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What size furnace should I buy?

Square FootageFurnace BTU
1,000-1,200 sq. ft. Home40,000 - 60,000 BTU
1,200-1,500 sq. ft. Home60,000 BTU
1,500-1,800 sq. ft. Home60,000 - 80,000 BTU
1,800-2,500 sq. ft. Home80,000 - 100,000 BTU
2,500-3,500 sq. ft. Home100,000 to 120,000 BTU

AC Operating Cost Calculator

Calculate what your air conditioner costs to run each month and annually — based on SEER2 rating, usage
hours, and your province’s electricity rates.
⚡ Monthly & Annual Costs
🇨🇦 Provincial Electricity Rates
📊 Compare Models
⚡
Air Conditioner Operating Cost Calculator
Calculate the estimated monthly and annual operating cost of your air conditioner based on your usage, climate, and electricity rate.
What type of air conditioner do you have?
What is the size of the area you are cooling?
How well insulated is your space?
What is your climate region?
What temperature do you set your thermostat to?
Thermostat setting affects how hard your AC works.
22°C
17°C27°C
What is your average electricity rate? ($/kWh)
Check your electricity bill for your rate. Average is $0.12–$0.15/kWh.
$0.13/kWh
0.07/kWh0.3/kWh
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Your AC Operating Costs
Monthly Cost
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Annual Cost
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A properly sized, high-efficiency AC keeps operating costs low. Get free quotes from certified contractors.

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How Much Does It Cost to Run an Air Conditioner in Canada?

The average Canadian household spends $200 to $700 per year on air conditioning electricity, depending on AC size, efficiency, climate zone, usage hours, and local electricity rates. In Ontario's hottest summers, a 3-tonne central AC running 8 hours/day can cost $60–$90/month in electricity during peak cooling months.
AC SizeSEER2 13.4 (min)SEER2 18 (mid)SEER2 22 (high)
1.5 tonnes (18,000 BTU)$28/mo$21/mo$17/mo
2 tonnes (24,000 BTU)$37/mo$28/mo$23/mo
2.5 tonnes (30,000 BTU)$47/mo$35/mo$29/mo
3 tonnes (36,000 BTU)$56/mo$42/mo$34/mo
3.5 tonnes (42,000 BTU)$65/mo$49/mo$40/mo
*Estimates based on 8 hrs/day runtime, Ontario average electricity rate of $0.17/kWh. Actual costs vary by province.

Electricity Rates Across Canada (2025)

AC operating costs vary dramatically by province because electricity rates differ significantly across Canada. Alberta's deregulated market can swing wildly, while Quebec's hydro power keeps rates very low.
ProvinceAvg. Electricity RateRelative AC Cost
Ontario$0.15–$0.19/kWhHigh
BC$0.11–$0.15/kWhMedium
Alberta$0.13–$0.22/kWhVariable / High
Quebec$0.07–$0.10/kWhLow
Manitoba$0.10–$0.12/kWhLow-Medium
Saskatchewan$0.16–$0.20/kWhHigh

Tips to Reduce Your AC Electricity Bills

🌡️ Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat saves 10–15% on AC electricity by automatically raising the set temperature when you're asleep or away. Ecobee and Nest are popular Canadian options.
🪟 Window Coverings
Closing blinds and curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the hottest afternoon hours reduces solar heat gain by 20–30%, reducing how hard your AC must work.
🌀 Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans create a wind-chill effect that lets you raise your thermostat set-point by 2°C without feeling warmer — reducing AC runtime and cutting electricity use by 8–10%.
🗂️ Clean Filters Monthly
A clogged air filter reduces airflow, forcing the AC to run longer and harder. Cleaning or replacing your filter monthly during cooling season can reduce electricity use by 5–10%.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate my AC's electricity cost?

The formula is: (AC Tonnage × 12,000 BTU/ton ÷ SEER2) × Daily Run Hours × Electricity Rate. For example, a 3-tonne, 16 SEER2 AC running 8 hrs/day at $0.17/kWh costs: (3 × 12,000 ÷ 16) × 8 × $0.17 = approximately $3.06/day or $92/month during a 30-day summer month. Our calculator does this math automatically using your actual inputs.

As of 2025, the most efficient central AC systems reach 26 SEER2 (Lennox XC25, Carrier Infinity 26). Variable-speed ductless mini-splits from Mitsubishi, Daikin, and Fujitsu reach up to 30+ SEER2 for single-zone systems. These premium-efficiency units cost 30–50% more upfront but can cut electricity costs by 40–50% compared to minimum-efficiency models.

Common causes: an oversized AC that short-cycles (uses more energy starting up repeatedly than running continuously), a refrigerant undercharge (AC works harder for less cooling), dirty coils reducing efficiency, duct leaks, or simply running the AC much more than anticipated. Our operating cost calculator can help you benchmark your actual bill against expected costs.

🇨🇦 Rebates Available
Canadian homeowners may qualify for up to
$5,000
in federal and provincial rebates on qualifying systems.
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