Inputs to use
Enter your ZIP code or electricity rate, AC tonnage or wattage, SEER rating, and typical daily runtime. If your bill has time-of-use pricing, calculate peak and off-peak periods separately.
Formula
Daily AC Cost = AC Power in kW x Hours Used x Electricity Rate. Monthly Cost = Daily Cost x 30, or the number of cooling days you want to estimate.
US-specific factors
Homes in hot states may run AC longer, while high-rate states may have higher cost even with fewer runtime hours. Insulation, duct condition, thermostat setting, and humidity also change the final result.
Recommended sources to verify rates
For public electricity data, check the U.S. Energy Information Administration electricity data. For efficiency guidance, compare AC choices with U.S. Department of Energy air conditioning guidance and ENERGY STAR central AC resources.