Central Air Conditioner in Knoxville — $403/yr to Run (12.0¢/kWh)
Your central air conditioner in Knoxville costs about $34/month at 12.0¢/kWh. See daily, monthly, and yearly costs, plus tips to cut your bill.
Knoxville, TN Electricity Rate
12.0¢/kWh
Utility: Nashville Electric Service
-8% vs national avg
National avg: 13.0¢/kWh
Daily Cost
$3.36
28.0 kWh/day
Monthly Cost
$33.60
280 kWh/mo
Annual Cost
$403
3,360 kWh/yr
Lifetime (15yr)
$6,048
energy only
Monthly Cost Breakdown in Knoxville
| Period | kWh | Knoxville Cost | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 28.0 | $3.36 | $3.64 | $-0.28 |
| Weekly | 196.0 | $23.52 | $25.48 | $-1.96 |
| Monthly | 280.0 | $33.60 | $36.40 | $-2.80 |
| Quarterly | 840.0 | $100.80 | $109.20 | $-8.40 |
| Annual | 3360.0 | $403.20 | $436.80 | $-33.60 |
Customize Your Central Air Conditioner Cost
Adjust usage hours and electricity rate to calculate your exact cost in Knoxville.
Daily
$3.36
Monthly
$33.60
Annual
$403
15-Year
$6,048
Energy Saving Tips for Central Air Conditioner in Knoxville
- ✓Knoxville has below-average electricity rates, but saving energy still reduces your carbon footprint.
- ✓An ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioner in Knoxville saves ~$60/year compared to standard models.
- ✓A smart Central Air Conditioner with scheduling optimization can save ~$81/year at Knoxville rates.
- ✓Knoxville's warm climate (avg 62.8°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 Knoxville saves approximately $60/year at local rates — $907 over the appliance lifetime.
Highest-Cost Appliances in Knoxville, TN
See which appliances cost the most to run at Knoxville's 12.0¢/kWh electricity rate.
Level 2 EV Charger (240V)
Transportation · 7,200W
$1,555/yr
$129.60/mo
Electric Furnace
HVAC · 10,000W
$1,080/yr
$90.00/mo
Electric Tankless Water Heater
Water Heating · 18,000W
$788/yr
$65.70/mo
EV Charger (Level 2)
Garage · 7,200W
$778/yr
$64.80/mo
Boiler (Electric)
HVAC · 6,000W
$648/yr
$54.00/mo
Electric Water Heater (Tank)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$591/yr
$49.27/mo
Water Heater (Tank Electric)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$591/yr
$49.27/mo
Heat Pump
HVAC · 2,400W
$461/yr
$38.40/mo
Central Air Conditioner Cost in Other Tennessee Cities
| City | Rate | Annual Cost | vs Knoxville |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knoxville (current) | 12.0¢ | $403 | — |
| Nashville | 12.0¢ | $402 | $-1 |
| Memphis | 13.1¢ | $440 | +$37 |
| Chattanooga | 12.3¢ | $414 | +$11 |
| Clarksville | 11.3¢ | $381 | $-22 |
| Murfreesboro | 12.7¢ | $427 | +$24 |
| Franklin | 12.5¢ | $420 | +$16 |
| Johnson City | 11.9¢ | $400 | $-3 |
| Jackson | 9.4¢ | $318 | $-86 |
Central Air Conditioner Energy Cost FAQ — Knoxville, TN
Understanding Central Air Conditioner Energy Costs in Knoxville, TN
Knoxville is a mid-sized Tennessee city where residential electricity rates from Nashville Electric Service are shaped by regional energy supply and local demand patterns. Running a high-draw appliance like the Central Air Conditioner (3,500W) at Knoxville's rate of 12.0¢/kWh costs approximately $403 per year — $34 less than the national average of $437.
Rates in Knoxville are close to the national average, so the Central Air Conditioner's annual cost of $403 is broadly representative of what most US households pay. Over the 15-year expected lifespan, total energy cost reaches $6,048.
With a cost of living index of 97, Knoxville is near the national median. The Central Air Conditioner's monthly cost of $33.60 represents a typical share of the average Knoxville electric bill of $161/month. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioner can cut energy use by up to 15%, saving approximately $60 per year at Knoxville rates.
Knoxville's moderate climate (avg 62.8°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. Knoxville 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 Knoxville.
Compare All Energy Costs in Knoxville
See energy costs for 168+ household appliances at Knoxville's local electricity rate.