hvac · 3500W typical
Running a central air conditioner costs about $169.79/month.
That's the typical central air conditioner at 3500W, run 14 hours a day at the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh. Change any of those and the number moves — use the calculator below to see yours.
Estimated cost
A central air conditioner draws full power only while the thermostat/compressor is running — about 9.8 effective hours at 3500W across your 14-hour window.
How you use it
Cost shifts with how long it's on.
The same central air conditioner can cost very different amounts depending on usage patterns. Three common scenarios, at the US-average rate.
heatwave
$169.79
per month
running most of the day during 95°F+ weather
typical summer
$84.89
per month
running mid-afternoon through early evening
mild day
$36.38
per month
occasional cycles to hold a comfortable setpoint
Where you live
$307.67 spread between the cheapest and priciest states.
Same appliance, same hours of use, different zip code — the monthly cost varies this much.
| State | Rate | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 41.2¢ | $423.95 | $5,158.03 |
| California | 31.4¢ | $323.11 | $3,931.12 |
| Massachusetts | 30.8¢ | $316.93 | $3,856.01 |
| Connecticut | 28.7¢ | $295.32 | $3,593.10 |
| Rhode Island | 27.9¢ | $287.09 | $3,492.94 |
| New Hampshire | 24.6¢ | $253.13 | $3,079.80 |
| Alaska | 24.3¢ | $250.05 | $3,042.24 |
| New York | 22.3¢ | $229.47 | $2,791.85 |
| Maine | 22.1¢ | $227.41 | $2,766.81 |
| Vermont | 21.5¢ | $221.23 | $2,691.69 |
| Michigan | 19.3¢ | $198.60 | $2,416.26 |
| New Jersey | 19.1¢ | $196.54 | $2,391.22 |
| Maryland | 18.4¢ | $189.34 | $2,303.59 |
| Pennsylvania | 18.1¢ | $186.25 | $2,266.03 |
| District of Columbia | 17.8¢ | $183.16 | $2,228.47 |
| Wisconsin | 17.4¢ | $179.05 | $2,178.39 |
| Delaware | 17.2¢ | $176.99 | $2,153.35 |
| Illinois | 16.9¢ | $173.90 | $2,115.80 |
| Ohio | 16.6¢ | $170.81 | $2,078.24 |
| Nevada | 16.3¢ | $167.73 | $2,040.68 |
| Indiana | 15.8¢ | $162.58 | $1,978.08 |
| Virginia | 15.7¢ | $161.55 | $1,965.56 |
| Minnesota | 15.6¢ | $160.52 | $1,953.04 |
| Colorado | 15.4¢ | $158.47 | $1,928.00 |
| Alabama | 15.2¢ | $156.41 | $1,902.96 |
| West Virginia | 15.2¢ | $156.41 | $1,902.96 |
| Florida | 15.1¢ | $155.38 | $1,890.44 |
| New Mexico | 14.8¢ | $152.29 | $1,852.89 |
| Texas | 14.8¢ | $152.29 | $1,852.89 |
| Arizona | 14.7¢ | $151.26 | $1,840.37 |
| South Carolina | 14.7¢ | $151.26 | $1,840.37 |
| Kansas | 14.6¢ | $150.23 | $1,827.85 |
| Georgia | 14.2¢ | $146.12 | $1,777.77 |
| Iowa | 14.1¢ | $145.09 | $1,765.25 |
| North Carolina | 13.9¢ | $143.03 | $1,740.21 |
| Missouri | 13.6¢ | $139.94 | $1,702.65 |
| Oregon | 13.4¢ | $137.89 | $1,677.61 |
| Tennessee | 13.3¢ | $136.86 | $1,665.09 |
| Kentucky | 13.2¢ | $135.83 | $1,652.57 |
| Mississippi | 13.1¢ | $134.80 | $1,640.05 |
| Oklahoma | 13.1¢ | $134.80 | $1,640.05 |
| South Dakota | 12.7¢ | $130.68 | $1,589.98 |
| Montana | 12.4¢ | $127.60 | $1,552.42 |
| Nebraska | 12.2¢ | $125.54 | $1,527.38 |
| Arkansas | 12.1¢ | $124.51 | $1,514.86 |
| Washington | 12.1¢ | $124.51 | $1,514.86 |
| Louisiana | 11.9¢ | $122.45 | $1,489.82 |
| Wyoming | 11.6¢ | $119.36 | $1,452.26 |
| North Dakota | 11.5¢ | $118.34 | $1,439.74 |
| Utah | 11.4¢ | $117.31 | $1,427.22 |
| Idaho | 11.3¢ | $116.28 | $1,414.70 |
Efficient vs. inefficient
A $1,770.61/year difference across the wattage range.
Swapping a high-draw model for an efficient one pays for itself. Here's what that looks like annually at typical usage.
Most efficient
3000W
$145.53 per month
$1,770.61 per year
Typical
3500W
$169.79 per month
$2,065.72 per year
High draw
6000W
$291.06 per month
$3,541.23 per year
When it hits hardest
summer peak
Usage concentrates Jun-Sep; peak bills arrive during July-August heat waves.
Ways to cut the cost
- 1
Raise setpoint 7-10°F when away using a smart thermostat
Reduces daily runtime 10-15% with no comfort loss
- 2
Change filter every 60-90 days during cooling season
Clogged filters force 5-10% longer cycles
- 3
Schedule annual professional maintenance (coil cleaning, refrigerant check)
Maintains as-new efficiency; skipped maintenance adds 15-20% over 5 years
Real-world wattages
Pulled from actual spec sheets.
| Brand | Model | Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier | Infinity 26 (3-ton, SEER2 26) | 2300W |
| Trane | XV18 (3-ton, SEER2 18) | 3200W |
| Goodman | GSXC18 (3-ton, SEER2 18) | 3400W |
Picks that actually move the needle
Three products worth comparing if you're thinking about upgrading or supplementing what you have.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy, we may earn a small commission — it never changes the price you pay, and we only recommend picks we would stand behind.
See also
Related appliances
Sources: www.energystar.gov · www.energy.gov
Last updated: 2026-04-12