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How Much Does a Central Air Conditioner Cost to Run?
Central air conditioning for a typical home (3-ton unit) uses about 3,500 watts. This is one of the largest electricity consumers in most households.
watts
hrs/day
$/kWh
Daily Cost
$4.48
28.0 kWh
Monthly Cost
$134.40
840.0 kWh
Yearly Cost
$1635.20
10220.0 kWh
For perspective...
At $1635.20/year, this is a major energy expense — equivalent to a car payment. Strongly consider more efficient alternatives.
Energy-Saving Tips for Your Central Air Conditioner
- Set the thermostat to 78°F when home and higher when away
- Replace the air filter every 1-3 months
- Have the system serviced annually to maintain efficiency