Cost of running window Air conditioning unit?
Question:I bought a window air conditioning unit. 5,000 BTU's. If I ran this 8-12 hours a day, approx. 20 days a month, would my electricity bill increase more than 50 dollars a month? would it increase more than $75 a month?
Answers:
According to Con Edison, the electricity provider in NYC, it costs 12-25 cents/hour to run a window A/C unit that is 6,000-12,000 BTU's, with an energy efficiency rating of 9-10.
So even if we estimate slightly higher to be safe, and say your A/C, at the bottom end of the BTU range, costs 15c/hour $0.15 x 12 hours/day = $1.80 x 20 days/month = $21.60 per month.
However, they also say you need to clean the filters and it will depend just how cold you are trying to make your room.
It depends how old it is--did you buy it brand new from a store, or an old model from a rummage sale?
It also depends what size area you are cooling.
A brand new unit is more efficient & cheaper...if you are cooling 3 medium rooms, expect 75-100 more on your bill.
To cut down on the bill, keep all windows, blinds, and curtains closed. Sunlight creates heat, and keeeping it out is important. Then run your AC in times when you REALLY need it.
Wattage x Time On (in hours) x Cost per Kilowatt Hour / 1000
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