Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in Delaware
Delaware's average residential electricity rate is 19.4¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 33rd cheapest in the country, 5% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $165 per month.
Per hour
$0.68
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$5.43
8 hours/day
Per month
$165
851 kWh
Per year
$1,983
10,220 kWh
By usage level in Delaware
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $2.72 | $82.57 | $991 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $5.43 | $165 | $1,983 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $10.86 | $330 | $3,965 |
Delaware vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a central air conditioner in Delaware?
At Delaware's current average residential rate of 19.4¢/kWh (May 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $5.43 per day, $165 per month, or $1,983 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in Delaware more expensive than average?
Yes. Delaware's electricity costs about 5% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $165 per month here versus $157 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Delaware right now?
Delaware residents pay an average of 19.4¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 33rd cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.