Cost Calculator AI
Home & LivingSEER / BTU Conversion

Cooling Cost Calculator

Calculate air conditioner and central cooling electricity costs from either cooling capacity (BTU/h) and SEER/EER rating or direct electrical wattage.

Air Conditioner & Cooling Inputs

Select Display Currency:
12,000 BTU/h = 1 Ton cooling
Watts = BTU/h รท SEER/EER
Estimated Cooling Cost
Period Operating Cost
$32.26

192.0 kWh total (6.40 kWh/day at 800 W electrical draw)

Daily Operating Cost$1.08
Monthly Operating Cost (30 Days)$32.26
Converted Electrical Power Draw0.80 kW (800 W)
Engineering Note: Cooling capacity in BTU/h is thermal heat removal, not electrical watts. Dividing BTU/h by SEER/EER converts thermal capacity to electrical Watt-hours.

Air Conditioner Electrical Conversion & Cost Formula

Electrical Watts = Cooling Capacity (BTU/h) รท SEER/EER; Period Cost = (Watts รท 1,000) ร— Hours/Day ร— Days ร— Rate ($/kWh)
  • Cooling Capacity (BTU/h): Thermal heat removed per hour (12,000 BTU/h = 1 refrigeration ton). This is NOT electrical watts.
  • SEER / EER Rating (BTU/Wh): Cooling output in BTU divided by electrical input in Watt-hours.
  • Electrical Power Draw (kW) = (BTU/h รท SEER) รท 1,000.

Step-by-Step Worked Example

Scenario: Operating a 12,000 BTU/h (1-ton) mini-split AC with 15 SEER for 8 hours/day over 30 summer days

Calculation Steps:

  1. Convert BTU/h to Electrical Watts: 12,000 BTU/h รท 15 SEER = 800 Watts (0.80 kW)
  2. Daily Energy Consumption = 0.80 kW ร— 8 hours = 6.40 kWh/day
  3. 30-Day Operating Cost = 6.40 kWh/day ร— 30 days ร— $0.168 = $32.26
Result: Running the air conditioner costs $1.08 per day and $32.26 over 30 operating days.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. 1Select whether you want to calculate from Cooling Capacity (BTU/h + SEER/EER) or Direct Electrical Power (Watts).
  2. 2Enter the average daily compressor runtime hours and number of operating days.
  3. 3Input your local electricity price per kWh to see daily, monthly, and period cooling costs.

Assumptions & Limitations

  • Does not treat BTU/h as electrical power; requires SEER/EER efficiency when converting thermal capacity to electrical kW.
  • Operating hours represent active compressor cooling hours per day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you convert AC BTU/h to electrical Watts?

Divide the air conditioner cooling capacity in BTU/h by its EER or SEER rating. For example, a 12,000 BTU/h window or split unit with an EER/SEER of 12 draws 1,000 Watts (1.0 kW) of electricity.

How many BTU/h is a 3-ton central air conditioner?

One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU/h, so a 3-ton central AC has a cooling capacity of 36,000 BTU/h. At 16 SEER, it draws approximately 2,250 Watts (2.25 kW) while the compressor is running.

Does my AC draw full wattage 24 hours a day?

No. Thermostat-controlled air conditioners cycle on and off to maintain indoor temperature, typically running the compressor 6 to 12 cumulative hours per day during hot weather.

Related Cost Calculators

Home & LivingInteractive

Electricity Cost Calculator

Calculate electric bill costs and appliance energy consumption by kWh or wattage with US electricity rates.

Open CalculatorPopular
Home & LivingInteractive

Heating Cost Calculator

Estimate winter home heating expenses across natural gas, heat pumps, electric baseboards, heating oil, and propane.

Open CalculatorPopular
Home & LivingInteractive

Appliance Running Cost Calculator

Calculate how much any household appliance costs to run per day, month, and year based on wattage and operating hours.

Open Calculator
Home & LivingInteractive

HVAC Maintenance Cost Calculator

Estimate annual HVAC tune-up costs, multi-zone system discounts, air filter replacements, and minor service reserves.

Open Calculator