AC Running Cost Calculator
Here’s a comprehensive table summarizing the key information about air conditioning running costs across different states:
| State | Electricity Cost (ยข/kWh) | Avg. Monthly AC Cost | Annual AC Cost | % of Income on AC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 28.38 | $133.11 | $1,597.32 | 2.29% |
| Texas | 12.79 | $69.35 | $832.20 | 1.28% |
| Florida | 15.48 | $69.00 | $828.00 | 1.55% |
| New York | 22.64 | $106.41 | $1,276.92 | 1.96% |
| Massachusetts | 28.36 | $133.29 | $1,599.48 | 2.11% |
| Arizona | 14.74 | $69.28 | $831.36 | 1.47% |
| Georgia | 13.95 | $65.57 | $786.84 | 1.39% |
| Illinois | 14.40 | $74.25 | $891.00 | 1.37% |
| Pennsylvania | 17.02 | $80.76 | $969.12 | 1.49% |
| Ohio | 13.90 | $65.33 | $783.96 | 1.35% |
| New Jersey | 17.76 | $83.47 | $1,001.64 | 1.27% |
| Virginia | 14.11 | $66.32 | $795.84 | 1.05% |
| Washington | 11.67 | $54.85 | $658.20 | 0.81% |
| Maine | 21.82 | $95.50 | $1,146.00 | 5.26% |
| Arkansas | 13.26 | $62.32 | $747.84 | 1.11% |
Key Points
- Average Cost: The national average cost to run a window air conditioner is between $0.06 and $0.88 per hour at $0.13 per kWh.
- State Variations: Electricity costs vary significantly by state, affecting AC running costs. California and Massachusetts have the highest rates, while Washington and Idaho have the lowest.
- Usage Factors: The actual cost depends on factors such as unit size, BTU rating, energy efficiency (EER), hours of use, and local electricity rates.
- Calculation Formula: To estimate daily cost, use this formula: (Watts * hours used / 1,000) * local kWh rate.
- Central vs. Window Units: Central air conditioning typically costs more to run than window units.
- Regional Differences: New England residents spend the most on heating and cooling ($1,549 annually), while those in the Pacific region spend the least ($1,798 annually on all electricity use).
- Income Impact: Maine residents spend the highest percentage of their income on heating and cooling (5.26%), while Hawaii residents spend the least (2.16%).
- National Average: On average, Americans spend $2,284 per year on gas and electric household usage, with $1,346 going towards space heaters or air conditioning.
- Energy Consumption: Air conditioning accounts for about 19% of energy use in US homes, consuming 254 billion kilowatt-hours in 2020.
- Typical Usage: A central air conditioning unit uses between 3,000 and 3,500 watts, while window units use 1,000 to 1,500 watts.
Remember that these figures are averages and estimates. Actual costs can vary based on individual home characteristics, usage patterns, and local climate conditions.