With summer comes increased heat that just gets uncomfortable and annoying. Air conditioners are a fantastic way of keeping yourself (and your house) cool and comfortable. But sometimes, you just do not have enough space or the necessary circumstances to install an air conditioner.
A window air conditioner can be of significant help in such a situation.
Running a window conditioner has some costs, and it largely depends on how many air conditioners you will run. This article will answer a very frequently asked question – how much does it cost to run a window air conditioner? Though the cost will depend on several factors, it is likely to range between $1.92 and $4.8 per day for a single device. Read on to learn all the factors that affect the expenses of running a window air conditioner!
Table of Contents
Why Should I Use a Window Air Conditioner?
If you have the opportunity to use a wall air conditioner, then, by all means, you should do that. But for some people, using a wall air conditioner is just not an option for various reasons. Let’s get to know why you should use a window air conditioner and the situations that might lead someone to use one.
- Rooms that are too small benefit better from a window air conditioner
- It uses energy more efficiently than most wall air conditioners
- Installing them is easier and quicker than installing wall air conditioners
- A window air conditioner is easier to remove and reinstall somewhere else. That is why this is very suitable for those who rent and tend to move around a lot.
- Its low-cost nature and easily movable nature make it a good fit for students and those who want to keep costs down.
- It is also generally easier to clean, maintain, and take care of compared to a wall air conditioner
Factors That Affect Electricity Usage
Before jumping into how much a window air costs, it is crucial to understand what factors generally contribute to electricity usage. We discuss the factors in detail below:
- The Weather
The first thing that affects electricity usage is, of course, the weather. If you live somewhere that is extremely hot or extremely cold, a large part of your electricity usage will be dedicated to making sure your house maintains the proper temperature.
- The House Size
Bigger houses need more electricity to make sure all the rooms and spaces are heated or cooled down properly. A bigger house also means more electronic appliances will be used that eventually contribute to electricity usage significantly.
- The State of Your House and How It Is Maintained
The state of your house and its maintenance can affect electricity usage. A house in poor condition needs more time to get heated or cooled than most places and has difficulty maintaining that desired temperature. Poor maintenance also ultimately contributes to electricity usage.
Homes with a single pane window also need more electricity than usual as these kinds of windows are much less effective in maintaining the desired temperature.
- The Number of People
The number of people living in any house or apartment greatly influences electricity usage. If there are many people in the house, it will need to be heated more or cooled down more. More people also means more appliances which will also contribute to electricity usage.
- Faulty Appliances or System
A lot of people do not know this, but a faulty electrical appliance or system is very likely to increase your electricity usage.
- Lifestyle and Habits
Your lifestyle and habit will also be large contributors to electricity usage in any given period. An excellent example would be turning off lights, fans, and appliances when they are not being used anymore. Simply not practicing this habit can significantly affect electricity usage and drive up your bills.
Per Day Cost of Running A Window Air Conditioner
The cost of running the device will largely depend on factors such as the number of air conditioners you are running, how long you are running them, and the size of the space the air conditioner is working on.
Now the last factor is important because larger spaces take more time and energy to cool, which in turn contributes to a higher cost. Here, we will talk about the per-day cost of running one unit so that estimating the cost and planning accordingly is easy for you.
In most cases, the expected cost of running any electricity is determined by two factors –
- The power of the air conditioner. Every AC unit specifies this, which is noted by ‘W.’
- The basic electricity rate in your area. This varies significantly depending on where you live, so make sure you keep track of the rate.
The British Thermal Unit (BTU) of your air conditioner is also an important factor in determining how much your window AC will cost. The lowest BTU a window air conditioner can have is 5000, while the highest is 15000.
Keeping this in mind, you are very likely will have to pay somewhere between $0.08 and $0.20 per hour for one unit of a window air conditioner. If you add that up, for a whole day, your cost will be somewhere between $1.92 and $4.8.
Your actual cost may even be lower because very few people are likely to run an air conditioner all day, every day.
How to Use the Window Air Conditioner Effectively
Calculating the cost is not much help if you do not know how to use the AC effectively. Let’s talk about some tips that can help you utilize your air conditioner properly.
Keep the Room Sealed
Always make sure that the room is sealed properly, and outside heat cannot come inside. A room that is not sealed properly will have a hard time getting cold and maintaining that cold.
This will also result in your electricity bill going up. Ensure all the windows are closed, and there are no leaks or cracks in your room that could stop the room from getting cold.
Clean the Air Conditioner Filter
Cleaning the AC filter regularly is something that a lot of people forget to do is. An unclean filter gets clogged easily, does not let the AC make the room cold properly, and ultimately will not serve you as it should.
Put the Air Conditioner Away during Winter
Something many users do not know or follow is tucking away the window air conditioner during winter. It is fairly easy to install and remove, so you will have a slight problem with this part.
If you put the unit in storage, it will perform much better when you take it out in the summer again. As it will not be exposed much all year round, it will last longer and give better performance when it is used.
Let It Rest Every Once in a While
If the air conditioner runs all day every day, it may get exhausted and overheated. That is why it is recommended that you let it rest every once in a while to make sure it does not get overheated.
Consider Energy-Efficient Options
Consider purchasing an energy-efficient window air conditioner. It will help you in several ways. Energy-efficient versions may cost a little more, but in the long run, you actually will save more on electricity bills. Energy-efficient air conditioners also maintain the cold air for longer.
Improve Air Circulation
Improving the air circulation will make your room colder much quicker. A great way to do this is to keep the fan on while the air conditioner is turned on.
The fan will help the cold from the air conditioner quickly reach the corners of your room. This will not only make the room cold quickly but will also help cut down on electricity bills.
Final Words
We hope this article has answered the question you asked- how much does it cost to run a window air conditioner. No matter what, always take care of your air conditioner to make sure you can get the most out of it.