Central Air Conditioner Energy Cost Calculator
Whole-home cooling system using ductwork to distribute cooled air throughout the house.
Power Draw
3,500W
watts
Annual kWh
3,360
avg usage
Annual Cost
$437
avg national
CO₂/Year
2.4 tons
carbon impact
Central Air Conditioner Cost Calculator
Customize usage and your state's electricity rate for accurate cost estimates.
Daily Cost
$3.64
Monthly Cost
$36.40
Annual Cost
$437
Lifetime Cost
$6,552
Energy Saving Opportunities
ENERGY STARAvailable
Save up to 15% vs standard models
~$66/year savings
Smart VersionAvailable
Smart scheduling saves 20% more energy
~$87/year savings
Energy Saving Tips
- ✓Set thermostat to 78F when home
- ✓Clean or replace filters monthly
- ✓Use a programmable thermostat
Compare Alternatives
| Appliance | Watts | Annual kWh | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Air Conditioner (current) | 3,500W | 3,360 | $437 |
| Mini-Split Air Conditioner | 1,200W | 1,152 | $150 |
| Window Air Conditioner | 1,400W | 1,344 | $175 |
| Evaporative Cooler | 400W | 384 | $50 |
Central Air Conditioner Cost Summary
Purchase Price (one-time)$5,000
Annual Energy Cost (at 13¢/kWh)$437
Lifespan 15 years
Lifetime Energy Cost (energy only)$6,552
Total Cost of Ownership (purchase + energy)$11,552
Central Air Conditioner Energy FAQ
Central Air Conditioner Running Cost by City (top 100)
Electricity rates vary by city, so the cost to run a central air conditioner does too. See your local cost:
New York, NYLos Angeles, CAChicago, ILHouston, TXPhoenix, AZPhiladelphia, PASan Antonio, TXSan Diego, CADallas, TXSan Jose, CAAustin, TXJacksonville, FLFort Worth, TXColumbus, OHIndianapolis, INCharlotte, NCSan Francisco, CASeattle, WADenver, COWashington, DCNashville, TNOklahoma City, OKEl Paso, TXBoston, MAPortland, ORLas Vegas, NVDetroit, MIMemphis, TNLouisville, KYBaltimore, MDMilwaukee, WIAlbuquerque, NMTucson, AZFresno, CASacramento, CAKansas City, MOMesa, AZAtlanta, GAOmaha, NEColorado Springs, CORaleigh, NCLong Beach, CAVirginia Beach, VAMiami, FLOakland, CAMinneapolis, MNTulsa, OKBakersfield, CATampa, FLWichita, KSArlington, TXAurora, CONew Orleans, LACleveland, OHHonolulu, HIAnaheim, CALexington, KYStockton, CAHenderson, NVCorpus Christi, TXRiverside, CANewark, NJSaint Paul, MNSanta Ana, CACincinnati, OHIrvine, CAOrlando, FLPittsburgh, PASt. Louis, MOGreensboro, NCOyster Bay, NYJersey City, NJAnchorage, AKLincoln, NEPlano, TXDurham, NCBuffalo, NYChandler, AZChula Vista, CAToledo, OHMadison, WIGilbert, AZReno, NVLubbock, TXFort Wayne, INNorth Las Vegas, NVSt. Petersburg, FLIrving, TXLaredo, TXWinston-Salem, NCChesapeake, VAGlendale, AZGarland, TXScottsdale, AZArlington, VANorfolk, VANorth Hempstead, NYBoise, IDFremont, CASpokane, WA
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