How Much Does It Cost to Run an Air Conditioner in Germantown, WI?

Professional Services
June 15, 2024

Running your air conditioner can rack up quite a utility bill. When you open that dreaded envelope from your electricity supplier, you might wonder, “How much does it cost to run an air conditioner?” At Professional Services, we sometimes get this question from customers during air conditioning installation in Germantown, WI


The answer varies depending on several factors. We examined those factors below to help you gauge what to expect and how to lower your utility bill during summer. 


What Influences Air Conditioning Costs in Germantown, Wisconsin?

First, explore what makes your energy bill increase or decrease throughout Wisconsin’s warm seasons. A plethora of factors influence what you’ll pay. When you understand these factors, you can adjust how you use your air conditioning system accordingly. 


Home Size

This factor is among the more obvious ones. You need more energy to maintain temperature settings in large homes versus small ones. If you own a big house, you can manage your energy usage by:


  • Installing supplemental AC systems: Keep your primary HVAC system on a higher setting while using window units and portable air conditioners in frequently occupied areas. 
  • Setting less-used spaces to higher temperature settings: If you stay in the lowest story of your home, you could set the upstairs thermostat a little higher to cut energy costs.
  • Closing window coverings as the sun changes positions: Windows and doors sometimes allow outdoor elements to affect indoor temperatures. Keep doors shut and cover windows as needed. 


Local Utility Rates

Electricity costs vary by:


  • State and municipality.
  • Season.
  • Supplier. 


You can search for rate averages in Germantown, Wisconsin, to learn what most residents pay to run their air conditioning unit. Alternatively, you can call your current provider or look at your electric bill to determine what you pay per kilowatt hour.


SEER Rating

Like many property owners, you might be concerned about your air conditioner’s environmental impact. Indoor and outdoor air conditioning units with high SEER ratings may positively impact climate change while reducing your utility bills. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio determines how efficiently an HVAC system uses its primary energy source. 


House Efficiency

How much does it cost to run an air conditioner in your home? Schedule a professional inspection with insulation or roofing experts to determine whether your home’s structure contributes to rising costs. Your roofing system, insulation, and doorways may allow outdoor air to infiltrate your interior structures.


Adequate sealing, insulation replacement, and reroofing services might significantly lower your monthly utility bills while improving indoor air quality. 


Usage Habits

If you enjoy brisk indoor air, you might inadvertently increase your electricity bills. Many HVAC technicians recommend keeping your thermostat settings at 78 degrees throughout the day and 76 degrees at night. These settings protect your system from overuse while keeping your electricity usage reasonable. 


You can easily maintain a comfortable yet affordable indoor temperature since temperatures in Germantown, Wisconsin, rarely rise above the low to mid-80s.


How Much Does It Cost to Run an Air Conditioner?

Utility prices change like the seasons. Therefore, determining the exact cost of running your air conditioner is almost impossible. However, you’ll find some recent price averages based on system type below. 


  • Central air conditioning: These large complex systems feature outdoor and indoor units and work best for large buildings. Operational costs can run between $30 and $300 per month. 
  • Portable units: You can move a portable air conditioner from room to room. This unit can cost up to $50 a month. 
  • Ductless mini-splits: Ductless systems are fantastic solutions for small buildings. Running a single-zone system might cost up to $75 a month. 
  • Window units: You might use a window air conditioner to supplement your ductless or central system. It might add $20 to $60 to your monthly electricity bill. 


Remember, these prices are average estimates. Countless factors will determine the final costs. 

To determine precise utility expenses, calculate your provider's charge per kWh and find how much your electric bills increase each summer due to air conditioner usage. 


Keep Your Utility Costs as Low as Possible with Professional Services in Germantown, Wisconsin

How much does running an air conditioner in Germantown, Wisconsin cost? You now have an estimate and a method to calculate the costs. You can reduce your utility bills by following HVAC rules and regulations, scheduling routine maintenance, and quickly addressing repairs. 


Call 262-435-5574 to schedule services from Professional Services.

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