How Much Does It Really Cost to Cool Your Home in Wisconsin?
If you live in Wisconsin, cooling your home during the summer months is an expense you need to consider. While Wisconsin summers are milder compared to the harsh winters, keeping your home at a comfortable 72°F from May to September can still add up. Whether you’re using a standard single-stage AC unit or an energy-efficient inverter system, understanding how much it costs to keep your home cool throughout the summer can help you manage your energy bills. In this guide, we’ll compare the true cost of different air conditioning systems, including 13.4 SEER2, 15.4 SEER2, two-stage systems, and inverter-style units, to help you decide which option is best for your home. For detailed information about AC installation costs, visit this blog.
Why Cooling Costs Vary in Wisconsin
While Wisconsin summers are generally short, the cost of cooling your home depends on several factors: the efficiency of your AC unit, the temperature you keep your home at, and the rising cost of electricity. Wisconsin residents primarily use electric-powered air conditioning systems, so understanding efficiency ratings like SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is crucial in evaluating your cooling options.
With cooling accounting for up to 20% of your home’s total energy usage during the summer months, selecting an energy-efficient system can save you hundreds of dollars over time. That’s why comparing efficiency ratings and understanding how different systems perform in varying conditions is essential when evaluating your options.
What’s the Best Cooling System for Homes in Wisconsin?
When choosing a cooling system, efficiency and cost are the two major factors. Homeowners in Wisconsin typically rely on systems ranging from standard 13.4 SEER2 units to high-efficiency inverter ACs that exceed 17 SEER. Each system offers different advantages depending on your budget, energy efficiency needs, and desired comfort level.
- Single-Stage Systems (13.4 SEER2 and 15.4 SEER2): These are some of the most common AC systems in Wisconsin homes. They turn on and off at full capacity, which can be less efficient than more advanced systems, but are generally less expensive to install.
- Two-Stage Systems (15.4 SEER2): These systems operate at two different capacities, offering better energy efficiency and comfort than single-stage units by running at lower power most of the time.
- Inverter AC Systems (17+ SEER): These systems continuously adjust to the cooling demands of your home, making them the most efficient option. While they tend to have higher upfront costs, they significantly lower your monthly energy bills and provide consistent comfort throughout the summer.
Electricity Costs: What’s Cheaper for Cooling in Wisconsin?
The price of electricity varies slightly across Wisconsin, but the average cost hovers around $0.14 per kWh. The cost to run an air conditioning system depends heavily on how efficient the system is (measured by SEER2). In general, the higher the SEER rating, the less electricity the system uses to produce the same level of cooling.
- 13.4 SEER2 Systems: These are the least efficient of the systems compared but still offer sufficient cooling for most homes. However, they tend to cost more to run over the long term.
- 15.4 SEER2 Systems: A moderate upgrade, these systems offer a better balance of cost and efficiency.
- 17+ SEER Inverter Systems: The most efficient option for homeowners who want lower energy costs throughout the summer, providing significant long-term savings on electricity bills.
Cooling Efficiency: Why SEER Matters
SEER is a critical measure of how efficiently an AC system operates. The higher the SEER rating, the less electricity the system needs to cool your home, which translates to lower energy bills.
- SEER 13.4: This is the baseline for cooling systems and is required by the U.S. Department of Energy as the minimum efficiency standard.
- SEER 15.4: Offers better performance and lower energy consumption compared to SEER 13.4 units.
- SEER 17+ Inverter Systems: The most energy-efficient systems, reducing your electricity usage significantly over the course of a summer.
Understanding SEER ratings helps you make an informed decision when selecting a system that minimizes electricity consumption, lowers your energy costs, and reduces your environmental footprint.
Cost Comparison of Cooling Systems in Wisconsin
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated cost per hour, yearly cost, and total cost over 12 years for each system:
| AC System Type | Cost per Hour of Operation | Yearly Cost of Operation (May–September) | Total Cost of Operation Over 12 Years |
| 13.4 SEER2 Single-Stage | $0.31 | $379.44 | $4,553.28 |
| 15.4 SEER2 Single-Stage | $0.27 | $330.48 | $3,965.76 |
| 17 SEER Inverter | $0.24 | $293.76 | $3,525.12 |
| 15.4 SEER2 Two-Stage | $0.27 | $297.65 | $3,571.83 |
How We Calculated These Cooling Costs
At Austin Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we believe in transparency. Here’s how we calculated the cooling costs for each system.
Energy Rates Assumed:
- Electricity: $0.14 per kWh (based on current rates from We Energies).
SEER Ratings:
- 13.4 SEER2: Standard efficiency.
- 15.4 SEER2: Mid-range efficiency.
- 17 SEER: High-efficiency inverter system.
Cost Per Hour Calculation:
To calculate the cost per hour of operation for each system, we used this formula:
Cost per Hour = (BTU Output / SEER) × Electricity Rate
For example, for the 13.4 SEER system, we calculated the energy used to cool a 2.5-ton home (30,000 BTUs) and multiplied it by the cost of electricity ($0.14 per kWh).
Yearly and 12-Year Cost Calculation:
We estimated the yearly cost based on Wisconsin’s average summer (May through September), calculating 8 hours of AC use per day. We then multiplied the total hours by the cost per hour to determine yearly expenses. The 12-year cost was calculated by multiplying the yearly cost by 12.
Why Choose Austin Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric?
At Austin Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we don’t just provide cooling services—we help you make informed decisions about the best system for your home. With over 90 years in business, our master tradespeople are here to ensure your home stays cool all summer while keeping energy costs down.
Contact us today for personalized advice on the best cooling system for your home. Let us help you save money and stay comfortable!
