---
title: "Window air conditioner Running Cost | Electricity Cost"
description: "Estimate window air conditioner electricity use with measured energy, operating schedules and a state or custom rate. Model inputs and limits are shown."
url: https://electricitycostbystate.com/cost-to-run/window-air-conditioner/
updated: 2026-09-27
site: "Electricity Cost by State"
language: en-US
---

# Window AC electricity cost

Enter measured energy or a cooling schedule, then see daily, active-month and season costs.

Electricity for your entered use

$0.50 per use day

Annual average: $6.35/month across 12 months. Only entered energy is included; purchase costs and unentered loads are excluded.

- **Average active month**: $15.15
- **Selected season / year**: $76.20
- **Energy per use day**: 2.72 kWh

18.31 cents/kWh · US EIA residential benchmark, 2026-07

One full-power cooling hour at your entered watts: **$0.12**. This is different from an hour of thermostat-controlled availability.

An average active month is 365/12 (30.42) days. Your season: 153 calendar days × 7/7 = 153.00 use days. Monthly cost uses the same weekly share.

A zero fan or standby entry excludes that energy. The cooling rating does not supply those separate measurements.

GE AWES08WWF: 680 W cooling input. Manufacturer cooling input, not an average duty-cycle reading. Installed-equipment example; manufacturer says no longer manufactured. The starting schedule is illustrative. Edited watts override the reference; measured energy bypasses it.

[Download CSV](https://electricitycostbystate.com/cost-to-run/window-air-conditioner/?state=&rate_basis=benchmark&rate=18.31&mode=schedule&watts=680&hours=8&duty=50&fan_watts=0&fan_hours=0&standby=0&daily_kwh=3&months=5%2C6%2C7%2C8%2C9&days_week=7&compare=off&other_daily_kwh=&other_name=Portable+AC&matched_task=unconfirmed&conditions_name=Same+room%2C+target+temperature%2C+use+period+and+comparable+weather&reference=ge-awes08wwf&format=csv)

The CSV includes the entered assumptions. Scenario URLs contain these inputs and may remain in browser history or hosting logs.

## Energy by operating phase

**Your entered schedule; energy per use day**

| Phase | kWh |
| --- | --- |
| Cooling while compressor runs | 2.720 |
| Fan during compressor-off time | 0.000 |
| Extra fan-only time | 0.000 |
| Remaining hours on a use day | 0.000 |

## Read the model record before using a rating

### Named window-AC examples

These manufacturer specifications cover three installed-equipment sizes. GE marks all three models as no longer manufactured. Their published cooling watts are input ratings, not a prediction of average operation. Loading an example resets the schedule and keeps the selected state benchmark.

**Manufacturer specifications checked September 27, 2026; 115 V models**

| Model and source | Capacity BTU/h | Cooling watts | CEER | Example |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [GE AHW05LZ](https://www.geappliances.com/appliance/GE-5-000-BTU-Electronic-Window-Air-Conditioner-for-Small-Rooms-up-to-150-sq-ft-in-White-size-12-9-16-H-x-16-7-16-W-x-15-D-AHW05LZ) | 5,050 | 455 | 11.0 | [Load GE AHW05LZ](https://electricitycostbystate.com/cost-to-run/window-air-conditioner/?reference=ge-ahw05lz&state=#equipment-inputs) |
| [GE AWES08WWF](https://www.geappliances.com/appliance/GE-8-000-BTU-Smart-Electronic-Window-Air-Conditioner-for-Medium-Rooms-up-to-350-sq-ft-AWES08WWF) | 8,000 | 680 | 10.9 | [Load GE AWES08WWF](https://electricitycostbystate.com/cost-to-run/window-air-conditioner/?reference=ge-awes08wwf&state=#equipment-inputs) |
| [GE AHC12AZ](https://www.geappliances.com/appliance/GE-12-000-BTU-Smart-Electronic-Window-Air-Conditioner-for-Large-Rooms-up-to-550-sq-ft-AHC12AZ) | 12,000 | 1,050 | 11.4 | [Load GE AHC12AZ](https://electricitycostbystate.com/cost-to-run/window-air-conditioner/?reference=ge-ahc12az&state=#equipment-inputs) |

The AHW05LZ is marketed as 5,000 BTU, while its detailed specification gives 5,050 BTU/h; the table retains that specification. Capacity helps describe the equipment. It is not converted into watts, and these differently sized models are not an equal-cooling efficiency comparison.

CEER and annual EnergyGuide energy describe test conditions. The calculation here uses entered electrical power and time, or measured daily kWh. For a variable-speed compressor, a representative measured kWh reading captures modulation better than an assumed on/off percentage.

Schedule energy is whole-unit cooling watts × cooling hours × compressor on-share, plus fan watts during the remaining cooling hours and extra fan-only hours, plus standby watts during the rest of the day. Divide watt-hours by 1,000. Fan-only mode requires cooling hours of zero and an entered fan power and runtime.

### Portable AC, window AC or a fan?

Compare the same room, weather, occupancy, target temperature and comfort period. Measure each AC's energy while it achieves that task. Equal BTU labels, equal runtime or the two starting examples do not establish equal cooling. A fan moves air and can improve comfort, but does not remove room heat. Electricity cost here excludes equipment price and installation.

[Window AC tool](https://electricitycostbystate.com/cost-to-run/window-air-conditioner/) · [Portable AC tool](https://electricitycostbystate.com/cost-to-run/portable-air-conditioner/) · [Fan electricity examples](https://electricitycostbystate.com/cost-to-run/ceiling-fan/)

## Make the estimate useful

- Use measured whole-unit kWh when the compressor modulates or cycles unpredictably.
- Include fan and standby energy if those modes run when the compressor is off.
- Compare cooling in the same room, weather and thermostat conditions; a fan does not remove heat from the room.

Model sources checked September 27, 2026. State averages are benchmarks; avoided bill charges depend on your variable tariff.

## Sources

- [GE Appliances: GE AWES08WWF model record](https://www.geappliances.com/appliance/GE-8-000-BTU-Smart-Electronic-Window-Air-Conditioner-for-Medium-Rooms-up-to-350-sq-ft-AWES08WWF)
- [US Department of Energy: Room air-conditioner efficiency and test assumptions](https://www.energy.gov/cmei/femp/purchasing-energy-efficient-room-air-conditioners)
- [U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A: average price of electricity to ultimate customers, residential, July 2026](https://www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/epm_table_grapher.php?t=epmt_5_6_a) Retrieved from the EIA API on September 27, 2026.

Usage assumptions (hours a day, season) are ours and listed on the [methodology page](https://electricitycostbystate.com/methodology/). Found an error? [Tell us](https://electricitycostbystate.com/contact/).

## Same starting example, different state rates

These benchmarks always use the original model and schedule, not your edited inputs above. Select a state in the form to calculate your scenario at its rate. The table's active month is 365/12 days; its annual cost includes May through September only.

**8 hours per day, May to September, compressor on 50% of the time; fan and standby excluded; no fan or standby addition**

| State | Cents/kWh | Active month | Season / year |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Alabama](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/alabama/) | 16.40 | $13.57 | $68.25 |
| [Alaska](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/alaska/) | 28.83 | $23.85 | $119.98 |
| [Arizona](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/arizona/) | 15.38 | $12.72 | $64.01 |
| [Arkansas](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/arkansas/) | 14.33 | $11.86 | $59.64 |
| [California](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/california/) | 33.61 | $27.81 | $139.87 |
| [Colorado](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/colorado/) | 17.00 | $14.06 | $70.75 |
| [Connecticut](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/connecticut/) | 24.16 | $19.99 | $100.54 |
| [Delaware](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/delaware/) | 18.48 | $15.29 | $76.91 |
| [District of Columbia](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/district-of-columbia/) | 25.21 | $20.86 | $104.91 |
| [Florida](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/florida/) | 15.03 | $12.43 | $62.55 |
| [Georgia](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/georgia/) | 16.27 | $13.46 | $67.71 |
| [Hawaii](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/hawaii/) | 48.00 | $39.71 | $199.76 |
| [Idaho](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/idaho/) | 13.73 | $11.36 | $57.14 |
| [Illinois](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/illinois/) | 19.22 | $15.90 | $79.99 |
| [Indiana](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/indiana/) | 16.73 | $13.84 | $69.62 |
| [Iowa](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/iowa/) | 15.99 | $13.23 | $66.54 |
| [Kansas](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/kansas/) | 15.27 | $12.63 | $63.55 |
| [Kentucky](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/kentucky/) | 13.81 | $11.43 | $57.47 |
| [Louisiana](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/louisiana/) | 12.72 | $10.52 | $52.94 |
| [Maine](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/maine/) | 32.41 | $26.81 | $134.88 |
| [Maryland](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/maryland/) | 21.41 | $17.71 | $89.10 |
| [Massachusetts](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/massachusetts/) | 30.49 | $25.23 | $126.89 |
| [Michigan](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/michigan/) | 23.05 | $19.07 | $95.92 |
| [Minnesota](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/minnesota/) | 17.45 | $14.44 | $72.62 |
| [Mississippi](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/mississippi/) | 14.54 | $12.03 | $60.51 |
| [Missouri](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/missouri/) | 16.09 | $13.31 | $66.96 |
| [Montana](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/montana/) | 14.99 | $12.40 | $62.38 |
| [Nebraska](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/nebraska/) | 13.78 | $11.40 | $57.35 |
| [Nevada](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/nevada/) | 12.77 | $10.57 | $53.14 |
| [New Hampshire](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/new-hampshire/) | 26.60 | $22.01 | $110.70 |
| [New Jersey](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/new-jersey/) | 25.19 | $20.84 | $104.83 |
| [New Mexico](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/new-mexico/) | 16.09 | $13.31 | $66.96 |
| [New York](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/new-york/) | 29.90 | $24.74 | $124.43 |
| [North Carolina](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/north-carolina/) | 15.16 | $12.54 | $63.09 |
| [North Dakota](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/north-dakota/) | 13.41 | $11.09 | $55.81 |
| [Ohio](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/ohio/) | 19.45 | $16.09 | $80.94 |
| [Oklahoma](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/oklahoma/) | 14.35 | $11.87 | $59.72 |
| [Oregon](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/oregon/) | 15.97 | $13.21 | $66.46 |
| [Pennsylvania](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/pennsylvania/) | 21.72 | $17.97 | $90.39 |
| [Rhode Island](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/rhode-island/) | 28.29 | $23.41 | $117.73 |
| [South Carolina](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/south-carolina/) | 15.47 | $12.80 | $64.38 |
| [South Dakota](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/south-dakota/) | 15.37 | $12.72 | $63.96 |
| [Tennessee](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/tennessee/) | 13.71 | $11.34 | $57.06 |
| [Texas](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/texas/) | 15.88 | $13.14 | $66.09 |
| [Utah](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/utah/) | 13.12 | $10.85 | $54.60 |
| [Vermont](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/vermont/) | 23.75 | $19.65 | $98.84 |
| [Virginia](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/virginia/) | 17.55 | $14.52 | $73.04 |
| [Washington](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/washington/) | 14.71 | $12.17 | $61.22 |
| [West Virginia](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/west-virginia/) | 15.78 | $13.06 | $65.67 |
| [Wisconsin](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/wisconsin/) | 19.06 | $15.77 | $79.32 |
| [Wyoming](https://electricitycostbystate.com/electricity-rates/wyoming/) | 14.36 | $11.88 | $59.76 |

## Questions

### How much does an AC cost per hour?

For a full-power cooling hour, multiply electrical watts by cents/kWh and divide by 100,000 to get dollars. Thermostat-controlled hours can include compressor-off, fan and standby periods.

### How do I estimate running an AC 24/7?

Enter 24 cooling-mode hours per use day and the observed compressor on-time. Enter all 12 months for year-round availability. A 100% duty setting models continuous operation at your entered watts; it is not a forecast of actual cycling.

### How do I calculate fan-only cost?

Set cooling-mode hours to zero, then enter fan watts and extra fan-only hours. Include standby separately if applicable. Measured whole-unit daily kWh can also be used.

### Does annual label cost predict my bill?

No. Label costs use a specific test schedule and electricity rate. Use representative measured energy and your variable tariff; fixed charges and purchase costs are excluded here.

[Start a household inventory with the original model example](https://electricitycostbystate.com/home-electricity-audit/?state=&rate_basis=benchmark&load1_name=Window+air+conditioner+%28page+example%29&load1_mode=watts&load1_quantity=1&load1_reduce=0&load2_mode=off&load3_mode=off&load1_watts=680&load1_hours=8&load1_duty=50&load1_days=153) · [Compare tariff periods and fixed fees](https://electricitycostbystate.com/rate-plan-calculator/)

## Related appliances

- [Portable air conditioner](https://electricitycostbystate.com/cost-to-run/portable-air-conditioner/)$22.28 a month
- [Ceiling fan](https://electricitycostbystate.com/cost-to-run/ceiling-fan/)$1.74 a month
- [Dehumidifier](https://electricitycostbystate.com/cost-to-run/dehumidifier/)$52.46 a month
- [Space heater](https://electricitycostbystate.com/cost-to-run/space-heater/)$66.83 a month
- [Whole-house fan](https://electricitycostbystate.com/cost-to-run/whole-house-fan/)$16.54 a month
- [Electric blanket](https://electricitycostbystate.com/cost-to-run/electric-blanket/)$4.46 a month