How Much Does It Cost to Run Central Air Per Day? (The Breakdown)

During the hottest months, it’s common for central air systems to run for up to 100 hours a month. One customer told us their system uses about 1 kilowatt of energy and adds around $15 to $20 to their monthly electric bill. 

If you're thinking about getting an air conditioner or just trying to manage your cooling costs, knowing how much central air costs to run each day can help you plan better and save money. 

In this guide, we’ll explain how to figure out your daily AC costs, what factors drive up your bill, and how to get the most out of your system without spending more than you need to. 

Key Takeaways From This Post

• The daily cost of using central air varies, but it usually falls between $3 and $12. 

• What you pay depends on things like your home’s size, how efficient your AC unit is, local electricity prices, and how long you keep it running.

• You calculate the daily cost of running a central air system by identifying the power usage of the AC, your electricity rate in kWh, and how long you run the system daily. 

• The main cost factor about central AC systems is lower upfront cost, especially if there’s existing ductwork, but higher operation cost due to whole-house cooling. 

Central AC systems work a lot like mini-splits, they have an outdoor compressor unit and an indoor air handler that cools the air inside your home. The big difference is the ducts. Unlike mini-splits, central AC systems rely on ductwork to distribute air throughout your home. 

The indoor unit blows cool air into the ducts, which carry it to different rooms while pulling in warm air to be cooled again. For outdoor cooling needs, you might also consider the best outdoor evaporative cooler options.

How to Calculate the Cost to Run Central Air

To figure out how much your central air system costs to run each day, you need to understand a few basic things:

1. Know the Power Usage of Your AC (in kilowatts)

Central air conditioners are rated in tons (like 1 ton, 2 tons, 3 tons, etc.). Each ton of cooling uses about 1 kilowatt (kW) of electricity per hour.

For example, if your central air conditioner has a capacity of 3 tons, it will consume approximately 3 kilowatts (kW) of electricity per hour.

2. Check Your Electricity Rate (in kWh)

Your electricity provider charges you for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you use. The average rate in the U.S. is about $0.13 per kWh. Your actual rate is on your electricity bill. For the sake of this guide, let’s assume the rate is $0.13 per kWh.

3. Estimate How Many Hours Per Day You Run the AC

Central air doesn’t run nonstop. It cycles on and off. But for calculation, you estimate the total number of hours it runs per day. On a hot day, a central air system might run 6–8 hours total. So, for this guide, we can assume 8 hours a day. 

4. Use the Formula

Once you confirm the three pieces of information above, use this formula to calculate how much it costs you per day to run your central AC unit: 

Cost Per Day = (kW used per hour) × (Hours used per day) × (Electricity cost per kWh). Going by the examples we’ve assumed, we have a 3-ton AC, $0.13/kWh, and 8 hours/day.

• Power usage: 3 tons = 3 kW

• Usage time: 8 hours/day

• Electricity rate: $0.13/kWh

In other words, Cost = 3 kW × 8 hours × $0.13 = $3.12 per day

So, it costs $3.12 per day to run this AC system.

Average Cost to Run Central Air Per Day in the U.S.

It depends on where you stay in the US because the climate will hint at how often you use the unit. If you use your central air for about 8 hours a day and pay an average electricity rate of $0.13 per kilowatt-hour in a place like Texas, you can expect to spend around $3.70 to $6.00 per day. 

According to a survey by The Nest, a lifestyle budgeting magazine, that amounts to roughly $110 to $180 a month. Of course, this cost can change depending on a few key factors, like how energy-efficient your unit is, the size of your home, and the local climate.

For example, people living in hotter areas, such as the Southeastern U.S., tend to use their air conditioners more often, which leads to higher electricity bills. Meanwhile, those in cooler regions might use their ACs less, which means lower costs. For outdoor spaces where central air doesn't reach, consider exploring the best outdoor evaporative cooler options as a cost-effective alternative.

How Can I Lower the Cost of Running Central Air? 

It’s one thing to use a powerful central AC system; it’s another to ensure you’re not bleeding financially just to keep it running. Here are ways you can manage how much you spend: 

1. Regular Maintenance: Change your air filters every month and arrange for expert tune-ups once a year to make sure your system runs smoothly. 

2. Upgrade to High SEER Units: Think about switching to more efficient systems in place of outdated ones. A variety of energy-efficient mini splits for sale are available in our store. While they may have higher upfront costs, the operation cost is low. 

3. Smart Thermostat Usage: By installing a smart thermostat like the Sunstar Heating Product, you can precisely manage the temperature and customize settings to fit your schedule.

4. Seal Ducts and Improve Insulation: You can lose a considerable amount of energy from leaking ducts and inadequate insulation. 

How Does Central Air Compare to Other Cooling Options?

The table below is a summary of areas where central air matches up with other systems of air conditioning. 

If you are considering any of these alternatives, we’ve created a separate guide to walk you through the difference between the Central AC system and Mini Splits in more detail. That way, you can make a more informed decision. 

We have a detailed guide reviewing the best evaporative coolers.