What does it cost to run your AC?
See exactly what an air conditioner costs to run where you live — per hour, per day, per month and across the cooling season. Uses your state’s real electricity rate.
An independent estimate for guidance only. Real cost varies with thermostat setting, insulation, humidity and how hard the unit works on hot days.
AC running cost by state
Electricity prices run from ~11¢ to 40¢+ per kWh, so the same air conditioner costs very different amounts to run. Choose yours in the calculator above.
● cheap power ● average ● expensive
What drives your AC running cost
- Your electricity rate. The biggest factor — it’s a straight multiplier on every kWh the unit uses.
- The unit’s size and efficiency. A bigger BTU unit or a lower EER draws more watts for the same run time.
- Hours of use. Running 12 hours a day costs 50% more than 8. A thermostat or timer is the easiest saving.
See the full methodology and data sources. Cooling a lot? Our solar payback calculator shows whether solar could offset it.
Common questions
How much does it cost to run an air conditioner?
It depends on the unit’s size (BTU), its efficiency (EER), how many hours you run it, and your electricity rate. A typical 12,000 BTU unit at average US power prices costs roughly 15–20¢ an hour, or around $40–45 a month running 8 hours a day.
How is AC running cost calculated?
We work out the unit’s power draw in watts (cooling BTU ÷ EER), turn that into kilowatt-hours for the hours you run it, and multiply by your state’s electricity price. Higher EER and fewer hours both cut the cost.
Does it cost more to run AC in some states?
Yes — a lot. The same air conditioner costs roughly three times as much per hour in Hawaii or California as in a cheap-power state, purely because of the electricity rate. Pick your state for a local figure.
What’s a good EER for an air conditioner?
For window/portable units, an EER around 11–12 is efficient (ENERGY STAR territory); older units can be 9 or below. The higher the EER, the less power it draws for the same cooling — and the lower your bill.
How can I lower my AC running cost?
Run fewer hours (a smart thermostat or timer helps), set the temperature a degree or two higher, keep filters clean, shade windows, and — if you’re replacing a unit — choose a higher EER. Pairing cooling with rooftop solar can offset the cost entirely; see our solar payback calculator.