RV Summer Cooling Cost Calculator
Camping in the heat? Estimate your air conditioning costs based on AC size, daily runtime, and electric rates.
Cooling Cost Estimator
How many hours does the AC run per day?
Check your campground rate. Typical: $0.10-$0.20/kWh.
Total Cooling Cost
$432.00
for 30 days
Breakdown
Daily Cost
Per day average
$14.40
Daily Power Usage
kWh per day
120.00 kWh
Power Draw
Watts while running
15000 W
Note: This AC requires 15.0kW. Make sure your RV is on a 30A or
50A service to handle the load.
Keeping Cool in Your RV
RV air conditioners are power-hungry. A single 15,000 BTU rooftop AC can draw 13-15 amps, which is nearly half of a 30-amp service.
AC Types Comparison
- Rooftop AC (13,500-15,000 BTU): Most common. Requires 30A or 50A hookup. Can't run on battery/solar without a large inverter.
- Portable AC (8,000-12,000 BTU): Less efficient but flexible. Can be moved around. Exhausts hot air through a window.
- Fans: Use only 50-100W. Won't cool the air but improve comfort with air circulation.
Tips to Reduce Cooling Costs
- Park in the Shade: Can reduce AC runtime by 30-50%.
- Use Awnings and Reflective Window Covers: Block solar heat gain.
- Run AC During Cooler Hours: Pre-cool the RV in the morning before the heat of the day.
- Seal Air Leaks: Check roof vents, windows, and doors for drafts.
- Consider a Mini-Split: More efficient than rooftop units but require professional installation.