AC Running Cost Calculator Guide: Estimate Monthly Cooling Cost

Estimate how much an air conditioner costs to run each month using watts, hours, duty cycle, days, and electricity rate.

Use the AC Running Cost Calculator when you already know the AC power draw and want a monthly cost estimate.

Why AC cost is different from normal appliances

An air conditioner does not always pull its rated wattage every minute. The compressor cycles depending on room temperature, insulation, sunlight, thermostat setting, and unit efficiency. That is why the calculator uses a duty cycle percentage.

How to use the inputs

• Use watts from the label or product manual.
• Use realistic hours per day, not the full day unless it really runs all day.
• Use duty cycle as an estimate of active compressor time.
• Use your local electricity rate per kWh.

Planning tip

Run low, normal, and hot-weather scenarios. AC bills can change sharply between mild and peak summer months.