Appliances / Window air conditioners / TCL

Window Top 10% cheapest to run

TCL W5WC72: $50 a year to run

This room air conditioner uses 274 kWh of electricity a year. At the U.S. average price that is $50 a year and $498 over a typical 10-year life. It ranks #14 of 492 window models for running cost.

  1. Price. Check what it costs at the store (links below).
  2. Plus running cost. Add $498 of electricity over 10 years. That is the part the price tag hides.
  3. Compare. Pick your state to see your real number, then check the cheaper-to-run models of the same size.
Per year (U.S. avg)
$50
Over 10 years
$498
Saves vs the federal minimum
$17/yr
Size
5,000 BTU

Where to buy

Compare the price, then add the running cost below to get the true cost.

Cost to run where you live

Electricity per year
$50
Electricity over 10 years
$498
Add the price you pay
+ $498

274 kWh a year (ENERGY STAR test figure) × 18.19¢ per kWh, the average residential price in the U.S. for Jan–Aug 2026 (EIA). Your bill depends on your utility and how you use it.

Cheaper to run, same type and size

Or see every small rooms (under 8,000 btu) model ranked.

BLACK+DECKER BDM05C5000 BTU$47/yrsaves $25
Brothers 1023725000 BTU$47/yrsaves $25
Frigidaire FHWC055TF15000 BTU$47/yrsaves $25
Frigidaire FHWC056TF15000 BTU$47/yrsaves $25

Specs

BrandTCL
ModelW5WC72
TypeWindow
Energy use274 kWh / year
Federal maximum for this type365 kWh / year
Width16 in

Specs and energy use from the ENERGY STAR certified products list (U.S. EPA). An asterisk in a model number stands for colour or finish codes. HouseholdLeak is not affiliated with ENERGY STAR or the EPA.

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