Central air conditioning draws significant power during cooling season, with compressor runtime driven by outdoor temperature and your thermostat setting. Older units or those servicing poorly insulated homes can run continuously on hot days, making this one of the largest seasonal loads in most homes.
| Basis | Cost |
|---|---|
| Per hour (while running, 3500 W typical) | $0.66 |
| Per day (8 h/day, 7/7 days) | $5.27 |
| Per month | $160.49 |
| Per year | $1,925.74 |
| Hourly range (small 2000 W – large 5000 W) | $0.38 – $0.94 |
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