Energy Efficiency & Operating Costs: What to Expect from a 14,000 BTU GE Unit

When Tony swapped out his old window AC for the GE 14,000 BTU 208/230 Volt Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Electric Heat (Model AJEQ14DWJ), he had two big goals:

  1. Cool his 650 sq. ft. living/dining area comfortably.

  2. Stop dreading the utility bill at the end of the month.

Air conditioners don’t just cost money upfront — they affect your monthly electric bill for years to come. That’s why energy efficiency and operating costs should be just as important as BTUs when you’re choosing a system.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about how efficient the GE AJEQ14DWJ is, what it costs to run, and how Tony (and you) can get the most out of it.


📊 Understanding Efficiency Ratings: EER, CEER & SEER2

Before looking at dollar figures, let’s cover the efficiency terms you’ll see on AC product pages.

  • EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio)

    • Measures efficiency at peak load (95°F outdoor temp).

    • Higher = more efficient.

  • CEER (Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio)

    • Accounts for standby and off-cycle power (more realistic measure for room units).

    • The standard rating used for Energy Star.

  • SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2)

    • The updated federal standard (as of 2023).

    • Measures seasonal efficiency over an entire cooling season.

    • More common for central ACs and mini splits, but increasingly referenced in room units.

👉 The GE AJEQ14DWJ has competitive CEER ratings, putting it above most window ACs but not quite as efficient as ductless mini splits.

🔗 Reference: Energy Star – Room AC Ratings


🔌 Power Consumption of the GE AJEQ14DWJ

Tony checked his owner’s manual before plugging in. Here’s what he found:

  • Cooling Power Draw: ~1,200–1,400 watts

  • Heating Power Draw: ~3,500–3,800 watts (since it uses electric resistance heat)

  • Voltage Requirement: 208/230V dedicated outlet

That means it’s much more efficient than older 115V window ACs, but the electric heating mode is more energy-hungry.


💰 What Does It Cost to Run?

Using the national average electricity rate of $0.15 per kWh (check your utility bill for exact rates), let’s calculate:

Cooling Costs

  • Light Use (4 hours/day) → ~$22/month

  • Moderate Use (8 hours/day) → ~$45/month

  • Heavy Use (12 hours/day) → ~$65/month

Heating Costs

Because resistance heat is less efficient than cooling, heating costs are higher:

  • Moderate Use (6 hours/day in spring/fall) → ~$95/month

  • Heavy Use (10 hours/day winter supplemental) → $150+/month

⚠️ Tony uses the heating mode for shoulder seasons but still relies on his furnace in winter.

🔗 Reference: Energy.gov – Room Air Conditioner Energy Use


🌍 What Factors Affect Operating Costs?

Tony quickly realized not all homeowners will see the same numbers. Here’s why:

🏡 Insulation & Windows

  • Drafty walls and single-pane windows = more runtime, higher bills.

  • Energy-efficient windows can save up to 20–30% on cooling costs.

🌎 Climate Zone

  • Midwest (Tony’s region): 3–4 months of cooling + shoulder-season heating.

  • South/Southeast: up to 6 months of cooling = higher bills.

  • North: shorter cooling season, but heating mode may see more use.

👨👩👧 Occupancy

  • Each person adds body heat → more cooling needed.

  • Cooking, appliances, and electronics increase load.

⚡ Usage Habits

  • Tony uses Energy Saver mode → compressor cycles less often.

  • Thermostat set to 75°F vs. 70°F = significant savings.

🔗 Reference: EPA – Reduce Home Cooling Costs


💡 Energy-Saving Features of the GE AJEQ14DWJ

The GE unit isn’t just about raw BTUs — it’s designed with features that help cut waste:

  • Energy Saver Mode – cycles fan/compressor to reduce runtime.

  • 208/230V Power – more efficient than standard 115V.

  • Programmable Thermostat – keeps room steady without overcooling.

  • Year-Round Use – eliminates need for separate space heaters.

Tony found that running in Energy Saver mode saved him ~$10–15/month compared to constant cooling.

🔗 Reference: GE Appliances – Energy-Saving Room AC Features


📉 Cost Comparison: GE vs. Alternatives

Tony wanted to know if he should’ve gone with something else. Here’s how the numbers stack up:

System Type Avg. Monthly Cost (Cooling) Lifespan Upfront Cost Notes
GE AJEQ14DWJ (14k BTU) $45–$65 10–15 yrs ~$1,000 Balanced efficiency, year-round use
Window AC (12–14k BTU) $55–$80 5–10 yrs $300–$600 Cheaper upfront, noisier, less efficient
Mini Split (12–18k BTU) $25–$40 15–20 yrs $3,000–$6,000 Quietest, most efficient, higher upfront
Central AC (2–3 ton) $75–$150 12–15 yrs $5,000–$10,000 Cools whole home, higher bills overall

👉 For Tony, the GE unit offered the sweet spot: reasonable upfront cost, lower bills than his old window AC, and added heating flexibility.

🔗 Reference: Home Depot – Air Conditioner Buying Guide


🧑🔧 Tony’s Real-World Bills

Tony tracked his bills before and after the upgrade:

  • Old 12k BTU Window AC: ~$70/month in peak summer.

  • GE 14k BTU Through-the-Wall: ~$55/month, while cooling faster and quieter.

  • Shoulder Season Heating: ~$40–50/month extra during October and April.

He didn’t just notice lower costs — he noticed comfort. His space cooled faster and stayed cooler without running nonstop.


✅ Conclusion: What to Expect

If you’re considering the GE 14,000 BTU Through-the-Wall AC with Electric Heat, here’s what you can expect:

  • Cooling Costs: $45–$65/month (average use).

  • Heating Costs: Higher, ~$100/month if used heavily.

  • Efficiency: Better than window ACs, not as efficient as mini splits.

  • Value: Long lifespan + Energy Saver features make it a cost-effective, year-round choice.

For Tony, the GE AJEQ14DWJ was the perfect balance of comfort and affordability.

“It’s saving me about $15 a month, runs quieter, and I don’t have to drag out a space heater in the fall. That’s worth it.”

In the next topic we will know more about: Maintenance Tips for Your GE Through-the-Wall AC: Filters, Coils & Seasonal Care

Tony’s toolbox talk

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