Enter all but one of the power consumption, number of hours the HVAC system operates per day, cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity, number of days the HVAC system operates per month, and number of months the HVAC system operates per year into the calculator to determine the HVAC electricity operating cost (annual cost based on the provided days/month and months/year).

HVAC Operating Cost Calculator

Direct Input Estimate From Capacity/Efficiency

Enter any 5 values to calculate the missing variable (cost is for the year based on Days/Month and Months/Year).

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HVAC Operating Cost Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the HVAC electricity operating cost (annual, based on the provided operating schedule):

C = P \cdot H \cdot C_{\text{rate}} \cdot D \cdot M

Variables:

  • C is the HVAC electricity operating cost (for the year, based on the inputs)
  • P is the average electrical power consumption while operating, in kilowatts (kW)
  • H is the number of hours the HVAC system operates per day
  • Crate is the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity
  • D is the number of days the HVAC system operates per month
  • M is the number of months the HVAC system operates per year

To calculate the HVAC electricity operating cost, multiply the power (kW) by the operating time (hours per day × days per month × months per year) to get energy use in kilowatt-hours (kWh), then multiply by the electricity rate ($/kWh) to get cost. (If power is given in watts, convert to kilowatts by dividing by 1000 before using the formula.)

What is an HVAC Operating Cost?

HVAC operating cost can refer to the total amount of money spent to run and maintain a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. This can include energy costs (electricity or fuel) and may also include routine maintenance and repairs. This calculator and formula estimate only the electricity cost to operate the system based on power draw, run time, and electricity price; maintenance and repair costs are separate and can be added if you want a broader “total operating cost.”

How to Calculate HVAC Operating Cost?

The following steps outline how to calculate the HVAC Operating Cost.

  1. First, determine the average electrical power consumption (kW) of the HVAC system while operating.
  2. Next, determine the operating schedule (hours per day, days per month, and months per year).
  3. Next, determine the electricity price ($/kWh).
  4. Next, calculate the electricity operating cost by multiplying power × hours/day × days/month × months/year × electricity price.
  5. If desired, add separate maintenance/repair estimates to get a broader total cost; then check the electricity-cost portion with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Total energy consumption (kWh) = 500

Cost per unit of energy ($/kWh) = 0.12

Additional maintenance or repair costs ($) = 50