Central Air Conditioner in Richmond — $510/yr to Run (15.2¢/kWh)
Your central air conditioner in Richmond costs about $43/month at 15.2¢/kWh. See daily, monthly, and yearly costs, plus tips to cut your bill.
Richmond, VA Electricity Rate
15.2¢/kWh
Utility: Dominion Energy Virginia
+17% vs national avg
National avg: 13.0¢/kWh
Daily Cost
$4.25
28.0 kWh/day
Monthly Cost
$42.50
280 kWh/mo
Annual Cost
$510
3,360 kWh/yr
Lifetime (15yr)
$7,651
energy only
Monthly Cost Breakdown in Richmond
| Period | kWh | Richmond Cost | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 28.0 | $4.25 | $3.64 | +$0.61 |
| Weekly | 196.0 | $29.75 | $25.48 | +$4.27 |
| Monthly | 280.0 | $42.50 | $36.40 | +$6.10 |
| Quarterly | 840.0 | $127.51 | $109.20 | +$18.31 |
| Annual | 3360.0 | $510.05 | $436.80 | +$73.25 |
Customize Your Central Air Conditioner Cost
Adjust usage hours and electricity rate to calculate your exact cost in Richmond.
Daily
$4.25
Monthly
$42.50
Annual
$510
15-Year
$7,651
Energy Saving Tips for Central Air Conditioner in Richmond
- ✓Richmond electricity rates are 17% above the national average — energy efficiency matters more here.
- ✓An ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioner in Richmond saves ~$77/year compared to standard models.
- ✓A smart Central Air Conditioner with scheduling optimization can save ~$102/year at Richmond rates.
- ✓Richmond's warm climate (avg 67.9°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 Richmond saves approximately $77/year at local rates — $1,148 over the appliance lifetime.
Highest-Cost Appliances in Richmond, VA
See which appliances cost the most to run at Richmond's 15.2¢/kWh electricity rate.
Level 2 EV Charger (240V)
Transportation · 7,200W
$1,967/yr
$163.94/mo
Electric Furnace
HVAC · 10,000W
$1,366/yr
$113.85/mo
Electric Tankless Water Heater
Water Heating · 18,000W
$997/yr
$83.11/mo
EV Charger (Level 2)
Garage · 7,200W
$984/yr
$81.97/mo
Boiler (Electric)
HVAC · 6,000W
$820/yr
$68.31/mo
Electric Water Heater (Tank)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$748/yr
$62.33/mo
Water Heater (Tank Electric)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$748/yr
$62.33/mo
Heat Pump
HVAC · 2,400W
$583/yr
$48.58/mo
Central Air Conditioner Cost in Other Virginia Cities
| City | Rate | Annual Cost | vs Richmond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond (current) | 15.2¢ | $510 | — |
| Virginia Beach | 15.2¢ | $510 | — |
| Chesapeake | 13.1¢ | $441 | $-69 |
| Arlington | 13.7¢ | $461 | $-49 |
| Norfolk | 13.6¢ | $456 | $-54 |
| Newport News | 14.0¢ | $471 | $-39 |
| Alexandria | 12.8¢ | $430 | $-80 |
| Hampton | 13.7¢ | $462 | $-48 |
| Roanoke | 13.6¢ | $458 | $-52 |
Central Air Conditioner Energy Cost FAQ — Richmond, VA
Understanding Central Air Conditioner Energy Costs in Richmond, VA
Richmond 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 Richmond's rate of 15.2¢/kWh costs approximately $510 per year — $73 more than the national average of $437.
Richmond rates are 17% above the national average — a modest premium that adds $73 per year to Central Air Conditioner operating costs. Over the appliance's 15-year lifespan, that's $1,099 in cumulative extra spending versus the national average.
With a cost of living index of 108, Richmond is near the national median. The Central Air Conditioner's monthly cost of $42.50 represents a typical share of the average Richmond electric bill of $146/month. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioner can cut energy use by up to 15%, saving approximately $77 per year at Richmond rates.
Richmond's moderate climate (avg 67.9°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. Richmond 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 Richmond.
Compare All Energy Costs in Richmond
See energy costs for 178+ household appliances at Richmond's local electricity rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to run a Central Air Conditioner in Richmond, VA?
At Richmond's average electricity rate of 15.2¢/kWh, a Central Air Conditioner costs approximately $510 per year to run. That's about $42.50 per month with typical usage of 8 hours per day.
What is the electricity rate in Richmond, VA?
The average residential electricity rate in Richmond, VA is 15.2¢/kWh, which is 17% above 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 Richmond?
Compared to the national average cost of $437/year, running a Central Air Conditioner in Richmond costs $73 more per year due to higher local electricity rates.
How can I reduce my Central Air Conditioner energy cost in Richmond?
To reduce Central Air Conditioner costs in Richmond: 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.