Central Air Conditioner in Providence — $954/yr to Run (28.4¢/kWh)
Your central air conditioner in Providence costs about $80/month at 28.4¢/kWh. See daily, monthly, and yearly costs, plus tips to cut your bill.
Providence, RI Electricity Rate
28.4¢/kWh
Utility: Rhode Island Energy
+118% vs national avg
National avg: 13.0¢/kWh
Daily Cost
$7.95
28.0 kWh/day
Monthly Cost
$79.52
280 kWh/mo
Annual Cost
$954
3,360 kWh/yr
Lifetime (15yr)
$14,314
energy only
Monthly Cost Breakdown in Providence
| Period | kWh | Providence Cost | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 28.0 | $7.95 | $3.64 | +$4.31 |
| Weekly | 196.0 | $55.66 | $25.48 | +$30.18 |
| Monthly | 280.0 | $79.52 | $36.40 | +$43.12 |
| Quarterly | 840.0 | $238.56 | $109.20 | +$129.36 |
| Annual | 3360.0 | $954.24 | $436.80 | +$517.44 |
Customize Your Central Air Conditioner Cost
Adjust usage hours and electricity rate to calculate your exact cost in Providence.
Daily
$7.95
Monthly
$79.52
Annual
$954
15-Year
$14,314
Energy Saving Tips for Central Air Conditioner in Providence
- ✓Providence electricity rates are 118% above the national average — energy efficiency matters more here.
- ✓An ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioner in Providence saves ~$143/year compared to standard models.
- ✓A smart Central Air Conditioner with scheduling optimization can save ~$191/year at Providence rates.
- ✓Set thermostat to 78F when home
- ✓Clean or replace filters monthly
- ✓Use a programmable thermostat
ENERGY STAR Savings: Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioner in Providence saves approximately $143/year at local rates — $2,147 over the appliance lifetime.
Highest-Cost Appliances in Providence, RI
See which appliances cost the most to run at Providence's 28.4¢/kWh electricity rate.
Level 2 EV Charger (240V)
Transportation · 7,200W
$3,681/yr
$306.72/mo
Electric Furnace
HVAC · 10,000W
$2,556/yr
$213.00/mo
Electric Tankless Water Heater
Water Heating · 18,000W
$1,866/yr
$155.49/mo
EV Charger (Level 2)
Garage · 7,200W
$1,840/yr
$153.36/mo
Boiler (Electric)
HVAC · 6,000W
$1,534/yr
$127.80/mo
Electric Water Heater (Tank)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$1,399/yr
$116.62/mo
Water Heater (Tank Electric)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$1,399/yr
$116.62/mo
Heat Pump
HVAC · 2,400W
$1,091/yr
$90.88/mo
Central Air Conditioner Cost in Other Rhode Island Cities
Central Air Conditioner Energy Cost FAQ — Providence, RI
Understanding Central Air Conditioner Energy Costs in Providence, RI
Providence is a mid-sized Rhode Island city where residential electricity rates from Rhode Island Energy are shaped by regional energy supply and local demand patterns. Running a high-draw appliance like the Central Air Conditioner (3,500W) at Providence's rate of 28.4¢/kWh costs approximately $954 per year — $517 more than the national average of $437.
Electricity in Providence is significantly more expensive than the national average — 118% higher. For a Central Air Conditioner used 8 hours per day, this rate premium adds up to $517 in extra annual costs. Energy-efficient models and usage habits have an outsized impact in high-rate markets like this.
With a cost of living index of 111, Providence is near the national median. The Central Air Conditioner's monthly cost of $79.52 represents a typical share of the average Providence electric bill of $141/month. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioner can cut energy use by up to 15%, saving approximately $143 per year at Providence rates.
Providence's moderate climate (avg 51.9°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. Providence 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 Providence.
Compare All Energy Costs in Providence
See energy costs for 178+ household appliances at Providence's local electricity rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to run a Central Air Conditioner in Providence, RI?
At Providence's average electricity rate of 28.4¢/kWh, a Central Air Conditioner costs approximately $954 per year to run. That's about $79.52 per month with typical usage of 8 hours per day.
What is the electricity rate in Providence, RI?
The average residential electricity rate in Providence, RI is 28.4¢/kWh, which is 118% above the national average of 13.0¢/kWh. The primary utility provider is Rhode Island Energy.
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 Providence?
Compared to the national average cost of $437/year, running a Central Air Conditioner in Providence costs $517 more per year due to higher local electricity rates.
How can I reduce my Central Air Conditioner energy cost in Providence?
To reduce Central Air Conditioner costs in Providence: 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 Rhode Island Energy for local energy efficiency rebates and programs.