How Much Does It Cost to Run an Air Conditioner?

If your AC is working overtime throughout the summer or other parts of the year, you may wonder how much electricity your air conditioner is using and what it's costing you. Costs vary depending on the size of your HVAC unit, its overall efficiency, and local rates for energy consumption. This article addresses the elements that influence AC operating costs, including:

• Factors that affect air conditioning costs
• How to calculate your AC running costs
• Energy efficiency and its impact on running costs
• Tips to reduce air conditioning costs
• Understanding the true cost of comfort

Keep reading to get answers to questions about whether air conditioners pull more electricity if you keep it colder in your house and how much AC costs on your electricity bill.

Some key factors that can impact how much it costs to run an air conditioner include:

• The size and type of the air conditioner. Units that are the right size for the home or room operate more efficiently, which can reduce costs. Window units may cost more than central air to run, depending on how many you have and how and where they're installed.
• The energy efficiency rating. The SEER for your central unit tells you how efficient it's designed to be. More efficient units tend to cool your space at a lower overall cost.
• Local electricity rates. Your electricity cost is based on how many units of electricity you use multiplied by the cost of those units. If rates are higher, your bill will be higher too.
• How often you use your AC. If you run your AC all day, you may pay more than if you run it for a few hours. However, leaving your AC off all day and turning it on when you get home from work may require it to work harder to lower the temperature in the house, which can drive up costs.
• The cleanliness of your ducts and other maintenance factors. A well-maintained and clean air conditioner tends to work more efficiently, reducing costs.

Aside from investing in a more efficient AC unit, some other ways to reduce the cost of running air conditioning units include:

• Optimizing usage with a programmable thermostat
• Cleaning coils, changing filters, and conducting other routine maintenance
• Sealing windows and doors to reduce the risks of cold air escaping outside
• Circulating air with ceiling fans to make it feel cooler in rooms without relying solely on the AC