Central air conditioner vs. mini split air conditioner: running cost
A mini split air conditioner is cheaper to run: about $110 a year versus $517 for a central air conditioner at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $408 difference.
| Central air conditioner | Mini split air conditioner | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 3,500 W | 900 W |
| Watt range | 1,800–7,000 W | 300–2,500 W |
| Typical use | 12 hours a day for 5 months a year | 10 hours a day for 4 months a year |
| Energy per year | 2,876 kWh | 611 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 28¢ | 8.9¢ |
| Cost per day | $3.40 | 90¢ |
| Cost per month | $103 | $27.49 |
| Cost per year | $517 | $110 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $1,251 | $266 |
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What drives the difference
- Central air conditioner: Watts are compressor, condenser fan and indoor blower for a typical 13-14 SEER system. Defaults give about 2,900 kWh a year for a 3-ton system in a mixed US climate; hot southern climates can use 5,000+ kWh.
- Mini split air conditioner: Inverter mini splits slow the compressor instead of cycling it off, so watts are average draw at rated capacity for a 20+ SEER single zone.
Ways to cut either cost
Lets you raise the set point about 4°F for 15-35 W.
See options on AmazonBlock solar heat gain that would otherwise add to cooling load.
See options on AmazonAutomates setbacks and typically saves about 8% on cooling.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a central air conditioner or a mini split air conditioner?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a central air conditioner costs about $517 a year versus $110 for a mini split air conditioner. That's $408 more, or 4.7× as much.
How many watts do central air conditioner and mini split air conditioner use?
A central air conditioner typically draws 3,500 W (range 1,800–7,000 W). A mini split air conditioner draws 900 W (range 300–2,500 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.