Is a window air conditioner expensive to run?

Cooling only the room you're in with a window unit is usually cheaper than running central AC for the whole house. At typical use it adds about $48.12 to a monthly electric bill at the US-average rate, but that swings from $33.61 in the cheapest states to $125.15 in the most expensive.

How many watts does a window air conditioner use?

Window Air Conditioner typically draws about 1,200 running watts. Because it has a motor or compressor, it briefly spikes to around 1,800 watts at startup, which matters for generator and breaker sizing but not for energy cost. Check the nameplate or label on your specific unit for its exact rating.

How can I lower the cost of running a window air conditioner?

Cooling only the room you're in with a window unit is usually cheaper than running central AC for the whole house. You can also cut the cost by lowering your electricity rate — many utilities offer cheaper off-peak hours — or simply by running it fewer hours. Use the calculator above to see how changing hours per day or your rate moves the number.

How Much Does It Cost to Run Window Air Conditioner?

A mid-size window AC unit draws around 1,200 running watts — cheap per hour, but it adds up over a long cooling season. At the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, running a window air conditioner costs about $48.12/month ($577.46/year) at typical use. Adjust the watts, hours, and your rate below for your exact number.

Power (watts)

Hours per day: 8

Days per week: 7

Your state (sets the rate)

Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Cost to run a window air conditioner

$577/yr

Per day: $1.58
Per month: $48.12
Energy per year: 3,504 kWh

Cost = power (kW) × hours × days × your rate. Defaults are typical values — enter your appliance's actual watts (often on a label) and your real rate for a precise figure.

Cost to run a window air conditioner by electricity rate

Same 1,200 W appliance, 8 h/day — the bill changes with where you live.

Scenario	Rate	Per month	Per year
Cheapest states (North Dakota)	11.5¢	$33.61	$403.31
US average	16.5¢	$48.12	$577.46
Most expensive (Hawaii)	42.9¢	$125.15	$1,501.81

Find your state's rate on the electricity rates by state page, or see the appliance wattage chart for more devices.

Frequently asked questions

At the US-average residential rate of 16.5¢/kWh, a window air conditioner drawing 1,200 watts for about 8 hours a day costs roughly $1.58 per day, $48.12 per month, and $577.46 per year. Your actual cost depends on your electricity rate and how much you use it — adjust both in the calculator above.

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How Much Does It Cost to Run Window Air Conditioner?

Cost to run a window air conditioner by electricity rate

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to run a window air conditioner?

Is a window air conditioner expensive to run?

How many watts does a window air conditioner use?

How can I lower the cost of running a window air conditioner?

Cost to run other appliances