The cost to run AC in your apartment depends on several factors, including the size of your space, the efficiency of your unit, and the climate you live in. Because running the AC is one of the largest energy expenses in an apartment, it’s important to understand what impacts cooling costs so you can find ways to improve efficiency.

 

How Much It Costs to Run AC in an Apartment by Size and Climate

We’ve created a table comparing the average monthly cooling costs for several common apartment sizes across four typical climates. These estimated costs are based on national averages, so they can vary depending on your exact location. 

Apartment Size Mild Summer (Seattle, WA) Moderate Summer (New York, NY) Hot Summer (Atlanta, GA) Extreme Heat (Phoenix, AZ)
Studio (300 sq. ft.) $9.00 $13.50 $18.00 $27.00
1-Bedroom (600 sq. ft.) $21.60 $32.40 $43.20 $64.80
2-Bedroom (900 sq. ft.) $32.40 $48.60 $64.80 $97.20
Large Apartment (1,200 sq. ft.) $43.20 $64.80 $86.40 $129.60

 

How We Calculated AC Costs for Apartment Sizes and Climates

To estimate the monthly cost of running an air conditioner in an apartment, we used the following assumptions based on national averages:

AC size depends on apartment size. We assumed that larger spaces need more cooling power, measured in BTUs. For example, a studio might use a 5,000 BTU cooling unit, while a large apartment with three bedrooms might use a 24,000 BTU unit.
We assumed the thermostat is set to 72°F. This is a common indoor cooling temperature that balances comfort and energy use. Setting your thermostat higher or lower can have a significant impact on your electricity bill.
Electricity use is based on efficiency. We estimated how much power each AC unit needs using the common Energy Efficiency Rating (EER), which considers BTUs and watts of power consumption.
The cost is based on average electricity rates. We used $0.15 per kWh, the U.S. average, to estimate energy costs. National costs range from $0.11 to $0.40, so location can change these estimates drastically.
We calculated for a full month of use. We multiplied the energy used per hour by the number of hours the AC would run every day to maintain a temperature of 72 degrees. Then, we multiplied the daily hours by 30 days to determine the cost per month.

 

How Climate Affects Apartment AC Costs

Both heat and humidity can affect how much energy your AC unit consumes to keep your apartment at 72°F. The longer your AC runs, the higher your costs will be. Here’s how different summer climates impact cooling expenses.

Mild Summer Climates

Mild summer climates are found in places like the coastal Pacific Northwest, where summer highs typically stay in the 70s°F, with nights cooling into the 50s°F. Because of this, AC usage is minimal—typically only needed during occasional heatwaves or a few particularly warm afternoons.

Humidity is generally low during mild summers, which makes warm temperatures feel more comfortable. As a result, cooling costs in these areas are very low, and many apartments can get by with just fans or open windows for much of the summer.

 

Moderate Summer Climates

Moderate summer climates are found in places like New York City. In much of the Mid-Atlantic or Northern Midwest, summer highs tend to reach the 80s°F, cooling to the 60s°F at night. In these areas, AC is used regularly during the day but can often be turned off at night or during mild weather.

Humidity levels range from moderate to high, which makes warm temperatures feel hotter, so people in these locations tend to run their AC more often than those in mild climates. However, because temperatures tend to fluctuate more, the AC doesn’t have to run constantly, which keeps cooling costs at a moderate level.

 

Hot Summer Climates

Hot summer climates are found in places like Atlanta, GA and much of the Southeastern U.S., where summer highs regularly reach the 90s°F, and nights stay warm, often in the 70s°F. AC is needed for much of the day and through the night to keep an apartment comfortable.

Humidity in these areas is also high, making it feel even hotter and forcing air conditioners to work harder to remove moisture from the air. This leads to higher cooling costs, since AC units run most of the time, only shutting off briefly in the early morning or late at night.

 

Extreme Heat Climates

Extreme heat climates are found in places like Phoenix, AZ and other Southwestern locations where summer highs regularly exceed 100°F, and nighttime temperatures often stay in the 80s°F or higher. With heat this persistent, air conditioning runs for most of the day and often throughout the whole night.

While humidity is very low in these regions, the sheer intensity of the heat makes indoor cooling absolutely necessary. This results in very high cooling costs, often making air conditioning a considerable monthly expense, even in small apartments.

 

How to Reduce the Cost of Running the AC in Your Apartment

Keeping your apartment cool in the summer can lead to high energy bills, but there are ways to reduce costs without sacrificing comfort. A combination of small adjustments and professional maintenance can make your AC run more efficiently. Here are five practical steps to help lower your cooling expenses.

Energy Saving Tip How It Helps
1. Seal & Insulate Ducts If your ducts aren’t sealed properly, you could be losing up to 30% of your cooled air before it ever reaches your apartment. We can inspect your ductwork, seal leaks, and add insulation to make sure every bit of cool air is going where it should.
2. Get a Seasonal AC Tune-Up Just like your car needs regular oil changes, your AC needs a little maintenance to keep running efficiently. A seasonal tune-up helps catch small issues before they turn into expensive breakdowns. The right maintenance will improve airflow and keep your system cooling at maximum efficiency.
3. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat We can help you install a smart thermostat that learns your schedule and adjusts temperatures automatically, keeping your home cool when you need it and saving energy when you don’t.
4. Use Blackout Curtains & Weatherproofing Direct sunlight through your windows can heat up your apartment and make it more difficult for your AC to keep it cool. Use blackout curtains to block direct sunlight, and install weatherstripping on doors and windows to prevent cool air from escaping.
5. Clean or Replace Air Filters Monthly A clogged filter makes your AC struggle to push air through, forcing it to run longer and use more energy. Swapping out your air filter once a month keeps airflow strong, helps your AC last longer, and can reduce your cooling costs.

 

About Oasis HVAC

At Oasis Heating & Cooling, we understand that keeping your home comfortable should be a simple, hassle-free process. Whether you need a routine AC tune-up, better insulation, or a more energy-efficient setup, our team of experts is here to help.

Since 2007, we’ve built our reputation on quality work and lasting customer relationships, and we take pride in bringing our best work to every job, no matter how large or small. If you have questions about your cooling system or want to explore ways to lower your energy bills, we’re happy to provide expert guidance and solutions tailored to your needs.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help with your apartment’s AC. Or call us at (586) 854-9278 if you need immediate assistance.

Chase McGee

Content Writer

Chase is the lead content writer for Oasis HVAC.
company icon