Appliances / Window air conditioners / Whirlpool
Whirlpool WHAW-181IN
18,000 BTU · Window room air conditioner
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- Price. Check what it costs at the store.
- Plus running cost. Add $1,706 of electricity over 10 years. That is the part the price tag hides.
- Compare. Pick your state below, then check the cheaper-to-run models of the same size.
About the Whirlpool WHAW-181IN
The Whirlpool WHAW-181IN is a 18,000 BTU window room air conditioner certified by ENERGY STAR. Its official test figure is 938 kWh of electricity a year, which at the U.S. average price of 18.19¢ per kWh comes to $171 a year, or $1,706 over a typical 10-year life.
That is 35% less energy than the federal maximum for this type of air conditioner (1,442 kWh a year), a saving of about $92 a year compared with a model that only just meets the standard.
Among 492 window models it ranks #450 for running cost. The cheapest model of this type would save $1,233 in electricity over 10 years, though it may differ in size and features.
If you want the same type and a similar size for less to run, the K�hl KCVS16B30B uses 722 kWh a year and would save about $393 over 10 years.
Cost to run where you live
938 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 very large rooms (over 15,000 btu) model ranked.
| K�hl KCVS16B30B | 15400 BTU | $131/yr | saves $393 |
| BLACK+DECKER BDM18C | 18000 BTU | $154/yr | saves $171 |
| Brothers 102387 | 18000 BTU | $154/yr | saves $171 |
| Friedrich KCVS16B30A | 16200 BTU | $154/yr | saves $171 |
Specs
| Brand | Whirlpool |
| Model | WHAW-181IN |
| Type | Window |
| Energy use | 938 kWh / year |
| Federal maximum for this type | 1442 kWh / year |
| Size | 18,000 BTU |
| Width | 30 in |
| Efficiency (CEER) | 14.4 |
| Mounting | Straddles Window |
| Voltage | 230 V |
| Inverter (variable speed) | Yes |
| Heat mode | No |
| Refrigerant | R-32 |
| Height | 20.7 in |
| Depth | 28.8 in |
| Weight | 105.8 lb |
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.
Questions people ask
How much does the Whirlpool WHAW-181IN cost to run?
About $171 a year at the U.S. average electricity price (18.19¢/kWh), based on its ENERGY STAR rating of 938 kWh a year. In a state with expensive power it can be much more; pick your state on this page to see your number.
How much will the Whirlpool WHAW-181IN cost in electricity over its life?
About $1,706 over 10 years, a typical life for a room air conditioner. Add that to the price you pay to get the true cost to own.
Is the Whirlpool WHAW-181IN energy efficient?
Yes. It is ENERGY STAR certified and uses 35% less energy than the federal maximum for its type.
Is there a cheaper air conditioner to run of the same type and size?
Yes. The K�hl KCVS16B30B uses 722 kWh a year, about $393 less in electricity over 10 years.
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