HEATING & COOLING

Air Conditioner Running Cost Calculator

Estimate cooling costs using power, capacity, efficiency, and runtime.

Transparent formula User-controlled electricity rate Calculations stay in your browser
1 ton = 12,000 BTU/h. A 3-ton unit is 36,000 BTU/h.
Actual time the compressor runs, not just time turned on.

Your estimate will appear here

Enter your inputs and click calculate to see the cost and energy breakdown.

Methodology

We calculate the estimated running watts of your system. For the Capacity & SEER mode, we divide the cooling capacity (BTU/h) by the SEER rating to estimate average electrical watts. We then multiply watts by hours to determine energy consumption (kWh).

Sources and Methodology

Our calculations and recommendations are based on standard electrical engineering formulas and authoritative guidance from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), and the ENERGY STAR program. Estimates are deterministic and do not account for external variables such as degrading appliance efficiency or fluctuating tier-based utility rates.

CALCULATOR QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers about wattage, runtime, electricity rates, estimated costs, and the limitations of this calculator.

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WHAT YOU WILL FIND HERE

  • Input and unit guidance
  • Formula and worked-example explanations
  • Reasons actual costs may differ
What is SEER?
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures air conditioning and heat pump cooling efficiency. Higher SEER means greater energy efficiency. Older systems may be 10 SEER; modern minimums are typically 14 or 15 SEER, while high-efficiency units can reach 20+ SEER.
How do I find my AC's cooling capacity?
Cooling capacity is measured in BTUs per hour (BTU/h) or 'tons'. One ton equals 12,000 BTU/h. Check the nameplate on your outdoor condenser or window unit.
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