Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in Tennessee
Tennessee's average residential electricity rate is 14.9¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 15th cheapest in the country, 21% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $127 per month.
Per hour
$0.52
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$4.17
8 hours/day
Per month
$127
851 kWh
Per year
$1,523
10,220 kWh
By usage level in Tennessee
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $2.09 | $63.41 | $761 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $4.17 | $127 | $1,523 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $8.34 | $254 | $3,046 |
Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
At Tennessee's current average residential rate of 14.9¢/kWh (April 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $4.17 per day, $127 per month, or $1,523 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in Tennessee more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Tennessee's rate is about 21% below the U.S. average: $127 per month here versus $160 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Tennessee right now?
Tennessee residents pay an average of 14.9¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 15th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.