Central Air Conditioner in Waukegan — $481/yr to Run (14.3¢/kWh)
Your central air conditioner in Waukegan costs about $40/month at 14.3¢/kWh. See daily, monthly, and yearly costs, plus tips to cut your bill.
Waukegan, IL Electricity Rate
14.3¢/kWh
Utility: ComEd
+10% vs national avg
National avg: 13.0¢/kWh
Daily Cost
$4.01
28.0 kWh/day
Monthly Cost
$40.07
280 kWh/mo
Annual Cost
$481
3,360 kWh/yr
Lifetime (15yr)
$7,212
energy only
Monthly Cost Breakdown in Waukegan
| Period | kWh | Waukegan Cost | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 28.0 | $4.01 | $3.64 | +$0.37 |
| Weekly | 196.0 | $28.05 | $25.48 | +$2.57 |
| Monthly | 280.0 | $40.07 | $36.40 | +$3.67 |
| Quarterly | 840.0 | $120.20 | $109.20 | +$11.00 |
| Annual | 3360.0 | $480.82 | $436.80 | +$44.02 |
Customize Your Central Air Conditioner Cost
Adjust usage hours and electricity rate to calculate your exact cost in Waukegan.
Daily
$4.01
Monthly
$40.07
Annual
$481
15-Year
$7,212
Energy Saving Tips for Central Air Conditioner in Waukegan
- ✓Waukegan electricity rates are 10% above the national average — energy efficiency matters more here.
- ✓An ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioner in Waukegan saves ~$72/year compared to standard models.
- ✓A smart Central Air Conditioner with scheduling optimization can save ~$96/year at Waukegan 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 Waukegan saves approximately $72/year at local rates — $1,082 over the appliance lifetime.
Highest-Cost Appliances in Waukegan, IL
See which appliances cost the most to run at Waukegan's 14.3¢/kWh electricity rate.
Level 2 EV Charger (240V)
Transportation · 7,200W
$1,855/yr
$154.55/mo
Electric Furnace
HVAC · 10,000W
$1,288/yr
$107.33/mo
Electric Tankless Water Heater
Water Heating · 18,000W
$940/yr
$78.35/mo
EV Charger (Level 2)
Garage · 7,200W
$927/yr
$77.27/mo
Boiler (Electric)
HVAC · 6,000W
$773/yr
$64.39/mo
Electric Water Heater (Tank)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$705/yr
$58.76/mo
Water Heater (Tank Electric)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$705/yr
$58.76/mo
Heat Pump
HVAC · 2,400W
$550/yr
$45.79/mo
Central Air Conditioner Cost in Other Illinois Cities
| City | Rate | Annual Cost | vs Waukegan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waukegan (current) | 14.3¢ | $481 | — |
| Chicago | 16.6¢ | $559 | +$78 |
| Aurora | 15.0¢ | $503 | +$22 |
| Joliet | 14.4¢ | $484 | +$3 |
| Naperville | 14.6¢ | $492 | +$11 |
| Rockford | 17.0¢ | $572 | +$91 |
| Elgin | 13.6¢ | $456 | $-25 |
| Springfield | 15.9¢ | $533 | +$52 |
| Peoria | 16.9¢ | $566 | +$85 |
Central Air Conditioner Energy Cost FAQ — Waukegan, IL
Understanding Central Air Conditioner Energy Costs in Waukegan, IL
In the Waukegan area, ComEd serves a smaller residential base, and rates can be more sensitive to seasonal demand swings than in larger metros. Running a high-draw appliance like the Central Air Conditioner (3,500W) at Waukegan's rate of 14.3¢/kWh costs approximately $481 per year — $44 more than the national average of $437.
Waukegan rates are 10% above the national average — a modest premium that adds $44 per year to Central Air Conditioner operating costs. Over the appliance's 15-year lifespan, that's $660 in cumulative extra spending versus the national average.
Waukegan's cost of living index of 90.3 is below the national average, and electricity costs reflect that affordability. The Central Air Conditioner adds $40.07/month to a typical bill of $129. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioner can cut energy use by up to 15%, saving approximately $72 per year at Waukegan rates.
Waukegan's moderate climate (avg 53°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. Waukegan 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 Waukegan.
Compare All Energy Costs in Waukegan
See energy costs for 168+ household appliances at Waukegan's local electricity rate.