Cost to Run a Window Air Conditioner in North Carolina
North Carolina's average residential electricity rate is 16.3¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 24th cheapest in the country, 13% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a window air conditioner here costs $35.68 per month.
Per hour
$0.15
at 500–1,500 W
Per day
$1.17
8 hours/day
Per month
$35.68
219 kWh
Per year
$428
2,628 kWh
By usage level in North Carolina
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.59 | $17.84 | $214 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $1.17 | $35.68 | $428 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $2.35 | $71.35 | $857 |
North Carolina vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a window air conditioner in North Carolina?
At North Carolina's current average residential rate of 16.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a window air conditioner with typical usage costs about $1.17 per day, $35.68 per month, or $428 per year.
Is running a window air conditioner in North Carolina more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. North Carolina's rate is about 13% below the U.S. average: $35.68 per month here versus $41.15 nationally.
What does electricity cost in North Carolina right now?
North Carolina residents pay an average of 16.3¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 24th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.