How many watts does an RV AC use?
Most RV ACs use 1,500–2,500 watts while running (typically about 1,800 W) and 2,800–4,500 W for a few seconds when the motor or compressor starts. At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $13.08 a month ($157 a year, if used about 60 days a year).
Cost to run an RV AC: calculator
Running vs starting watts
Running watts are what it draws while operating; they drive your electricity bill. Starting watts are a short surge when a motor or compressor kicks on; they matter for sizing a generator or power station.
| Source | Running | Starting |
|---|---|---|
| Champion Power Equipment generator wattage chart | 1,500–2,500 W | 2,800–4,500 W |
| Honda generator wattage chart (PDF) | 1,800 W | 2,800 W |
| Generac generator wattage worksheet (PDF) | 1,800 W | — |
Will a power station run it?
It draws too much power to run long on a battery: a 1,000 Wh power station would last only about 28 minutes (assuming 85% conversion efficiency). Look for at least 2,500 W continuous output and 7,000 W surge (peak). Check your power station or generator →
Cost by state
Based on 1,800 W for 8 hours a day, 60 days a year (864 kWh/yr).
Cost to run an RV AC in every state
| State | Rate | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 16.33¢ | $11.76 | $141 |
| Alaska | 29.41¢ | $21.18 | $254 |
| Arizona | 15.05¢ | $10.84 | $130 |
| Arkansas | 14.37¢ | $10.35 | $124 |
| California | 29.75¢ | $21.42 | $257 |
| Colorado | 17.17¢ | $12.36 | $148 |
| Connecticut | 24.51¢ | $17.65 | $212 |
| Delaware | 18.70¢ | $13.46 | $162 |
| District of Columbia | 25.98¢ | $18.71 | $224 |
| Florida | 14.99¢ | $10.79 | $130 |
| Georgia | 15.90¢ | $11.45 | $137 |
| Hawaii | 47.18¢ | $33.97 | $408 |
| Idaho | 13.37¢ | $9.63 | $116 |
| Illinois | 19.32¢ | $13.91 | $167 |
| Indiana | 17.02¢ | $12.25 | $147 |
| Iowa | 17.06¢ | $12.28 | $147 |
| Kansas | 15.47¢ | $11.14 | $134 |
| Kentucky | 13.80¢ | $9.94 | $119 |
| Louisiana | 12.87¢ | $9.27 | $111 |
| Maine | 32.11¢ | $23.12 | $277 |
| Maryland | 21.40¢ | $15.41 | $185 |
| Massachusetts | 30.48¢ | $21.95 | $263 |
| Michigan | 22.99¢ | $16.55 | $199 |
| Minnesota | 17.20¢ | $12.38 | $149 |
| Mississippi | 14.43¢ | $10.39 | $125 |
| Missouri | 16.02¢ | $11.53 | $138 |
| Montana | 15.57¢ | $11.21 | $135 |
| Nebraska | 13.54¢ | $9.75 | $117 |
| Nevada | 12.72¢ | $9.16 | $110 |
| New Hampshire | 27.64¢ | $19.90 | $239 |
| New Jersey | 24.61¢ | $17.72 | $213 |
| New Mexico | 16.51¢ | $11.89 | $143 |
| New York | 28.65¢ | $20.63 | $248 |
| North Carolina | 14.95¢ | $10.76 | $129 |
| North Dakota | 13.31¢ | $9.58 | $115 |
| Ohio | 19.38¢ | $13.95 | $167 |
| Oklahoma | 14.82¢ | $10.67 | $128 |
| Oregon | 15.92¢ | $11.46 | $138 |
| Pennsylvania | 21.77¢ | $15.67 | $188 |
| Rhode Island | 28.18¢ | $20.29 | $243 |
| South Carolina | 15.76¢ | $11.35 | $136 |
| South Dakota | 15.15¢ | $10.91 | $131 |
| Tennessee | 13.42¢ | $9.66 | $116 |
| Texas | 15.91¢ | $11.46 | $137 |
| Utah | 13.31¢ | $9.58 | $115 |
| Vermont | 23.84¢ | $17.16 | $206 |
| Virginia | 17.64¢ | $12.70 | $152 |
| Washington | 14.63¢ | $10.53 | $126 |
| West Virginia | 16.31¢ | $11.74 | $141 |
| Wisconsin | 19.41¢ | $13.98 | $168 |
| Wyoming | 14.43¢ | $10.39 | $125 |
FAQ
How many watts does an RV AC use?
Most RV ACs use 1,500–2,500 watts while running (typically about 1,800 W) and 2,800–4,500 W for a few seconds when the motor or compressor starts. At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $13.08 a month ($157 a year, if used about 60 days a year).
What are the starting watts of an RV AC?
About 2,800–4,500 W for a second or two at start-up. This matters when sizing a generator or power station, not for your electricity bill.
How much does it cost to run an RV AC?
About $13.08 a month at the U.S. average rate (18.16¢/kWh, August 2026), based on 1,800 W for 8 hours a day, 60 days a year (864 kWh/yr). In the cheapest state it's about $9.16 a month; in the most expensive, $33.97.
How many kWh does an RV AC use?
About 864 kWh a year (72 kWh a month), based on 1,800 W for 8 hours a day, 60 days a year (864 kWh/yr).
Can a power station or generator run an RV AC?
It draws too much power to run long on a battery: a 1,000 Wh power station would last only about 28 minutes. Look for at least 2,500 W continuous output and 7,000 W surge (peak).