AC Energy Cost Calculator | Saving Tips and Tricks
Air conditioners and HVAC systems use the most electricity in your home, making them the biggest expense on your energy bill each month. However, they don’t have to be that expensive! You could be paying less to cool your home.
To start saving, you need to understand how much energy your air conditioner uses and how much it costs to run.
Our AC cost calculator below can help you figure out how much it costs to operate your AC each hour. Once you know the cost, you can try our tips to reduce energy use and lower your monthly bills.
Smart AC Energy Calculator
Calculate your air conditioner’s energy consumption and environmental impact
Monthly Impact
$0.00
Estimated Cost
0 kWh
Energy Usage
0 lbs
CO2 Generated
0 sq. ft.
Forest Offset Needed
* Calculations are estimates based on average usage patterns and may vary based on actual conditions. CO2 calculations use EPA greenhouse gas emissions data.
Terminology Explained
When talking about energy and electricity, the terms and units can often be confusing. Here’s a breakdown of some key concepts to help you understand how to use the calculator for energy costs and savings:
What are Watts?
- Watts measure the rate at which electricity moves through an appliance. In simple terms, more Watts means more electricity is being used, and for air conditioners (ACs), this equates to more cooling power.
- To calculate the energy consumption of your AC, check the back of your unit for its Watt rating. Newer units typically list this information.
- Since electricity is billed in kilowatts (kW), you can convert Watts to kilowatts by dividing the number of Watts by 1000.
If you can’t find the Wattage on your AC, you can use the following formulas (depending on the data you have):
- Kilowatts = (Amps x Volts) / 1000
- Kilowatts = (BTU / SEER rating) / 1000
What is the Average Cost of Electricity in the U.S.?
- The average cost of electricity in the U.S. is 16$ per kWh (kilowatt-hour), according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
- However, electricity prices can vary by region and supplier. In some states, consumers can shop for cheaper electricity rates.
Energy Use and Cost of Different Types of AC Units
Below are the typical sizes, energy consumption, and costs for different air conditioning types:
Central Air Conditioners
| Size | BTUs | Watts | Cost per Hour | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 10,000 BTU | 3,000 W | $0.480 | $72.00 |
| Medium | 14,000 BTU | 4,000 W | $0.640 | $96.00 |
| Large | 18,000 BTU | 5,000 W | $0.800 | $120.00 |
(Assuming the AC runs for 5 hours per day and the electricity rate is 16¢ per kWh.)
Window Unit Air Conditioners
| Size | BTUs | Watts | Cost per Hour | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 5,000 BTU | 550 W | $0.088 | $13.20 |
| Medium | 7,000 BTU | 650 W | $0.104 | $15.60 |
| Large | 10,000 BTU | 900 W | $0.144 | $21.60 |
(Assuming the AC runs for 5 hours per day and the electricity rate is 16¢ per kWh.)
Mini-Split Air Conditioners
| Size | BTUs | Watts | Cost per Hour | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Ton | 12,000 BTU | 1,500 W | $0.240 | $36.00 |
| 2 Ton | 24,000 BTU | 6,000 W | $0.960 | $144.00 |
| 3 Ton | 36,000 BTU | 9,000 W | $1.440 | $216.00 |
(Assuming the AC runs for 5 hours per day and the electricity rate is 16¢ per kWh.)
How to Save on AC Costs
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat
- Smart thermostats help optimize energy usage by adjusting the temperature based on your activity, minimizing cooling when you’re not home. While there’s an initial cost, users report savings of 10-15% on their heating and cooling bills.
- Buy ENERGY STAR-Rated AC Units
- ENERGY STAR-certified AC units are designed to be energy-efficient. These units can significantly reduce your electric bill and environmental impact. In 2019 alone, ENERGY STAR products saved Americans $39 billion in energy costs.
- Ensure Proper Insulation
- Proper insulation in attics, windows, and basements can save up to 15% on your heating and cooling costs by keeping your home temperature stable.
- Use a Fan
- Fans consume much less electricity than AC units. Using a fan when possible can reduce the need for air conditioning, saving you money.
- Close Your Windows
- Ensure your AC works efficiently by keeping windows closed. Open windows can let in hot air, making it harder for your AC to cool your home effectively.
- Clean Your AC Filters
- Regularly cleaning your AC filters helps your unit run more efficiently, potentially saving up to 15% on energy costs.
- Switch to Perch Energy
- Perch Energy offers alternative energy options, including community solar and clean, renewable energy plans. These can help reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and lower your air conditioning costs.
I’m Alan William’s, the founder of SmartHeatSolution.com. I am from California, USA, I’m passionate about innovative heating technologies and their impact on our homes and businesses. With a background in electrican and home repair , I aim to make smart, energy-efficient heating accessible to everyone. When I’m not writing, I’m likely interested in all the thermostat brands and their new technnology. Thanks for stopping by!
