How much does air conditioning cost to run?

It’s that same old song and dance. Summer sends temperatures sky-high, and electricity bills seem to follow. Yet why does it have to cost so much to stay comfortable in your own home?  

Air conditioning (A/C) is a powerful cooling solution, but it comes at a price. From upfront costs and maintenance to monthly operating costs, A/C can become your biggest household expense. In this guide, we’ll explore the true cost of air conditioning and explore a high-impact alternative: portable evaporative cooling.  

Is air conditioning expensive?  

Buying an air conditioner for your home or business is an investment. There are a range of air conditioners on the market for different budgets and needs. You can expect an air conditioning unit to cost anywhere from $150 for a small window unit to $20,000+ for central A/C or HVAC systems. Then, depending on your A/C system, you might need to pay for costly installation, which can range from free to $15,000.  

On top of these upfront expenses, you’ll need to consider the cost of running your AC. Routine HVAC maintenance can cost between $100 to $650, with repairs going up to $2,000. Meanwhile, you also have to pay for the A/C’s energy consumption.  

The bottom line: Buying, installing, and maintaining an air conditioner could cost anywhere from $250 to $35,650 depending on the A/C system.  

How much does A/C cost per month?   

Air conditioners use a significant amount of electricity. A/Cs work by taking in hot air, passing it through refrigerant coils, and then circulating it back into the room. This process works with the help of three main components: a compressor, condenser, and evaporator.  

HVAC professionals say that under ideal conditions, an air conditioner runs about 70-80% of the time. If your A/C is always turned on, it will run about 17-19 hours per day and consume about 47-54 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity.  

The bottom line: Since the average cost of electricity in the US is $0.17 per kilowatt-hour, your A/C costs roughly $8-$9 a day to run. That’s $240 – $270 a month.  

This estimate could be higher depending on how old your A/C unit is and its energy efficiency rating. If your A/C is older or your home isn’t well-sealed, you could be paying over $300 a month. 

Why is air conditioning so expensive to run? 

When you run your A/C often, you’ll see an increase in your electricity bill. This is due to a range of factors, like:  

• How long you keep your A/C on
• The size of your room or home
• Your building’s insulation
• The price of electricity in your area 
• Your AC’s energy efficiency ratio (EER) 
• Local weather and climate 

If your air conditioner has a lower energy efficiency ratio (EER), it can’t cool your house as effectively and will run up your electricity bill: 

• Low-EER units in average-sized homes can cost $327–$376 a month
• In larger homes or hotter climates, that can jump to $468 a month or more 

And that’s before factoring in the long-term wear on your A/C system—running it nonstop shortens its lifespan and increases repair costs. 

Save money on A/C bills with portable coolers 

Air conditioning bills can add up in the summer. To save money on A/C, consider energy-efficient cooling solutions like portable evaporative coolers. 

Portable evap coolers can also save you money by:  

• Uses 7x less electricity than traditional A/C
• Operates for less than $1 per day 
• Requires no permanent installation
• Minimal maintenance
• No refrigerants 

Since portable coolers use water and airflow to reduce temperatures by up to 30°F, they can be a great complement to your existing air conditioning system—or a cost-effective alternative. Portacool APEX™ Series models have wheels to provide efficient, targeted cooling where you need it most.  They work both outside and inside, when there’s a source of fresh air like an open window or door.  

Save Money and Stay Cool with Portacool 

Staying cool shouldn’t mean sweating over your power bill. To cut costs this summer, look to portable evaporative coolers as an energy-efficient, sustainable alternative to traditional air conditioners. They require no installation or maintenance fees and cost up to $1 a day to run.  

Whether you rent or own your home, Portacool can help you manage the heat and your budget. Explore Portacool evaporative coolers and discover how much you can save.