Calculate your cost
Start with a representative input, then edit all three numbers.
This setup uses about 240 kWh in a 30-day month.
Please enter valid values within the ranges shown.
| Schedule | Hours/day | Cost/month |
|---|---|---|
| Half runtime | 4 | $22.60 |
| Starting point | 8 | $45.19 |
| Longer runtime | 12 | $67.79 |
Same 1,000-watt input and 18.83¢/kWh rate; only runtime changes.
The quick formula
1 kW × 8 hours × $0.1883 = $1.51 per day
Convert watts to kilowatts, multiply by the active hours used each day, then multiply by the electricity price in dollars per kWh. Multiply the daily result by 30 for the monthly estimate shown above.
How to read this estimate
A window air conditioner can cool one room with much less total power than a whole-home system. Cost still climbs quickly during hot weather because the compressor may run for much of the day.
The starting values keep this page useful before you have a label or meter reading. They do not describe every model, climate, operating mode, or household.
What changes the cost?
- 01
Unit size, efficiency, and selected fan speed
- 02
Room area, solar heat gain, and air leakage
- 03
How often the compressor cycles rather than fan-only operation
Ways to spend less
- Choose a unit sized for the room instead of a larger model.
- Close the room and seal gaps around the installation panel.
- Use sleep or eco mode to reduce compressor runtime overnight.