Upfront cost
Include the product, sales tax, delivery, required window or venting kit, installation materials and any paid setup. A low shelf price can stop being the lowest-cost choice when required accessories and delivery differ.
True cost of cooling
One- and three-year ownership cost
Keep product, delivery, window accessories, installation, maintenance and electricity visible as separate costs.
WHAT THE TOTAL MEANS
Compare the same time period and the same scope.
The calculator is a transparent scenario, not a utility forecast or product-performance guarantee.
Operating assumptions
Use the unit’s rated input in kilowatts, a realistic number of operating hours and your all-in electricity rate. Cooling demand changes with weather, room load, thermostat setting, air leakage and equipment cycling, so compare more than one scenario.
Ownership items
Add filters, cleaning, expected service and other paid upkeep over the same one- or three-year period. Do not subtract rebates, tax benefits or resale value unless eligibility and value are documented for the exact purchase.
Planning boundary
The result is arithmetic from the values you enter. It does not model a utility tariff, weather year, degradation, repairs or how often a compressor cycles. For central equipment, compare full installed-project and financing costs instead.