Central Air Conditioner in Alexandria — $430/yr to Run (12.8¢/kWh)
Your central air conditioner in Alexandria costs about $36/month at 12.8¢/kWh. See daily, monthly, and yearly costs, plus tips to cut your bill.
Alexandria, VA Electricity Rate
12.8¢/kWh
Utility: Dominion Energy Virginia
-2% vs national avg
National avg: 13.0¢/kWh
Daily Cost
$3.58
28.0 kWh/day
Monthly Cost
$35.84
280 kWh/mo
Annual Cost
$430
3,360 kWh/yr
Lifetime (15yr)
$6,451
energy only
Monthly Cost Breakdown in Alexandria
| Period | kWh | Alexandria Cost | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 28.0 | $3.58 | $3.64 | $-0.06 |
| Weekly | 196.0 | $25.09 | $25.48 | $-0.39 |
| Monthly | 280.0 | $35.84 | $36.40 | $-0.56 |
| Quarterly | 840.0 | $107.52 | $109.20 | $-1.68 |
| Annual | 3360.0 | $430.08 | $436.80 | $-6.72 |
Customize Your Central Air Conditioner Cost
Adjust usage hours and electricity rate to calculate your exact cost in Alexandria.
Daily
$3.58
Monthly
$35.84
Annual
$430
15-Year
$6,451
Energy Saving Tips for Central Air Conditioner in Alexandria
- ✓Alexandria has below-average electricity rates, but saving energy still reduces your carbon footprint.
- ✓An ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioner in Alexandria saves ~$65/year compared to standard models.
- ✓A smart Central Air Conditioner with scheduling optimization can save ~$86/year at Alexandria rates.
- ✓Alexandria's warm climate (avg 65.3°F) means higher cooling costs — consider ceiling fans to supplement.
- ✓Set thermostat to 78F when home
- ✓Clean or replace filters monthly
ENERGY STAR Savings: Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioner in Alexandria saves approximately $65/year at local rates — $968 over the appliance lifetime.
Highest-Cost Appliances in Alexandria, VA
See which appliances cost the most to run at Alexandria's 12.8¢/kWh electricity rate.
Level 2 EV Charger (240V)
Transportation · 7,200W
$1,659/yr
$138.24/mo
Electric Furnace
HVAC · 10,000W
$1,152/yr
$96.00/mo
Electric Tankless Water Heater
Water Heating · 18,000W
$841/yr
$70.08/mo
EV Charger (Level 2)
Garage · 7,200W
$829/yr
$69.12/mo
Boiler (Electric)
HVAC · 6,000W
$691/yr
$57.60/mo
Electric Water Heater (Tank)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$631/yr
$52.56/mo
Water Heater (Tank Electric)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$631/yr
$52.56/mo
Heat Pump
HVAC · 2,400W
$492/yr
$40.96/mo
Central Air Conditioner Cost in Other Virginia Cities
| City | Rate | Annual Cost | vs Alexandria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria (current) | 12.8¢ | $430 | — |
| Virginia Beach | 15.2¢ | $510 | +$80 |
| Chesapeake | 13.1¢ | $441 | +$11 |
| Arlington | 13.7¢ | $461 | +$31 |
| Norfolk | 13.6¢ | $456 | +$26 |
| Richmond | 15.2¢ | $510 | +$80 |
| Newport News | 14.0¢ | $471 | +$41 |
| Hampton | 13.7¢ | $462 | +$32 |
| Roanoke | 13.6¢ | $458 | +$28 |
Central Air Conditioner Energy Cost FAQ — Alexandria, VA
Understanding Central Air Conditioner Energy Costs in Alexandria, VA
Alexandria is a mid-sized Virginia city where residential electricity rates from Dominion Energy Virginia are shaped by regional energy supply and local demand patterns. Running a high-draw appliance like the Central Air Conditioner (3,500W) at Alexandria's rate of 12.8¢/kWh costs approximately $430 per year — $7 less than the national average of $437.
Rates in Alexandria are close to the national average, so the Central Air Conditioner's annual cost of $430 is broadly representative of what most US households pay. Over the 15-year expected lifespan, total energy cost reaches $6,451.
With a cost of living index of 108, Alexandria is near the national median. The Central Air Conditioner's monthly cost of $35.84 represents a typical share of the average Alexandria electric bill of $140/month. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioner can cut energy use by up to 15%, saving approximately $65 per year at Alexandria rates.
Alexandria's moderate climate (avg 65.3°F) helps keep seasonal energy cost swings manageable for most appliances. A Central Air Conditioner produces approximately 2.4 tons of CO2 annually at typical usage. Alexandria residents can reduce this footprint by choosing an ENERGY STAR certified unit, optimizing usage patterns, or investing in solar — see our solar savings calculator for Alexandria.
Compare All Energy Costs in Alexandria
See energy costs for 178+ household appliances at Alexandria's local electricity rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to run a Central Air Conditioner in Alexandria, VA?
At Alexandria's average electricity rate of 12.8¢/kWh, a Central Air Conditioner costs approximately $430 per year to run. That's about $35.84 per month with typical usage of 8 hours per day.
What is the electricity rate in Alexandria, VA?
The average residential electricity rate in Alexandria, VA is 12.8¢/kWh, which is 2% below the national average of 13.0¢/kWh. The primary utility provider is Dominion Energy Virginia.
How much electricity does a Central Air Conditioner use per year?
A Central Air Conditioner uses approximately 3,500 watts and consumes about 3,360 kWh per year with typical usage of 8 hours/day for 120 days/year.
Is a Central Air Conditioner expensive to run in Alexandria?
Compared to the national average cost of $437/year, running a Central Air Conditioner in Alexandria costs $7 less per year due to lower local electricity rates.
How can I reduce my Central Air Conditioner energy cost in Alexandria?
To reduce Central Air Conditioner costs in Alexandria: Set thermostat to 78F when home. Clean or replace filters monthly. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR model saves up to 15% on energy costs. Also check with Dominion Energy Virginia for local energy efficiency rebates and programs.