How Much Does Running Your Air Conditioner Really Cost in Chicago?

With Chicago’s warm, humid summers, many households rely heavily on air conditioning to stay comfortable. But how much does that comfort actually cost you each month?

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average residential electricity rate in Chicago is about 17 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) as of mid-2025. The cost of running an air conditioner depends on its cooling capacity (measured in BTUs), power usage, hours of operation, and the type of system — whether it’s a portable unit (typically less efficient), a single-room split system, or a central air unit serving the whole house.

For example, a typical window or split AC unit with a cooling power of about 2,500 watts (2.5 kW) running for 8 hours per day would use:

Monthly consumption (kWh) = Power (kW) × Hours of use per day × 30 days
2.5 kW × 8 hours × 30 days = 600 kWh per month

Monthly cost ($) = Monthly consumption × Price per kWh
600 kWh × $0.17 = $102.00 per month

This cost can vary widely:

• Higher efficiency models (like inverter units) adjust cooling output automatically and often use less electricity than conventional units.
• Poor insulation or older windows can force your AC to work harder, driving up costs.
• Portable units often consume more power for the same cooling output compared to fixed systems.

Additional charges on your utility bill may include city taxes and fees, which can increase your total cost slightly.

In many Chicago homes, cooling can account for 10–15% of the total monthly electric bill, especially during peak summer months.

Tip from Around the Town Heating & Cooling: To reduce your air conditioning costs, consider sealing drafts, adding insulation, using a programmable thermostat, and scheduling regular AC maintenance to ensure your system runs efficiently.

If you’d like to learn more about improving your AC’s efficiency or upgrading to an energy-saving unit, contact the experts at Around the Town Heating & Cooling — proudly serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbs for over 20 years.