A recent revelation has left Americans astounded as they discover the true cost of running their air conditioning units overnight. Perch Energy, a Boston-based software company, has introduced an innovative air conditioner energy cost calculator that sheds light on the expenses incurred to maintain a cool home environment.
The online calculator developed by Perch Energy allows users to input specific details such as the size of the AC unit (small, medium, or large), whether it’s a central or standalone unit, and the number of hours it operates. With the average electricity cost in the US standing at 16 cents per kWh according to the US Energy Information Administration, the calculator provides estimates on monthly expenses.
For instance, a medium central AC unit with 4,000 watt power running for five hours a day could amount to approximately $96 per month. Should the same unit be left on overnight for eight hours, the cost escalates to $115.20 monthly. Similarly, a two-ton AC unit with 6,000-watt power operating for five hours daily may cost around $144 per month.
Interestingly, the expenses vary based on the wattage of the AC unit, with a 650-watt medium window AC unit only costing an average of $15.60 per month when used for the same duration. Moreover, regional disparities and energy costs play a significant role in determining the overall expenditure.
Notably, residents of New York tend to spend an average of $2,760 annually on electricity, which is approximately 27% higher than the national average of $2,179. This discrepancy is attributed to New York’s residential electricity rate of 22 cents per kWh, which is notably higher than the national average.
