How Much Does It Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in South Carolina?

Central Air Conditioner cost by daily use in South Carolina

South Carolina vs other states

At typical use, a central air conditioner costs $1,581 a year in South Carolina — $3,325 less than in Hawaii and $281 more than in Louisiana.

South Carolina has the 20th-cheapest residential electricity of the 50 states and DC. South Carolina electricity rates · all states ranked

How to lower the cost of running a central air conditioner

Central AC is usually the single largest electricity user in a home during summer. Power draw depends on capacity (tons) and efficiency (SEER2 rating): a 3-ton system typically draws 3–4 kW while running. The compressor cycles on and off to hold your thermostat setting, so enter the hours per day it actually runs — on a hot afternoon that can be most of the day, while on a mild day it may be only a few hours.

• Each degree you raise the thermostat in summer saves roughly 3% on cooling.
• Replace the air filter every 1–3 months and keep the outdoor condenser clear of debris.
• Use ceiling fans so you can set the thermostat 3–4°F higher with the same comfort.
• Long, hot summers in South Carolina mean cooling equipment can run most of the day from May through September — try 10–12 hours above to see a peak-month cost.