Usage | Average Cost per Hour |
|---|---|
| 5,000 BTU | $0.06 |
| 8,000 BTU | $0.08 |
| 10,000 BTU | $0.11 |
| 12,000 BTU | $0.14 |
| 15,000 BTU | $0.19 |
Price to Run a Window Air Conditioner per Day
Here’s the cost homeowners can expect to pay to run their AC unit at $0.13 kWh and for eight hours a day.
| Energy Usage | Average Cost per Day |
|---|---|
| 5,000 BTU | $0.52 |
| 8,000 BTU | $0.68 |
| 10,000 BTU | $0.93 |
| 12,000 BTU | $1.14 |
| 15,000 BTU | $1.56 |
Price to Run a Window AC Unit per Month
At an average of $0.13 kWh, for eight hours a day, and 30 days out of the month, here’s how much it’ll cost you to run your window AC unit:
| Energy Usage | Average Cost per Month |
|---|---|
| 5,000 BTU | $15.60 |
| 8,000 BTU | $20.40 |
| 10,000 BTU | $26.40 |
| 12,000 BTU | $33.60 |
| 15,000 BTU | $46.80 |
Cost to Run a Window AC Unit by Hourly Usage
The number of hours you plan on using your window unit per day plays a major role in how much dough it’ll cost you. Here’s a look at some average prices of running a window AC unit by hourly usage with a $0.13 kWh:
6 hours
5,000 BTW: $0.39/day
8,000 BTU: $0.51/day
10,000 BTU: $0.70/day
12,000 BTU: $0.85/day
15,000 BTU: $1.17/day
10 hours
5,000 BTW: $0.65/day
8,000 BTU: $0.85/day
10,000 BTU: $1.17/day
12,000 BTU: $1.43/day
15,000 BTU: $1.95/day
12 hours
5,000 BTW: $0.78/day
8,000 BTU: $1.03/day
10,000 BTU: $1.40/day
12,000 BTU: $1.71/day
15,000 BTU: $2.34/day
16 hours
5,000 BTW: $1.04/day
8,000 BTU: $1.37/day
10,000 BTU: $1.87/day
12,000 BTU: $2.28/day
15,000 BTU: $3.12/day
24 hours
5,000 BTW: $1.56/day
8,000 BTU: $2.05/day
10,000 BTU: $2.80/day
12,000 BTU: $3.43/day
15,000 BTU: $4.68/day
Factors that Influence the Cost to Run a Window Air Conditioner
Apart from BTU, kWh, and hourly usage, other factors play a role in how much your window unit will cost you; let’s look at some of them below:
Comfort level: Some people prefer to keep their home cold and use extra layers for warmth, while others prefer their home to stay on the warmer side. Even with an appropriately sized unit, how cool you want your room to be will determine how long you use it and how much it’ll cost to run it.
Amps: The number of amperes or amps that a window unit uses is based on its BTU and the more amps required, the higher your bill will be.
EER: The Energy Efficiency Ratio (ERR) or Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio (CEER) measures how efficient your window unit is using your energy. If your unit has a higher EER, it’ll require less energy to cool your room.
The number of units: The more window units you have, the more it’ll cost each month to run them.
How to Save Money When Running a Window Air Conditioner?
When trying to save money with a window air conditioner unit, it depends on your comfort level and energy efficiency. While some homeowners like to use window units throughout the day, most only need it until it’s cooled off their home.
So, the best way to save money when using your window unit is before you start using it at all—during the purchasing phase. See how much space you want to keep cool, then see the recommended size for that space. By doing this initial research of the size and type of window air conditioner you need, it’ll be able to cool off your room efficiently, so you’ll only need it on for a few hours a day, instead of all day, if that’s what you prefer.
How Can I Save Electricity with My Window Air Conditioner?
The key to saving electricity with a window AC unit is to keep it well-maintained. When AC units develop grime and debris buildup, they work harder to cool your space, using more electricity and increasing your monthly utility bill. Clean your window AC unit frequently and remove debris quickly. As part of your maintenance routine, clean the unit’s evaporator coils and replace air filters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Window units are designed to run 24/7, meaning that they won’t overheat if you want to keep them running nonstop. However, to improve energy efficiency and lower electricity bills, consider only running your window AC unit when using that room. While you can leave a window AC unit running as long as you want, you’ll preserve its efficiency and lifespan by running it in strategic intervals.
The cost to install a window ac is $150 to $800 for the unit and about $1,300 for installation. The price varies based on the size of your unit, its EER, brand, and additional features. If you’re interested and ready to install your unit, contact an air conditioner installer near you.
Here’s the cost formula to find out how much it’ll cost you to run a window air conditioner in your home: Watts * (hours used) / 1,000 * (Local kWh) = daily cost of running a window unit. If you need help calculating the cost of running your window AC unit, consult an AC repair or installation pro for an accurate estimate.
Window AC units don’t use a lot of electricity in comparison to central AC systems. That’s why window air conditioners are more energy efficient for cooling individual rooms or small spaces. The average window AC unit runs on 500 to 1,400 watts of electricity, whereas central AC systems use more than 3,500 watts.