Central Air Conditioner in Raleigh — $428/yr to Run (12.7¢/kWh)
Your central air conditioner in Raleigh costs about $36/month at 12.7¢/kWh. See daily, monthly, and yearly costs, plus tips to cut your bill.
Raleigh, NC Electricity Rate
12.7¢/kWh
Utility: Duke Energy Progress
-2% vs national avg
National avg: 13.0¢/kWh
Daily Cost
$3.56
28.0 kWh/day
Monthly Cost
$35.64
280 kWh/mo
Annual Cost
$428
3,360 kWh/yr
Lifetime (15yr)
$6,416
energy only
Monthly Cost Breakdown in Raleigh
| Period | kWh | Raleigh Cost | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 28.0 | $3.56 | $3.64 | $-0.08 |
| Weekly | 196.0 | $24.95 | $25.48 | $-0.53 |
| Monthly | 280.0 | $35.64 | $36.40 | $-0.76 |
| Quarterly | 840.0 | $106.93 | $109.20 | $-2.27 |
| Annual | 3360.0 | $427.73 | $436.80 | $-9.07 |
Customize Your Central Air Conditioner Cost
Adjust usage hours and electricity rate to calculate your exact cost in Raleigh.
Daily
$3.56
Monthly
$35.64
Annual
$428
15-Year
$6,416
Energy Saving Tips for Central Air Conditioner in Raleigh
- ✓Raleigh has below-average electricity rates, but saving energy still reduces your carbon footprint.
- ✓An ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioner in Raleigh saves ~$64/year compared to standard models.
- ✓A smart Central Air Conditioner with scheduling optimization can save ~$86/year at Raleigh rates.
- ✓Raleigh's warm climate (avg 64°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 Raleigh saves approximately $64/year at local rates — $962 over the appliance lifetime.
Highest-Cost Appliances in Raleigh, NC
See which appliances cost the most to run at Raleigh's 12.7¢/kWh electricity rate.
Level 2 EV Charger (240V)
Transportation · 7,200W
$1,650/yr
$137.48/mo
Electric Furnace
HVAC · 10,000W
$1,146/yr
$95.48/mo
Electric Tankless Water Heater
Water Heating · 18,000W
$836/yr
$69.70/mo
EV Charger (Level 2)
Garage · 7,200W
$825/yr
$68.74/mo
Boiler (Electric)
HVAC · 6,000W
$687/yr
$57.28/mo
Electric Water Heater (Tank)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$627/yr
$52.27/mo
Water Heater (Tank Electric)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$627/yr
$52.27/mo
Heat Pump
HVAC · 2,400W
$489/yr
$40.74/mo
Central Air Conditioner Cost in Other North Carolina Cities
| City | Rate | Annual Cost | vs Raleigh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh (current) | 12.7¢ | $428 | — |
| Charlotte | 13.3¢ | $448 | +$20 |
| Greensboro | 13.6¢ | $458 | +$30 |
| Durham | 13.3¢ | $446 | +$18 |
| Winston-Salem | 14.0¢ | $470 | +$42 |
| Fayetteville | 12.7¢ | $428 | +$0 |
| Cary | 13.1¢ | $439 | +$11 |
| Wilmington | 14.1¢ | $472 | +$44 |
| High Point | 13.5¢ | $455 | +$27 |
Central Air Conditioner Energy Cost FAQ — Raleigh, NC
Understanding Central Air Conditioner Energy Costs in Raleigh, NC
Raleigh 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 Raleigh's rate of 12.7¢/kWh costs approximately $428 per year — $9 less than the national average of $437.
Rates in Raleigh are close to the national average, so the Central Air Conditioner's annual cost of $428 is broadly representative of what most US households pay. Over the 15-year expected lifespan, total energy cost reaches $6,416.
Raleigh's cost of living index of 87 is below the national average, and electricity costs reflect that affordability. The Central Air Conditioner adds $35.64/month to a typical bill of $121. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioner can cut energy use by up to 15%, saving approximately $64 per year at Raleigh rates.
Raleigh's moderate climate (avg 64°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. Raleigh 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 Raleigh.
Compare All Energy Costs in Raleigh
See energy costs for 168+ household appliances at Raleigh's local electricity rate.