The answer to how much it costs to run a window AC will depend on the appliance's wattage, running time, and the electricity rate in your area. A window AC typically uses between 500 and 2000 watts per hour. If you use a window AC (1500W) for 5 hours per day in an area with an electricity rate of $0.1595 per kWh, the daily and monthly costs will be $1.19 and $35.88, respectively. Since you will be using the window AC for 4 months a year, the yearly cost to run the same-sized window AC will be $143.52.
If you want to lower your monthly electricity bills without cutting down on air conditioner usage, you can consider investing in essential home backup solutions like Jackery Solar Generators. They feature highly efficient and large battery capacities to run most household appliances, including window air conditioners, air coolers, refrigerators, etc. This comprehensive guide will focus on how much it costs to run a window AC per day, month, and year.
Key Takeaways
- Window ACs typically consume between 500W and 2000W of electricity per hour, depending on size, type, and model.
- The cost of running a window AC depends on the electricity rate in the area, usage hours, and appliance wattage.
- The monthly electricity cost to run a 1500W window AC for 8 hours a day in North Dakota is $35.74, whereas it will be around $145.83 in Hawaii.
- Jackery Solar Generators are essential home backup solutions to keep appliances powered during long-term power outages and blackouts.
How Many Watts a Window AC Consume
On average, a window AC consumes 500 - 2000 watts of electricity. However, the exact wattage of the window AC will depend on the size of the appliance, duration of usage, thermostat settings, insulation, etc.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Window AC in the USA?
Calculating how much it costs to run a window AC unit depends on the electricity rate in your area. Electricity rates per kWh vary widely in the US, ranging from 9.93 cents per kWh in North Dakota to 40.51 cents per kWh in Hawaii. In other words, running an AC unit in Hawaii would cost up to four times more than in North Dakota.
Daily, Monthly, and Yearly Cost to Run a Window AC
The daily, monthly, and yearly cost to run a window AC varies by the price per kilowatt-hour in the state. Here's a table comparing the daily, monthly, and annual costs of a 1500W AC in different US states:
|
Wattage |
Usage (Hrs/Day) |
State |
Rate in cents per kWh |
Daily Cost
|
Monthly Cost |
Yearly Cost |
|
1500W |
8H |
New Jersey |
19.68 |
$2.3616 |
$70.848 |
$283.392 |
|
1500W |
8H |
New York |
25.31 |
$3.0372 |
$91.116 |
$364.464 |
|
1500W |
8H |
Illinois |
15.81 |
$1.8972 |
$56.916 |
$227.664 |
|
1500W |
8H |
Ohio |
15.64 |
$1.8768 |
$56.304 |
$225.216 |
|
1500W |
8H |
North Dakota |
9.93 |
$1.1916 |
$35.748 |
$142.992 |
|
1500W |
8H |
South Dakota |
12.09 |
$1.4508 |
$43.524 |
$174.096 |
|
1500W |
8H |
Florida |
14.43 |
$1.7316 |
$51.948 |
$207.792 |
|
1500W |
8H |
Georgia |
13.52 |
$1.6224 |
$48.672 |
$194.688 |
|
1500W |
8H |
North Carolina |
12.47 |
$1.4964 |
$44.892 |
$179.568 |
|
1500W |
8H |
South Carolina |
13.81 |
$1.6572 |
$49.716 |
$198.864 |
|
1500W |
8H |
Texas |
14.68 |
$1.7616 |
$52.848 |
$211.392 |
|
1500W |
8H |
Colorado |
15.01 |
$1.8012 |
$54.036 |
$216.144 |
|
1500W |
8H |
Idaho |
10.82 |
$1.2984 |
$38.952 |
$155.808 |
|
1500W |
8H |
Montana |
11.41 |
$1.3692 |
$41.076 |
$164.304 |
|
1500W |
8H |
Nevada |
13.92 |
$1.6704 |
$50.112 |
$200.448 |
|
1500W |
8H |
New Mexico |
13.73 |
$1.6476 |
$49.428 |
$197.712 |
|
1500W |
8H |
Utah |
12.12 |
$1.4544 |
$43.632 |
$174.528 |
|
1500W |
8H |
Wyoming |
11.69 |
$1.4028 |
$42.084 |
$168.336 |
|
1500W |
8H |
California |
30.22 |
$3.6264 |
$108.792 |
$435.168 |
|
1500W |
8H |
Oregon |
14.44 |
$1.7328 |
$51.984 |
$207.936 |
|
1500W |
8H |
Alaska |
24.74 |
$2.9688 |
$89.064 |
$356.256 |
|
1500W |
8H |
Hawaii |
40.51 |
$4.8612 |
$145.836 |
$583.344 |
|
1500W |
8H |
US |
15.95 |
$1.914 |
$57.42 |
$229.68 |
Note: The electricity rate per kWh mentioned in the table is based on EIA's January 2025 data. To get the latest electric rate, you must check the official EIA website. The yearly cost is calculated assuming the window AC is used for four months in a year.
Official Tips to Reduce Window AC Costs
The key to reducing the cost of running a window AC is keeping it well-maintained. This is because AC units develop debris and work harder to cool the space. In addition, poor insulation can lead to cool air leaking out of the house, which increases the AC bills. Here are some of the tips that will help you lower the cost of running the window AC:
Adjust Thermostat Settings
You should consider setting the window AC thermostat at a temperature that you find comfortable, and that offers humidity control. According to Energy.gov, smaller differences between indoor and outdoor temperatures lead to lower overall cooling bills. Investing in a programmable thermostat allows you to automatically adjust the thermostat settings without sacrificing comfort.
Maintain Your Window Air Conditioner
Regularly maintain your air conditioner by keeping the filters, coils, fins, and refrigerant lines clean. A well-maintained air conditioner will cool the space faster and lead to low electricity bills. In addition, avoid placing TV sets or lamps near the room's AC thermostat as it can sense heat from the appliance, leading to air conditioners running longer than necessary.
Seal Cracks & Openings
Reducing the cool air leaking out of your home is a cost-effective way to lower the cost of running an AC. Weather stripping and caulking are two simple and effective air-sealing techniques. While caulk can fill cracks and openings around door and window frames to insulate the cooling area, weatherstripping can be used to seal components that move, such as operable windows and doors.
Install Window Coverings to Keep Heat Out
You can consider using window coverings to prevent heat gain through the room's windows during the day. These can be installed either internally or externally to improve energy performance, trap the inner cold air, and lower cooling bills.
Invest in a Solar Generator for AC
A solar generator for AC can help you power different types of window ACs for hours. It uses PV panels that convert sunlight into electricity and store it in a battery backup for powering appliances during on-peak and off-peak hours, blackouts, and off-grid living. Jackery Solar Generators can power air conditioners of different sizes.
These essential home battery backup solutions can also power other appliances, such as refrigerators, TVs, dryers, etc. They will help you lower the average electricity bill and keep appliances running during outages. The essential home backup solution has dual voltage functionality, ensuring that appliances working at 120V or 240V can easily be powered.
How to Save Electricity Bill With Jackery Solar Generators
Window ACs can consume a lot of energy and lead to high monthly electricity bills. One way to lower the bills is by using a solar generator. Jackery Solar Generators combine solar panels and portable power stations capable of powering various household appliances. Whether you want to run a window AC during outages or lower your electricity bills, solar-powered generators have your back. They have larger battery capacities to power other energy-intensive appliances like refrigerators, dryers, ovens, etc.
Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus has a large battery capacity to run most household appliances, including different sizes of window ACs. With the help of the Jackery Smart Transfer Switch, you can easily connect the solar generator to the electricity panel and power essential appliances during outages. If you are using a window AC (1500W) for 8 hours on the grid electricity, you will need to pay $57.42 per month. Switching to the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus will help you avoid this cost and save on electricity bills.
Appliances Running Time
- Small Window AC (500W) = 7.8H
- Medium Window AC (900W) = 4.5H
- Large Window AC (1440W) = 2.9H
- Portable AC (1500W) = 2.8H
Customer Review
"I received the Explorer 5000 Plus solar generator to use to run my home if the power goes out. It works great and will run my whole home if the power goes out." — Dennis Carlson.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 is built for reliable battery backup, giving you peace of mind during power outages. It can power essential appliances like a refrigerator, window AC, and cooking equipment, keeping your home comfortable when the grid goes down. If you usually run a small window AC (500W) for 8 hours a day, it could cost you about $19.14 a month in electricity. With the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2, you can cut that cost and keep appliances running even during an outage.
Appliances Running Time
- Small Window AC (500W) = 3.2H
- Medium Window AC (900W) = 1.8H
- Large Window AC (1440W) = 1.1H
- Portable AC (1500W) = 1.1H
Customer Review
"Using it almost every day to find out the power draw from various appliances in our house. Very happy with the product. Wish we would have had it during Helene. Better than the gas generator. Panels work well." — David H.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Window AC FAQs
How much does it cost to run an aircon?
The monthly cost of running an air conditioner (500 - 4000W) for 8 hours per day is $19.14 - $153.12. However, the cost per unit of electricity rate varies by location and supplier. Understanding how much it costs to run a portable air conditioner will help you save on electricity bills.
How much does it cost to run a portable AC?
If a typical portable AC (800W) runs for 8 hours per day and the electricity rate is $0.1595 per kWh, it costs approximately $30.62 per month.
How much electricity does a window AC use per hour?
The wattage consumption of a window AC depends on its size, type, and model. On average, window ACs consume between 500W and 4000W of electricity per hour.
Is it cheaper to run a fan or a window AC?
Fans consume only 1% of the electricity consumed by a window air conditioner, which means they are cheaper to run than window ACs.
Conclusion
Window air conditioners undoubtedly offer a convenient cooling solution but can significantly contribute to electricity bills. Understanding how much it costs to run a window AC will help you find ways to minimize energy costs and save money. Jackery Solar Generators act as a reliable home backup solution that can power ACs and other household appliances using free solar energy and save money on high electricity bills. They are portable and powerful solar-powered generators that ensure your essential appliances remain powered when there is an outage.
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