HVAC · May 2026 electricity rates
Central Air Conditioner Electricity Cost Calculator
Start with a transparent reference model, then change the equipment rating, efficiency, cycling, runtime, state, or cents-per-kWh price to match your situation.
Adjustable HVAC model
Calculate central air conditioner cost
Annualized at the same daily pattern: $888.44. This is an operating-cost model, not a home load calculation. Weather, thermostat settings, equipment sizing, maintenance, part-load behavior and backup heat can materially change actual consumption.
Efficiency source
EER2 model
EER2 is a rating-point efficiency measure in Btu per watt-hour. This calculator is a transparent operating-cost model, not a building-load calculation or equipment-sizing recommendation.
U.S. Department of Energy — residential central air-conditioner guidance ↗
What the estimate excludes
Weather and building load matter
The calculator does not infer insulation, infiltration, floor area, duct losses, local design temperature, thermostat behavior, maintenance condition, or utility fixed charges. Use it to compare operating assumptions rather than to size equipment.
State electricity-price effect
Same HVAC model, different state rate
Formula used
Approximate active electrical input equals cooling capacity in Btu/h divided by EER2. Average modeled input then applies the active/cycling percentage before converting runtime into kWh and cost.
For all modes, electricity cost equals kWh × electricity price in dollars per kWh. Replace the state average with the actual rate from your bill when possible.