110v or 220v AC window unit for residence. Whats cost less?

Question

I have heard my whole live that 220v AC cost more to cycle but less to run over all that a 110v AC.
Is this true or just another wives tail?

I have 110v and 220v at the window.

Answer 1

You can't go by the voltage and current. You have to go by wattage. Whichever unit is lower wattage will be the one that uses less electricity.

People thinking that 220 is cheaper to run is a common mistake. You don't pay for amps. You pay for watts.

Answer 2

I truly don't know which one in terms of electricity savings would be more cost efficient BUT since it would be uncommon to find a 220V outlet near one of your windows, when you take into consideration what you might pay an electrician for installation to run the wiring from your electrical box to the designated location as well as snaking the wire through the drywalls, the attic etc. I think the decision is pretty evident to go with 110v airconditioner.

Food For Thought! And Hope Everything Goes as Well or Better than Planned/Expected...

Answer 3

There need not be any inherent efficiency difference of one voltage over the other. The 120v will be limited in size because there is a practical limit of 20 amps, probably 15 though, that can be drawn on an outlet circuit. The 240v motor will be smaller for the same capacity unit though so it will probably be a little cheaper.

Answer 4

I think the 220 Volt is a little more efficient. May look at that yellow tag to read cost of operation, but, I really not sure how consistent they are from one manufacture to the next.
Wish I knew more.
I will say, you need a 220 plug so may have to run a wire, whereas the 110 volt may have an existing plug close.

Answer 5

Whichever one has less wattage output, since you are charged for electricity by the watt

Answer 6

220v is more efficient.