Heating & cooling cost

What does your HVAC cost to run?

Use measured or nameplate power and estimated compressor runtime. This avoids pretending every system, climate, and house behaves the same.

Your operating numbers

Average power draw wattsRuntime hours / dayBilling days days / monthElectric rate ¢ / kWhCooling or heating season months

Use average runtime, not simply 24 hours. The outdoor unit cycles and variable-speed systems may operate at different power levels.

Estimated cost

Monthly operating cost

$138.60

Daily cost$4.62

Monthly energy840 kWh

Seasonal cost$693.00

Includes only the entered electrical load. Blower, auxiliary heat, crankcase heaters, and other components must be included if not captured in your wattage.

Runtime is where estimates go sideways

A nameplate can tell you electrical limits, but it does not tell you exactly how many hours the compressor runs. Weather, thermostat settings, insulation, duct losses, equipment sizing, humidity, and maintenance all matter.

kWh = watts ÷ 1,000 × operating hours

For a better estimate, use thermostat runtime history, whole-home energy monitoring, or a qualified measurement method. Then replace the sample figures above.

Read the HVAC cost guideUnderstand runtime, wattage, and SEER2.Compare heating optionsSpace heaters versus a central system.

Reviewed for practical use by Gary · Designed by Gary & Quinnlan Rae