Central Air Conditioner in Durham — $446/yr to Run (13.3¢/kWh)
Your central air conditioner in Durham costs about $37/month at 13.3¢/kWh. See daily, monthly, and yearly costs, plus tips to cut your bill.
Durham, NC Electricity Rate
13.3¢/kWh
Utility: Duke Energy Progress
+2% vs national avg
National avg: 13.0¢/kWh
Daily Cost
$3.72
28.0 kWh/day
Monthly Cost
$37.16
280 kWh/mo
Annual Cost
$446
3,360 kWh/yr
Lifetime (15yr)
$6,688
energy only
Monthly Cost Breakdown in Durham
| Period | kWh | Durham Cost | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 28.0 | $3.72 | $3.64 | +$0.08 |
| Weekly | 196.0 | $26.01 | $25.48 | +$0.53 |
| Monthly | 280.0 | $37.16 | $36.40 | +$0.76 |
| Quarterly | 840.0 | $111.47 | $109.20 | +$2.27 |
| Annual | 3360.0 | $445.87 | $436.80 | +$9.07 |
Customize Your Central Air Conditioner Cost
Adjust usage hours and electricity rate to calculate your exact cost in Durham.
Daily
$3.72
Monthly
$37.16
Annual
$446
15-Year
$6,688
Energy Saving Tips for Central Air Conditioner in Durham
- ✓Durham electricity rates are 2% above the national average — energy efficiency matters more here.
- ✓An ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioner in Durham saves ~$67/year compared to standard models.
- ✓A smart Central Air Conditioner with scheduling optimization can save ~$89/year at Durham rates.
- ✓Durham's warm climate (avg 62.9°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 Durham saves approximately $67/year at local rates — $1,003 over the appliance lifetime.
Highest-Cost Appliances in Durham, NC
See which appliances cost the most to run at Durham's 13.3¢/kWh electricity rate.
Level 2 EV Charger (240V)
Transportation · 7,200W
$1,720/yr
$143.32/mo
Electric Furnace
HVAC · 10,000W
$1,194/yr
$99.53/mo
Electric Tankless Water Heater
Water Heating · 18,000W
$872/yr
$72.65/mo
EV Charger (Level 2)
Garage · 7,200W
$860/yr
$71.66/mo
Boiler (Electric)
HVAC · 6,000W
$717/yr
$59.72/mo
Electric Water Heater (Tank)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$654/yr
$54.49/mo
Water Heater (Tank Electric)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$654/yr
$54.49/mo
Heat Pump
HVAC · 2,400W
$510/yr
$42.46/mo
Central Air Conditioner Cost in Other North Carolina Cities
| City | Rate | Annual Cost | vs Durham |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham (current) | 13.3¢ | $446 | — |
| Charlotte | 13.3¢ | $448 | +$2 |
| Raleigh | 12.7¢ | $428 | $-18 |
| Greensboro | 13.6¢ | $458 | +$12 |
| Winston-Salem | 14.0¢ | $470 | +$24 |
| Fayetteville | 12.7¢ | $428 | $-18 |
| Cary | 13.1¢ | $439 | $-7 |
| Wilmington | 14.1¢ | $472 | +$26 |
| High Point | 13.5¢ | $455 | +$9 |
Central Air Conditioner Energy Cost FAQ — Durham, NC
Understanding Central Air Conditioner Energy Costs in Durham, NC
Durham is a mid-sized North Carolina city where residential electricity rates from Duke Energy Progress are shaped by regional energy supply and local demand patterns. Running a high-draw appliance like the Central Air Conditioner (3,500W) at Durham's rate of 13.3¢/kWh costs approximately $446 per year — $9 more than the national average of $437.
Durham rates are 2% above the national average — a modest premium that adds $9 per year to Central Air Conditioner operating costs. Over the appliance's 15-year lifespan, that's $136 in cumulative extra spending versus the national average.
Durham's cost of living index of 95 is below the national average, and electricity costs reflect that affordability. The Central Air Conditioner adds $37.16/month to a typical bill of $144. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioner can cut energy use by up to 15%, saving approximately $67 per year at Durham rates.
Durham's moderate climate (avg 62.9°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. Durham 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 Durham.
Compare All Energy Costs in Durham
See energy costs for 168+ household appliances at Durham's local electricity rate.