Power Department

The Hidden Cost of Window AC Units

Temperatures this summer have been well above normal for both daytime highs and overnight lows. When it gets hot, many people turn down the AC or add window units to cool specific rooms. While this may seem efficient, a single 1500-watt window AC unit can add nearly $100 to your monthly electric bill, and running multiple units increases costs further. Before plugging in a window unit, consider the impact on your bill. To estimate the cost, use this formula:

(Watts × Hours Used Per Day × kWh Rate) ÷ 1,000 = Daily Cost

Monthly Cost = Daily Cost × 30

Example:

• 500 watts × 16 hours × $0.13/kWh = 31,200
• 31,200 ÷ 1,000 = $3.12 per day
• Monthly Cost = $3.12 × 30 = $93.60 per month

If you have any questions or concerns you can contact the Power department by calling (435) 656-6329.

 –Power Department

WashingtonCity.org/power