How many watts does an air conditioner use?

Most answers to this repeat one rough table. We hold each model's own figure: the power its retailer lists it drawing while cooling, and for mini-splits the draw their efficiency rating works out to. Here is what they say, size by size.

The short answer

A window air conditioner draws about 450 W at 5,000 BTU, about 920 W at 10,000 BTU and about 2,660 W at 24,000 BTU while cooling at full power. A typical 10,000 BTU window unit draws 920 W, about 8.3 amps at 115 V, which costs about 17¢ an hour at the US average electricity price. A portable advertised at 10,000 BTU draws a middle 900 W against 920 W for a window unit of that size, though a portable's advertised BTU is its ASHRAE rating, which reads higher than the DOE (SACC) rating the same unit gets, so it cools less than its advertised size suggests. A 12,000 BTU mini-split draws about 1,200 W at its rating point, calculated from its EER2 rating. These are the middle (median) figures of the 203 models we list that state their draw (or, for mini-splits, the EER2 it is worked out from), each model's own figure, not a rule of thumb. Once the room is cool the compressor cycles, so most hours draw less.

Specifications checked through October 27, 2026Independent, nobody pays for placement.

Window air conditioners: watts by size

The typical draw is the middle of the models at that size; the range runs from the most frugal to the hungriest. An hour and 8 hours are at full power and the US average electricity price, so they are the most it costs.

Window air conditioner power draw by BTU size
Size	Typical draw	Range	Typical amps	An hour	8 hours	On 115 V
5,000 BTU4 models	450 W	440 W to 459 W	4.2 A at 115 V	8¢	3.6 kWh, 66¢	4 of 4
6,000 BTU5 models	492 W	492 W to 540 W	4.3 A at 115 V	9¢	3.9 kWh, 73¢	5 of 5
8,000 BTU14 models	700 W	600 W to 780 W	6.4 A at 115 V	13¢	5.6 kWh, $1.02	14 of 14
10,000 BTU13 models	920 W	660 W to 1,070 W	8.3 A at 115 V	17¢	7.3 kWh, $1.35	13 of 13
12,000 BTU18 models	1,090 W	990 W to 1,280 W	10.3 A at 115 V	20¢	8.7 kWh, $1.60	14 of 17
14,000 BTU7 models	1,270 W	1,236 W to 1,350 W	11.8 A at 115 V	23¢	10.2 kWh, $1.87	7 of 7
18,000 BTU13 models	1,640 W	1,500 W to 2,092 W	7.9 A at 208/230 V	30¢	13.1 kWh, $2.42	0 of 12
24,000 BTU3 models	2,660 W	2,340 W to 2,660 W	12.4 A at 208/230 V	49¢	21.3 kWh, $3.93	0 of 3

Portable air conditioners: watts by size

Portables are sold by their older ASHRAE rating, which reads higher than the DOE (SACC) rating the same unit gets.

Portable air conditioner power draw by BTU size
Size	Typical draw	Range	Typical amps	An hour	8 hours
10,000 BTU3 models	900 W	890 W to 930 W	8.2 A at 115 V	17¢	7.2 kWh, $1.33
12,000 BTU5 models	1,200 W	1,050 W to 1,350 W	11.8 A at 115 V	22¢	9.6 kWh, $1.77
14,000 BTU5 models	1,350 W	1,200 W to 1,400 W	11.9 A at 115 V	25¢	10.8 kWh, $1.99

Through-the-wall units and PTACs: watts by size

Through-the-wall air conditioner and PTAC power draw by BTU size
Size	Typical draw	Range	Typical amps	An hour	8 hours	On 115 V
8,000 BTU6 models	790 W	750 W to 1,027 W	7.8 A at 115 V	15¢	6.3 kWh, $1.17	6 of 6
10,000 BTU10 models	940 W	780 W to 1,200 W	10.2 A at 115 V	17¢	7.5 kWh, $1.39	5 of 9
12,000 BTU14 models	1,150 W	980 W to 1,570 W	5.5 A at 208/230 V	21¢	9.2 kWh, $1.69	2 of 14
14,000 BTU9 models	1,500 W	1,400 W to 1,780 W	7.8 A at 208/230 V	28¢	12 kWh, $2.22	0 of 9

Mini-splits: watts by size

Mini-split listings state an efficiency rating rather than a draw, so these are each model's rated cooling divided by its EER2: the draw at full output on a 95°F day. Its inverter slows the compressor once the room is cool, so most hours draw far less.

Mini-split power draw at its rating point by BTU size
Size	Typical draw	Range	An hour	8 hours
9,000 BTU13 models	720 W	584 W to 918 W	13¢	5.8 kWh, $1.06
12,000 BTU18 models	1,200 W	960 W to 1,412 W	22¢	9.6 kWh, $1.77
18,000 BTU14 models	1,690 W	1,314 W to 2,000 W	31¢	13.5 kWh, $2.50
24,000 BTU12 models	2,340 W	1,846 W to 2,791 W	43¢	18.7 kWh, $3.46

Will it run on a regular outlet?

In our catalog, window units up to 15,000 BTU include models that run on a standard 115-volt outlet, and every larger one that states its supply, from 18,000 BTU up, needs a 208/230-volt outlet. A plug-in air conditioner may draw up to 1,440 W (12 amps) on a standard 15-amp, 120-volt circuit, 80% of what the circuit carries. Every model's page lists the voltage and plug its retailer states, so check yours before you buy a large unit.

Running one on a generator or a battery

Start from the running watts above, then add everything else the generator or battery will power. A compressor draws more for a moment as it starts, and the retailers we read do not publish that starting draw, so check the maker's manual before you size a generator closely. For a battery, the 8-hour column is the most a day at full power uses; once the room is cool the unit cycles and uses less.

Every model's draw

203 models, smallest first. BTU per watt is the rated cooling over the draw at full power: higher does more cooling for each watt, within one kind (portables are on their ASHRAE rating, mini-splits on their EER2 test). The price is the cheapest live offer at a store we track.

Window units81 models

Window units: power drawn while cooling, model by model
Model	Size	Draw	Amps	Volts	BTU per watt	Price
LG LW5024	5,000 BTU	440 W	4.1	115 V	11.4	$199 at Sylvane
Frigidaire FHWC054TE1	5,000 BTU	450 W	4.6	115 V	11.1	$199 at Sylvane
Amana AMAP050EW	5,000 BTU	451 W	3.9	115 V	11.1	$190 at Sylvane
Friedrich CCF05B10C	5,000 BTU	459 W	4.3	115 V	10.9	$299 at Sylvane
Whirlpool WHAW061CW	6,000 BTU	492 W	4.3	115 V	12.2	$270 at Sylvane
Amana AMAP061CW	6,000 BTU	492 W	4.3	115 V	12.2	$250 at Sylvane
Friedrich CCF06B10C	6,000 BTU	492 W	4.3	115 V	12.2	$349 at Sylvane
LG LW6024R	6,000 BTU	540 W	4.8	115 V	11.1	$199 at Sylvane
Frigidaire FHWC064TE1	6,000 BTU	540 W	5.1	115 V	11.1	$269 at Sylvane
LG LW8023HR	7,600 BTU	670 W	6.3	115 V	11.3	$539 at Sylvane
Windmill 08W2Wiinverter	8,000 BTU	600 W	6	115 V	13.3	$460 at Sylvane
Friedrich CCW08B10C	8,000 BTU	661 W	5.8	115 V	12.1	$479 at Sylvane
Amana AMAP081CW	8,000 BTU	661 W	5.8	115 V	12.1	$290 at Sylvane
Keystone KSTAW08DE	8,000 BTU	666 W	5.9	115 V	12	$280 at Sylvane
Soleus Air 8,000 BTU Saddle Wi-Fi Enabled Window Air Conditioner	8,000 BTU	667 W	6.5	115 V	12	Not in stock
Friedrich CEW08B11B	8,000 BTU	670 W	6.3	115 V	11.9	$639 at Sylvane
Frigidaire FHWW084TE1	8,000 BTU	720 W	8.4	115 V	11.1	$285 at Sylvane
LG 8,000 BTU Wi-Fi Enabled Window Air Conditioner LW8024RSM	8,000 BTU	730 W	6.4	115 V	11	$269 at Sylvane
Frigidaire FHWH084WB1	8,000 BTU	734 W	8.9	115 V	10.9	$570 at Sylvane
Perfect Aire 4PACH8000	8,000 BTU	734 W	6.3	115 V	10.9	$500 at Sylvane
Friedrich Chill Premier Inverter CCV08A10Ainverter	8,000 BTU	740 W	8.3	115 V	10.8	$459 at Sylvane
Keystone KSTAW081WAinverter	8,000 BTU	770 W	6.8	115 V	10.4	Not in stock
Keystone KSTAW08INV-HC	8,000 BTU	780 W	8.7	115 V	10.3	$600 at Sylvane
LG LW1022IVSMinverter	10,000 BTU	660 W	Not stated	115 V	15.2	$459 at Sylvane
Whirlpool WHAW101CW	10,000 BTU	826 W	7.3	115 V	12.1	$360 at Sylvane
Amana AMAP101CW	10,000 BTU	826 W	7.3	115 V	12.1	$350 at Sylvane
LG LW1025RSM	10,000 BTU	870 W	7.7	115 V	11.5	$330 at Sylvane
LG LW1017ERSM1	10,000 BTU	870 W	7.7	115 V	11.5	$369 at Sylvane
Frigidaire FHWW104TE1	10,000 BTU	890 W	9.4	115 V	11.2	$322 at Abt Electronics
Friedrich KHVS10B11Ainverter	10,000 BTU	917 W	8.8	115 V	10.9	$1,649 at Sylvane
Keystone KSTAW101WAinverter	10,000 BTU	920 W	8.2	115 V	10.9	$430 at Sylvane
Frigidaire FHWW105WE1inverter	10,000 BTU	920 W	8.2	115 V	10.9	$420 at Sylvane
Whirlpool WHAW-101INinverter	10,000 BTU	950 W	8.3	115 V	10.5	$430 at Sylvane
Friedrich CCV10A10Ainverter	10,000 BTU	950 W	8.3	115 V	10.5	$489 at Sylvane
Perfect Aire 10,000 BTU Casement Window Air Conditioner (4PASC10000)	10,000 BTU	1,053 W	10	115 V	9.5	Not in stock
Soleus Air WS5-10HW-301	10,000 BTU	1,070 W	11.4	115 V	9.3	$659 at Sylvane
LG LW1224RD	12,000 BTU	990 W	9.3	115 V	12.1	$459 at Sylvane
LG LW1217ERSM1	12,000 BTU	990 W	9.3	115 V	12.1	$489 at Abt Electronics
Whirlpool WHAW121CW	12,000 BTU	992 W	8.6	115 V	12.1	$430 at Sylvane
Friedrich CCW12B10B	12,000 BTU	992 W	8.6	115 V	12.1	$699 at Sylvane
Friedrich CCF12B10C	12,000 BTU	992 W	8.6	115 V	12.1	$589 at Sylvane
Amana AMAP121CW	12,000 BTU	992 W	8.6	115 V	12.1	$400 at Sylvane
LG LW1223HR	12,000 BTU	1,060 W	5.1	208/230 V	11.3	Not in stock
Friedrich CEW12B33B	12,000 BTU	1,060 W	4.8	208/230 V	11.3	$849 at Sylvane
Frigidaire FHWW124TE1	12,000 BTU	1,070 W	10.3	115 V	11.2	$398 at Abt Electronics
Perfect Aire 4PACH12000	12,000 BTU	1,100 W	5.2	208/230 V	10.9	$560 at Sylvane
Keystone KSTHW12B	12,000 BTU	1,100 W	Not stated	Not stated	10.9	$500 at Sylvane
Frigidaire FHWW125WE1inverter	12,000 BTU	1,150 W	10.3	115 V	10.4	$439 at Sylvane
Keystone KSTAW121WAinverter	12,000 BTU	1,150 W	10.3	115 V	10.4	$450 at Sylvane
Friedrich CCV12A10Ainverter	12,000 BTU	1,180 W	10.5	115 V	10.2	$679 at Abt Electronics
Whirlpool 12,000 BTU Inverter Window Air Conditionerinverter	12,000 BTU	1,190 W	10.3	115 V	10.1	Not in stock
Soleus Air WS5-12HW-301	12,000 BTU	1,220 W	13.5	115 V	9.8	$760 at Sylvane
LG LW1222IVSMinverter	12,000 BTU	1,240 W	10.8	115 V	9.7	$549 at Abt Electronics
Windmill Air 12W2Wiinverter	12,000 BTU	1,280 W	11.6	115 V	9.4	$600 at Sylvane
Friedrich KCVM14B10Ainverter	14,000 BTU	1,236 W	11.8	115 V	11.3	$1,649 at Sylvane
LG LW1424RD	14,000 BTU	1,250 W	11.8	115 V	11.2	$629 at Sylvane
LG LW1521ERSM1	14,000 BTU	1,260 W	11.8	115 V	11.1	$579 at Abt Electronics
LG LW1522IVSMinverter	14,000 BTU	1,300 W	12	115 V	10.8	Not in stock
Keystone KSTAW141WAinverter	14,000 BTU	1,350 W	11.9	115 V	10.4	$550 at Sylvane
Frigidaire FHWW145WE1inverter	14,000 BTU	1,350 W	11.9	115 V	10.4	$529 at Sylvane
Frigidaire 14,300 BTU Wi-Fi Enabled Window Air Conditioner	14,300 BTU	1,270 W	11.8	115 V	11.3	Not in stock
Amana AMAP151CW	15,000 BTU	1,261 W	11	115 V	11.9	$750 at Sylvane
Friedrich CCW15B10B	15,000 BTU	1,270 W	12	115 V	11.8	$849 at Sylvane
Keystone KSTAW18C	18,000 BTU	1,500 W	7.5	208/230 V	12	$750 at Sylvane
LG 18,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner LW1824RD	18,000 BTU	1,510 W	Not stated	Not stated	11.9	$709 at Sylvane
Frigidaire FHWW184WE2	18,000 BTU	1,510 W	7.6	208/230 V	11.9	$549 at Abt Electronics
LG 18,000 BTU Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Window AC (LW1821ERSM)	18,000 BTU	1,510 W	7.5	208/230 V	11.9	$709 at Sylvane
Friedrich CCW18B30B	18,000 BTU	1,525 W	7.1	208/230 V	11.8	$939 at Sylvane
LG LW1822IVSMinverter	18,000 BTU	1,590 W	10.2	208/230 V	11.3	$699 at Abt Electronics
LG LW1823HRSM	18,000 BTU	1,640 W	7.8	208/230 V	11	$819 at Sylvane
LG LW1823HR	18,000 BTU	1,640 W	7.8	208/230 V	11	$759 at Abt Electronics
Keystone KSTHW18B	18,000 BTU	1,729 W	8.3	208/230 V	10.4	$850 at Sylvane
Perfect Aire 4PACH18000	18,000 BTU	1,729 W	8.3	208/230 V	10.4	$880 at Sylvane
Whirlpool WHAW-181INinverter	18,000 BTU	2,000 W	8	208/230 V	9	$780 at Sylvane
Friedrich KCVM18B30Ainverter	18,000 BTU	2,092 W	9.3	208/230 V	8.6	$1,729 at Sylvane
Frigidaire FHWH184WB2	18,800 BTU	1,710 W	10.8	208/230 V	11	$859 at Sylvane
Friedrich KCM24B30A	22,300 BTU	2,067 W	13.8	208/230 V	10.8	$1,879 at Sylvane
Friedrich CEW24B33B	24,000 BTU	2,340 W	10.6	208/230 V	10.3	Not in stock
Perfect Aire 4PACH25000	25,000 BTU	2,660 W	12.4	208/230 V	9.4	$999 at Sylvane
Keystone KSTHW25B	25,000 BTU	2,660 W	12.4	208/230 V	9.4	$920 at Sylvane
Friedrich KHVL28B35Ainverter	28,000 BTU	2,330 W	11.1	208/230 V	12	$2,629 at Sylvane

Portable units18 models

Portable units: power drawn while cooling, model by model
Model	Size	Draw	Amps	Volts	BTU per watt	Price
Frigidaire FHPC082AC1	8,000 BTU	930 W	8.3	115 V	8.6	$298 at Abt Electronics
Aeric AERP051AW	9,000 BTU	930 W	8.4	115 V	9.7	$300 at Sylvane
Friedrich ZCP10SA	10,000 BTU	890 W	7.9	115 V	11.2	Not in stock
LG LP0625WFR	10,000 BTU	900 W	8.2	115 V	11.1	$288 at Sylvane
Frigidaire FHPC102AC1	10,000 BTU	930 W	8.5	115 V	10.8	$349 at Abt Electronics
LG LP0725WSSM	11,000 BTU	1,005 W	8.9	115 V	10.9	$389 at Abt Electronics
Whynter 11,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner ARC-110WD	11,000 BTU	1,040 W	9.5	115 V	10.6	$539 at Sylvane
LG LP0825WSSM	12,000 BTU	1,050 W	9.5	115 V	11.4	$439 at Abt Electronics
Whirlpool 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner	12,000 BTU	1,100 W	11.2	115 V	10.9	Not in stock
Keystone KSTAP10PINVinverter	12,000 BTU	1,200 W	11.8	115 V	10	$580 at Sylvane
Whynter ARC-1030WNinverter	12,000 BTU	1,266 W	11.8	115 V	9.5	$679 at Sylvane
Midea 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner	12,000 BTU	1,350 W	12	115 V	8.9	Not in stock
Friedrich ZCP12SB	13,000 BTU	1,060 W	9.2	115 V	12.3	$509 at Sylvane
Keystone KSTAP12PINVinverter	14,000 BTU	1,200 W	11.9	115 V	11.7	$600 at Sylvane
Whynter NEX ARC-1230WN	14,000 BTU	1,293 W	11.9	115 V	10.8	$729 at Sylvane
Whynter 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner - No Heat	14,000 BTU	1,350 W	11.8	115 V	10.4	Not in stock
LG LP1419IVSM Dual Inverterinverter	14,000 BTU	1,370 W	12	115 V	10.2	$629 at Sylvane
Aeric AERP101AW	14,000 BTU	1,400 W	Not stated	115 V	10	$500 at Sylvane

Through-the-wall units and PTACs42 models

Through-the-wall units and PTACs: power drawn while cooling, model by model
Model	Size	Draw	Amps	Volts	BTU per watt	Price
Friedrich PDE07K3SGR3	7,000 BTU	560 W	2.6	208/230 V	12.5	$1,089 at Sylvane
Friedrich PZH07K3SC	7,200 BTU	590 W	2.8	208/230 V	12.2	$1,049 at Sylvane
LG LT0816CER	8,000 BTU	750 W	7	115 V	10.7	$549 at Sylvane
Frigidaire FHTE083WA1	8,000 BTU	750 W	7.8	115 V	10.7	$529 at Sylvane
Friedrich UCT08B10A	8,000 BTU	755 W	6.9	115 V	10.6	$799 at Abt Electronics
Keystone KSTAT08-1HD	8,000 BTU	825 W	7.8	115 V	9.7	$570 at Sylvane
TCL H8T9E1-A	8,000 BTU	1,000 W	8.5	115 V	8	Not in stock
TCL H8T91H	8,000 BTU	1,027 W	8.5	115 V	7.8	$570 at Sylvane
Friedrich 9,000 BTU Zone Premier PTAC with Heat Pump	9,000 BTU	800 W	3.9	208/230 V	11.3	Not in stock
Friedrich PZE09R3SC	9,600 BTU	780 W	4.2	265 V	12.3	$1,359 at Sylvane
LG LT1016CER	9,800 BTU	920 W	10.2	115 V	10.7	$489 at Sylvane
Friedrich PDE09K3SGR3	10,000 BTU	810 W	3.9	208/230 V	12.3	$1,099 at Sylvane
Friedrich WCVT10B30Ainverter	10,000 BTU	935 W	Not stated	Not stated	10.7	$1,199 at Abt Electronics
Perfect Aire 7PATW10000	10,000 BTU	943 W	8.3	115 V	10.6	$549 at Sylvane
Keystone KSTAT10-2HD	10,000 BTU	943 W	Not stated	208/230 V	10.6	$570 at Sylvane
Midea 10,000 BTU Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner	10,000 BTU	943 W	8.3	115 V	10.6	Not in stock
Whirlpool WHAT101-1BW	10,000 BTU	980 W	11	115 V	10.2	$530 at Sylvane
Frigidaire FHTE103WA2	10,000 BTU	1,000 W	5.1	208/230 V	10	$529 at Sylvane
TCL H10T9E1-A	10,000 BTU	1,200 W	11	115 V	8.3	$600 at Sylvane
LG LT12124CNR	11,800 BTU	1,110 W	10.2	115 V	10.6	$549 at Sylvane
Whirlpool WHAT122-HAW	12,000 BTU	980 W	Not stated	208/230 V	12.2	$600 at Sylvane
Friedrich 12,000 BTU Zone Premier PTAC with Heat Pump	12,000 BTU	1,040 W	4.9	208/230 V	11.5	Not in stock
Friedrich PDE12K3SGR3	12,000 BTU	1,060 W	5	208/230 V	11.3	$1,139 at Sylvane
Friedrich PZE12K3SC	12,000 BTU	1,110 W	5.2	208/230 V	10.8	$1,159 at Sylvane
Friedrich PZH12K3SC	12,000 BTU	1,130 W	5.4	208/230 V	10.6	$1,129 at Sylvane
Perfect Aire 7PATW12002	12,000 BTU	1,142 W	5.6	208/230 V	10.5	$639 at Sylvane
Friedrich PZE12R3SC	12,000 BTU	1,150 W	5.9	265 V	10.4	$1,219 at Sylvane
Friedrich PZH12R3SC	12,000 BTU	1,150 W	5.1	265 V	10.4	$1,269 at Sylvane
Whirlpool WHAT122-2BW	12,000 BTU	1,160 W	7	208/230 V	10.3	$600 at Sylvane
Frigidaire FHTE123WA2	12,000 BTU	1,180 W	6.5	208/230 V	10.2	$628 at Abt Electronics
Keystone KSTAT12-2HD	12,000 BTU	1,220 W	5.5	208/230 V	9.8	$650 at Sylvane
TCL H12T9E1-A	12,000 BTU	1,400 W	11.5	115 V	8.6	$630 at Sylvane
TCL H12T9XH	12,000 BTU	1,570 W	7	208/230 V	7.6	$650 at Sylvane
Frigidaire FHTE143WA2	14,000 BTU	1,430 W	7.9	208/230 V	9.8	Not in stock
Whirlpool WHAT142-2BW	14,000 BTU	1,460 W	8.5	208/230 V	9.6	$660 at Sylvane
LG 14,000 BTU Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner	14,000 BTU	1,500 W	7.6	208/230 V	9.3	Not in stock
Keystone KSTAT14-2HD	14,000 BTU	1,515 W	Not stated	208/230 V	9.2	$680 at Sylvane
Keystone KSTAT14-2D	14,000 BTU	1,515 W	6.9	208/230 V	9.2	$620 at Sylvane
TCL H14T9XH	14,000 BTU	1,780 W	8.5	208/230 V	7.9	$680 at Sylvane
TCL H14T9EX1-A	14,000 BTU	1,780 W	8.5	208/230 V	7.9	$650 at Sylvane
Friedrich PDH15K5SGR3	14,500 BTU	1,400 W	6.5	208/230 V	10.4	$1,259 at Sylvane
Friedrich PZH15K5SC	14,500 BTU	1,450 W	7	208/230 V	10	$1,179 at Sylvane

Single-room mini-splits62 models, calculated from EER2

Single-room mini-splits: power drawn while cooling, model by model
Model	Size	Draw (from EER2)	Amps	Volts	BTU per watt	Price
Senville SENA-09HF-16	9,000 BTU	about 584 W	Not stated	208/230 V	15.4	$1,299 at Sylvane
MRCOOL DIY-09-HP-WM-115D25-O	9,000 BTU	about 643 W	Not stated	115 V	14	$2,029 at Sylvane
MRCOOL A-09-HP-230D-O	9,000 BTU	about 714 W	Not stated	208/230 V	12.6	$829 at Sylvane
Senville SENL-09CD-16NB	9,000 BTU	about 720 W	Not stated	115 V	12.5	$739 at Sylvane
Senville SENL-09CD/220-16	9,000 BTU	about 720 W	Not stated	208/230 V	12.5	Not in stock
Pioneer WYT009GLUI20RL	9,000 BTU	about 720 W	Not stated	208/230 V	12.5	$838 at Sylvane
Daikin FTXF09BVJU9/RXF09BVJU9	9,000 BTU	about 720 W	Not stated	208/230 V	12.5	$1,615 at Sylvane
Pioneer WYT009ALUI20RL	9,000 BTU	about 750 W	Not stated	115 V	12	$838 at Sylvane
Pioneer WYT009ALSI20RL	9,000 BTU	about 769 W	Not stated	115 V	11.7	$858 at Sylvane
MRCOOL EZPRO-09-HP-11516D-O	9,000 BTU	about 783 W	Not stated	115 V	11.5	$1,388 at Sylvane
MRCOOL EZPRO-09-HP-WMAH-115DE-O	9,000 BTU	about 796 W	Not stated	115 V	11.3	$1,487 at Sylvane
MRCOOL DIYS-09-HP-115A11-O	9,000 BTU	about 918 W	Not stated	115 V	9.8	$1,249 at Sylvane
MRCOOL DIYS-09-HP-B-115A11-O	9,000 BTU	about 918 W	Not stated	115 V	9.8	$1,249 at Sylvane
Pioneer WYT012GLUI17RL	11,500 BTU	about 1,211 W	Not stated	208/230 V	9.5	$664 at Sylvane
Pioneer WYT012ALUI17RL	11,500 BTU	about 1,211 W	Not stated	115 V	9.5	$688 at Sylvane
MRCOOL DIY 5th Gen 12,000 BTU (DIY-12-HP-WM-115D25-O)	12,000 BTU	about 960 W	Not stated	115 V	12.5	$2,069 at Sylvane
Daikin FTXF12AXVJU/RXF12AXVJU	12,000 BTU	about 960 W	Not stated	208/230 V	12.5	Not in stock
Mitsubishi HX12NL	12,000 BTU	about 960 W	Not stated	208/230 V	12.5	$1,979 at Sylvane
Pioneer WYT012GLSI20RL	12,000 BTU	about 1,071 W	Not stated	208/230 V	11.2	$858 at Sylvane
MRCOOL A-12-HP-230D-O	12,000 BTU	about 1,111 W	Not stated	230 V	10.8	$979 at Sylvane
Pioneer WYT012ALSI20RL	12,000 BTU	about 1,143 W	Not stated	115 V	10.5	$888 at Sylvane
Senville SENL-12CD/220-16	12,000 BTU	about 1,154 W	Not stated	208/230 V	10.4	$829 at Sylvane
Senville SENL-12CD-16NB	12,000 BTU	about 1,154 W	Not stated	115 V	10.4	$817 at Sylvane
MRCOOL A-12-HP-115D-O	12,000 BTU	about 1,188 W	Not stated	115 V	10.1	$1,099 at Sylvane
Pioneer WYT012ALUI20RL	12,000 BTU	about 1,263 W	Not stated	115 V	9.5	$868 at Sylvane
Pioneer WYT012GLUI20RL	12,000 BTU	about 1,263 W	Not stated	208/230 V	9.5	$868 at Sylvane
MRCOOL EZPRO-12-HP-11511DE-O	12,000 BTU	about 1,333 W	Not stated	115 V	9	$1,599 at Sylvane
MRCOOL EZPRO-12-HP-11516D-O	12,000 BTU	about 1,333 W	Not stated	115 V	9	$1,489 at Sylvane
MRCOOL DIYS-12-HP-115A11-O	12,000 BTU	about 1,412 W	Not stated	115 V	8.5	$1,399 at Sylvane
Daikin FTXC12AXVJU/RXC12AXVJU	12,000 BTU	about 1,412 W	Not stated	208/230 V	8.5	$1,314 at Sylvane
MRCOOL DIYS-12-HP-B-115A11-O	12,000 BTU	about 1,412 W	Not stated	115 V	8.5	$1,399 at Sylvane
Pioneer WYT018GLUI17RL	17,000 BTU	about 1,789 W	Not stated	208/230 V	9.5	$978 at Sylvane
MRCOOL DIY-18-HP-WM-230D25-O	18,000 BTU	about 1,314 W	Not stated	208/230 V	13.7	$2,609 at Sylvane
Senville SENA-18HF-16	18,000 BTU	about 1,440 W	Not stated	208/230 V	12.5	$1,600 at Sylvane
Pioneer WYT018GLSI24RL-16	18,000 BTU	about 1,440 W	Not stated	208/230 V	12.5	$1,553 at Sylvane
Senville SENA-18HF-IFNL	18,000 BTU	about 1,440 W	Not stated	208/230 V	12.5	$1,570 at Sylvane
Pioneer WYT018GLSI20RL	18,000 BTU	about 1,636 W	Not stated	208/230 V	11	$1,138 at Sylvane
Senville SENL-18CD-16	18,000 BTU	about 1,667 W	Not stated	208/230 V	10.8	$1,039 at Sylvane
MRCOOL A-18-HP-230D-O	18,000 BTU	about 1,667 W	Not stated	208/230 V	10.8	$1,399 at Sylvane
Daikin FTXC18AXVJU/RXC18AXVJU	18,000 BTU	about 1,714 W	Not stated	208/230 V	10.5	$1,738 at Sylvane
MRCOOL EZPRO-18-HP-23016D-O	18,000 BTU	about 1,837 W	Not stated	208/230 V	9.8	$1,899 at Sylvane
MRCOOL EZPRO-18-HP-23011DE-O	18,000 BTU	about 1,837 W	Not stated	208/230 V	9.8	$1,806 at Sylvane
Pioneer WYT018GLUI20RL	18,000 BTU	about 1,895 W	Not stated	208/230 V	9.5	$1,128 at Sylvane
MRCOOL DIYS-18-HP-B-230A11-O	18,000 BTU	about 2,000 W	Not stated	208/230 V	9	$1,690 at Sylvane
MRCOOL DIYS-18-HP-230A11-O	18,000 BTU	about 2,000 W	Not stated	208/230 V	9	$1,690 at Sylvane
Pioneer WYT024GLSI24RL-16	23,000 BTU	about 1,917 W	Not stated	208/230 V	12	Not in stock
Senville SENA-24HF-NL	24,000 BTU	about 1,846 W	Not stated	208/230 V	13	$1,770 at Sylvane
MRCOOL DIY 5th Gen 24,000 BTU (DIY-24-HP-WM-230D25-O)	24,000 BTU	about 1,890 W	Not stated	208/230 V	12.7	$2,929 at Sylvane
Senville SENA-24HF-IFNL	24,000 BTU	about 2,000 W	Not stated	208/230 V	12	$1,750 at Sylvane
Pioneer WYT024GLSI20RL	24,000 BTU	about 2,182 W	Not stated	208/230 V	11	$1,438 at Sylvane
Pioneer WYT024GLUI20RL	24,000 BTU	about 2,286 W	Not stated	208/230 V	10.5	$1,418 at Sylvane
Senville SENL-24CD-16	24,000 BTU	about 2,400 W	Not stated	208/230 V	10	$1,259 at Sylvane
MRCOOL A-24-HP-230D-O	24,000 BTU	about 2,400 W	Not stated	208/230 V	10	$1,649 at Sylvane
MRCOOL EZPRO-24-HP-23011DE-O	24,000 BTU	about 2,474 W	Not stated	208/230 V	9.7	$2,109 at Sylvane
MRCOOL EZPRO-24-HP-23016D-O	24,000 BTU	about 2,474 W	Not stated	208/230 V	9.7	$2,149 at Sylvane
MRCOOL DIYS-24-HP-B-230A11-O	24,000 BTU	about 2,791 W	Not stated	208/230 V	8.6	$1,899 at Sylvane
MRCOOL DIYS-24-HP-230A11-O	24,000 BTU	about 2,791 W	Not stated	208/230 V	8.6	$1,899 at Sylvane
Pioneer WYT030GLSI20RL	31,500 BTU	about 3,500 W	Not stated	208/230 V	9	$1,988 at Sylvane
Pioneer WYT036GLUI20RL	35,000 BTU	about 3,684 W	Not stated	208/230 V	9.5	$2,118 at Sylvane
MRCOOL A-36-HP-230D-O	36,000 BTU	about 4,000 W	Not stated	208/230 V	9	$2,499 at Sylvane
Senville SENL-36CD-NL	36,000 BTU	about 4,000 W	Not stated	208/230 V	9	Not in stock
MRCOOL DIY 5th Gen 36,000 BTU (DIY-36-HP-WM-230D25-O)	36,000 BTU	about 4,235 W	Not stated	208/230 V	8.5	$3,469 at Sylvane

How we worked this out

For window, through-the-wall and portable units, the draw is the maximum cooling wattage, and the amps the current at it, that the retailer's specification lists for the exact model we price. We read it again every month and keep a figure only when the model's rated cooling over it is a real air conditioner's efficiency, and the amps only when they fit the stated voltage.
Mini-split listings state an EER2 rating instead, which is the rated cooling divided by the draw at full output on a 95°F day, so that draw is the rated cooling divided by the EER2.
A row needs at least 3 models. A model counts at the standard size its rating is within 6% of, the same rule as our size guides. Models out of stock still count: a model's draw does not change with its stock.
Costs are at the US average residential electricity price of 18.44¢ per kWh (U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.A (residential average, May 2026)).
A portable sits at the ASHRAE rating it is advertised by (where its listing also states the lower DOE rating, the ASHRAE one), the same as on our portable comparison chart, so compare a portable's figures only with other portables.
Whole-home and multi-zone systems, commercial spot coolers, RV units, and recalled or refurbished listings are left out.

Find the size you need What a year of cooling costs What each size costs to buy

Frequently asked

How many watts does a 5,000 BTU air conditioner use?

5,000 BTU window units draw a middle 450 W (from 440 W to 459 W), about 4.2 amps at 115 V, about 8¢ an hour at full power. These are the middle figures of the models we list at that size that state their draw.

How many watts does a 6,000 BTU air conditioner use?

6,000 BTU window units draw a middle 492 W (from 492 W to 540 W), about 4.3 amps at 115 V, about 9¢ an hour at full power. These are the middle figures of the models we list at that size that state their draw.

How many watts does an 8,000 BTU air conditioner use?

8,000 BTU window units draw a middle 700 W (from 600 W to 780 W), about 6.4 amps at 115 V, about 13¢ an hour at full power. These are the middle figures of the models we list at that size that state their draw.

How many watts does a 10,000 BTU air conditioner use?

10,000 BTU window units draw a middle 920 W (from 660 W to 1,070 W), about 8.3 amps at 115 V, about 17¢ an hour at full power. 10,000 BTU portable units (advertised size) draw a middle 900 W (from 890 W to 930 W), about 8.2 amps at 115 V, about 17¢ an hour at full power. These are the middle figures of the models we list at that size that state their draw.

How many watts does a 12,000 BTU air conditioner use?

12,000 BTU window units draw a middle 1,090 W (from 990 W to 1,280 W), about 10.3 amps at 115 V, about 20¢ an hour at full power. 12,000 BTU portable units (advertised size) draw a middle 1,200 W (from 1,050 W to 1,350 W), about 11.8 amps at 115 V, about 22¢ an hour at full power. These are the middle figures of the models we list at that size that state their draw.

How many watts does a 14,000 BTU air conditioner use?

14,000 BTU window units draw a middle 1,270 W (from 1,236 W to 1,350 W), about 11.8 amps at 115 V, about 23¢ an hour at full power. 14,000 BTU portable units (advertised size) draw a middle 1,350 W (from 1,200 W to 1,400 W), about 11.9 amps at 115 V, about 25¢ an hour at full power. These are the middle figures of the models we list at that size that state their draw.

How many watts does an 18,000 BTU air conditioner use?

18,000 BTU window units draw a middle 1,640 W (from 1,500 W to 2,092 W), about 7.9 amps at 208/230 V, about 30¢ an hour at full power. These are the middle figures of the models we list at that size that state their draw.

How many watts does a 24,000 BTU air conditioner use?

24,000 BTU window units draw a middle 2,660 W (from 2,340 W to 2,660 W), about 12.4 amps at 208/230 V, about 49¢ an hour at full power. These are the middle figures of the models we list at that size that state their draw.

How many amps does a window air conditioner use?

At 115 volts, a 5,000 BTU window unit draws about 4.2 amps, a 6,000 BTU window unit draws about 4.3 amps, an 8,000 BTU window unit draws about 6.4 amps, a 10,000 BTU window unit draws about 8.3 amps, a 12,000 BTU window unit draws about 10.3 amps and a 14,000 BTU window unit draws about 11.8 amps while cooling at full power. Larger units run on 208/230 volts, where the same power takes fewer amps. A standard 15-amp household circuit can carry a plug-in air conditioner of up to 1,440 W (12 amps), which is why the biggest window units need their own circuit.

How many watts does a portable air conditioner use?

The 18 portable units we list that state their draw use from 890 W to 1,400 W while cooling. The middle model draws about 900 W at 10,000 BTU, about 1,200 W at 12,000 BTU and about 1,350 W at 14,000 BTU. Keep in mind that a portable's advertised BTU is its ASHRAE rating, which reads higher than the DOE (SACC) rating the same unit gets, so it cools less than its advertised size suggests.

How many watts does a mini-split use?

At its rating point (95°F outside, full output), a single-room mini-split draws its rated cooling divided by its EER2. Across the 62 we list that state an EER2, the middle model draws about 720 W at 9,000 BTU, about 1,200 W at 12,000 BTU, about 1,690 W at 18,000 BTU and about 2,340 W at 24,000 BTU. A mini-split's inverter compressor slows down once the room is cool, so most of the time it draws much less.

How much does it cost to run an air conditioner per hour?

At the US average electricity price of 18.44¢ per kWh, a typical window unit at full power costs about 8¢ an hour at 5,000 BTU, about 17¢ an hour at 10,000 BTU and about 49¢ an hour at 24,000 BTU, and the models we list run from 8¢ to 49¢. That is the most an hour costs: once the room reaches the thermostat setting the compressor cycles off and on, so a typical hour costs less. Your own rate may be well above or below the average.

How many kWh does an air conditioner use per day?

At full power for 8 hours, a typical 10,000 BTU window unit uses about 7.3 kWh, about $1.35 at the US average price. A unit that cycles uses less; the size tables on this page give the figure for each size.

Can I plug an air conditioner into a regular outlet?

Most smaller ones, yes. In our catalog, window units up to 15,000 BTU include models that run on a standard 115-volt outlet, and every larger one that states its supply, from 18,000 BTU up, needs a 208/230-volt outlet. A plug-in air conditioner may use up to 1,440 W on a standard 15-amp, 120-volt circuit (80% of the circuit), so check each model's voltage and plug before you buy, and avoid sharing its circuit with other big appliances.

Do inverter air conditioners use less electricity?

Not because of the wattage a listing states: that is the most a unit draws. The saving comes after the room cools: an inverter slows its compressor down instead of switching it off and on, so it spends most hours well below its maximum draw. The CEER or SEER2 on each model's page is the rating that captures this.

What size generator do I need to run an air conditioner?

Start from the running watts in the tables on this page: a generator or battery must supply at least that, plus everything else on it. A compressor also draws more for a moment when it starts, and the retailers we read do not publish that starting draw, so check the maker's manual before you size a generator closely; inverter models start more gently than fixed-speed ones. A mini-split's figure here is its draw at its rating point, and at full boost it can draw more, so use the maximum its manual lists.