- The cost of running a window air conditioner depends on several factors, including the size of the unit, the efficiency of the unit, the local cost of electricity, and the length of time the unit is in use.
- On average, it costs between $40 and $80 per month to run a window air conditioner, depending on the size of the unit and the local cost of electricity.
- To minimize the cost of running a window air conditioner, it is important to properly maintain the unit, use it only when necessary, and set the thermostat at a higher temperature when the unit is not in use.
Window air conditioners can be a convenient and effective way to cool a small space, such as a bedroom or home office. However, like any appliance, they can also be a significant energy consumer, which can drive up your monthly electricity bill.
In this report, we will explore the factors that can impact the cost of running a window air conditioner, and provide some tips for minimizing your energy consumption.
Here’s a table that breaks down cost per hour by BTU
| BTU | Cost per Hour* |
|---|---|
| 5,000 | $0.05 |
| 6,000 | $0.06 |
| 7,000 | $0.07 |
| 8,000 | $0.09 |
| 9,000 | $0.10 |
| 10,000 | $0.11 |
| 12,000 | $0.13 |
| 14,000 | $0.15 |
The BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating of a window air conditioner refers to the amount of heat that the unit can remove from a space in an hour.
The higher the BTU rating, the more powerful the air conditioner is, and the larger the space it can cool.
However, it is important to note that a higher BTU rating does not necessarily mean that the unit will be more efficient or cost-effective to operate. The cost per hour to run a window air conditioner will depend on the efficiency of the unit, as well as the local cost of electricity.
In the table above, I have provided an estimate of the cost per hour to run a window air conditioner based on its BTU rating, using the average cost of electricity in the U.S. as a starting point.
As you can see, the cost per hour increases as the BTU rating increases, with a 5,000 BTU unit costing around $0.05 per hour to run, and a 14,000 BTU unit costing around $0.15 per hour to run.
Keep in mind that these estimates are rough and will vary depending on your specific location and circumstances.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Running a Window Air Conditioner
There are several factors that can influence the cost of running a window air conditioner:
- Size of the unit: The size of the window air conditioner is an important factor in determining its energy consumption and cost to run. A larger unit will typically consume more energy and be more expensive to operate than a smaller unit.
- Efficiency of the unit: The efficiency of the window air conditioner can also impact its energy consumption and cost to run. Units with higher energy efficiency ratings (EER) will typically consume less energy and be less expensive to operate than units with lower ratings.
- Local cost of electricity: The cost of electricity can vary significantly from one location to another. In areas with high electricity costs, the cost of running a window air conditioner will be higher than in areas with lower electricity costs.
- Length of time the unit is in use: The longer you run your window air conditioner, the more it will cost to operate. To minimize the cost of running your unit, it is important to use it only when necessary and to set the thermostat at a higher temperature when the unit is not in use.
Average Cost of Running a Window Air Conditioner
On average, it costs between $40 and $80 per month to run a window air conditioner, depending on the size of the unit and the local cost of electricity.
For example, a 5,000 BTU unit, which is suitable for a small room, may cost around $40 per month to run, while a larger 8,000 BTU unit may cost closer to $80 per month.
These estimates are based on the average cost of electricity in the U.S. ($0.13 per kWh), and assume that the unit is in use for an average of 8 hours per day.
Tips for Minimizing the Cost of Running a Window Air Conditioner
To minimize the cost of running a window air conditioner, there are several steps you can take:
- Properly maintain the unit: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the filters and keeping the unit free of debris, can help to ensure that the air conditioner is running at peak efficiency.
- Use the unit only when necessary: Don’t run the air conditioner if you are not in the room or if you can open windows or use fans to cool the space.
- Set the thermostat at a higher temperature when the unit is not in use: For every degree you raise the thermostat, you can save up to 3% on your energy bill
Hi, my name’s David. I started this pricing blog as a side project to help people figure out the best prices on common services. Whether you’re trying to figure out how much it costs to get scanning done at Staples or the expense to bleach short hair, more than likely I’ve blogged about it. Shoot me an email if you have any questions: david@mightyprice.com.
