Air Conditioner Running Cost Calculator
Air conditioning can dominate summer bills. Enter your AC’s cooling capacity and efficiency to see what it really costs to run.
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Results
Last updated June 30, 2026. Results update automatically as you type.
How it works
Power draw (watts) = BTU/h ÷ EER. Daily energy (kWh) = power ÷ 1000 × hours/day. Daily cost = energy × rate. Seasonal cost = daily cost × cooling days per year. A higher EER means less power for the same cooling.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good EER?
For window and portable units, an EER of 10+ is decent and 12+ is efficient. Central and mini-split systems are often rated in SEER instead, which tends to be a higher number.
How can I lower AC running costs?
Raise the thermostat a degree or two, use fans, shade windows, seal leaks, clean the filter, and pick a higher-EER unit when replacing.
BTU vs tons?
12,000 BTU/h equals 1 ton of cooling. So a 24,000 BTU unit is a 2-ton system.
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