Air conditioner electricity cost per month

A 1.5 kW AC scheduled for eight hours daily at 55% average compressor load uses about 198 kWh in 30 days. Multiply that energy by your applicable electricity rate for the monthly cost.

Cooling schedule

One AC, three monthly scenarios.

Each scenario uses 1.5 kW electrical input. The tariff remains separate so energy and price assumptions never get confused.

4h/day · 35% load

Mild use

63 kWh/month

At $0.18/kWh$11.34

8h/day · 55% load

Typical use

198 kWh/month

At $0.18/kWh$35.64

12h/day · 75% load

Heavy use

405 kWh/month

At $0.18/kWh$72.90

Verified market references

The same 198 kWh costs different amounts.

These are current, source-backed reference rates from the data layer. They are editable starting points—not substitutes for the tariff on an individual bill.

Your cooling month

Use your AC, weather and tariff.

Change electrical input, scheduled hours, active days, compressor-load share, currency and rate.

01

Your scenario

Change any value. Results update instantly.

Active runtime accounts for cycling. Use 100% for devices that draw the rated power continuously.

02

Your reading

Planning range · based on your inputs
Estimated monthly cost$36.04

Likely planning range $29.55–$42.52

Per day$1.18
Per active hour$0.15
Per year$432.43
Energy / month200.2 kWh

FormulakW × runtime × tariff

Month52 weeks ÷ 12

Data qualitySelf-entered estimate

Monthly formula

Keep energy and price visible.

Monthly kWh = input kW × hours/day × days × average compressor load

Then multiply monthly kWh by the applicable unit rate. For time-of-use tariffs, calculate peak and off-peak portions separately.

Why the month changes

Cooling demand is not constant.

01

Weather and humidityHotter, wetter periods usually increase compressor activity.

02

Room and buildingSun exposure, leakage, insulation, size and occupancy change heat gain.

03

Set point and maintenanceLow temperatures, blocked airflow and equipment condition can increase runtime.