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⚡ Operating Cost

AC Operating Cost Calculator

Calculate how much it costs to run your air conditioner per month and per season —
based on your SEER rating, usage hours, and province’s electricity rate.

Canada-specific pricing
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Air Conditioner Operating Cost Calculator
Calculate the estimated monthly and annual operating cost of your air conditioner based on your usage, climate, and electricity rate.
What type of air conditioner do you have?
What is the size of the area you are cooling?
How well insulated is your space?
What is your climate region?
What temperature do you set your thermostat to?
Thermostat setting affects how hard your AC works.
22°C
17°C27°C
What is your average electricity rate? ($/kWh)
Check your electricity bill for your rate. Average is $0.12–$0.15/kWh.
$0.13/kWh
0.07/kWh0.3/kWh
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⚡ Costs Calculated
Your AC Operating Costs
Monthly Cost
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Annual Cost
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Reduce Your Energy Costs

A properly sized, high-efficiency AC keeps operating costs low. Get free quotes from certified contractors.

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Average Monthly AC Costs by Province

Based on 3-ton / 16 SEER / 6 hrs per day

ProvinceAvg. Rate (¢/kWh)Est. Monthly Cost
Ontario13.1¢$65 – $90/month
British Columbia9.5¢ (BC Hydro)$30 – $45/month
Alberta17–19¢$60 – $85/month
Quebec7.3¢ (Hydro-QC)$20 – $35/month
Nova Scotia17.4¢$80 – $110/month

How to Reduce Your AC Operating Costs

Use a smart thermostat — raise temperature when away (target 27–28°C)
Set thermostat to 24–26°C when home, not lower
Use ceiling fans to improve perceived comfort
Close blinds on south- and west-facing windows during the day
Schedule annual maintenance to keep the system at rated efficiency
Upgrade to a higher SEER system when your current unit reaches end of life
💰 Available Rebate💡 Thermostat Tips

Each degree you raise the thermostat reduces cooling costs by approximately 6–8%. Setting 26°C vs 22°C saves ~25% on your AC electricity bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many kWh does a central AC use per day?

A typical 3-ton / 16 SEER AC uses approximately 2.25 kW per hour. Running 6 hours per day = about 13.5 kWh/day, or roughly $1.75/day at Ontario rates.

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💰 Rebates Available

Canadian homeowners may qualify for up to $5,000 in federal and provincial rebates on qualifying systems.