"Central AC is overkill when you only need to cool one person — and it costs $900+ just to install"
When Sarah Chen moved into her Phoenix apartment last summer, the landlord quoted $900+ for a window AC unit plus installation. She needed relief in one room — not the whole apartment. Her electric bill already ran $180 in July.
Across the US, 2026 is shaping up to be another record-breaking summer. NOAA forecasts above-average temperatures for most of the country. Utility companies from California to Texas have raised rates again — the average residential electricity price now exceeds 16 cents per kWh, with some states above 25 cents.
Heat-related emergency visits hit 120,000+ in 2025 (CDC). More than a third happened indoors — in homes where people skipped AC to save money, or in rooms AC never reached. Kitchens, garages, home offices, and bedrooms without vents.
High install costs, rising bills, and rooms AC cannot reach — a growing number of Americans are solving all three with personal cooling instead of whole-home systems.
Sources: HomeAdvisor AC install estimates 2026 / EIA Residential Electricity Price Data / CDC Heat-Related Illness Surveillance
NOAA's Climate Prediction Center expects above-normal temperatures across the Southwest, Southeast, and Northeast through August. Cities including Phoenix, Dallas, and Chicago are preparing for extended heat advisories. Public health officials warn that indoor heat exposure — especially in homes without adequate cooling — remains the leading risk factor for heat illness among seniors and children.
Residential electricity prices rose an average of 4.2% year-over-year in early 2026, according to the Energy Information Administration. Rate hikes in California, Texas, and New England have pushed summer cooling bills past $200/month for many households. "I want to run the AC, but I'm afraid of the bill" is now one of the most common complaints on consumer forums.
Three problems AC cannot fix — no matter what you spend
- Cost: Window units with install start around $900. Central systems run $3,000–$7,000+. Every room you add costs more.
- Fixed location: Once mounted, it stays there. Your kitchen, garage, patio, and car stay hot — year after year.
- Energy drain: A typical window AC draws 500–900W. Running it all day means a bill you dread opening.
$900+ AC install vs CoolMist™ at $119
(unit + installation)
(launch price · no install)
Personal cooling targets where you are — at 15W, you can run it without watching the meter.
Kickstarter-funded. Built for how Americans actually live.
Semiconductor cooling + fine mist — how it works
① A high-torque motor pulls air from four directions ② A Peltier semiconductor module chills the water tank ③ Ultrasonic vibration turns chilled water into ultra-fine mist directed at your skin — all at just 15W, roughly the power of an LED bulb.
- 6,000mAh battery — cordless use anywhere. USB-C charging.
- 15W power draw — run it all day without bill shock.
- Zero installation — renters welcome. Unbox and go.
- No refrigerant gas — safe near kids and pets.
- 50 dBA quiet — comfortable for sleep and work.
$900 install bill
Cool the space you're in.
Electricity estimates based on 16¢/kWh national average. Prices and availability subject to change. See official store for current details.
© 2026 CoolMist