How Much Electricity Does an AC Use?

If you’ve opened your electric bill this summer and felt shocked, you’re not alone. In August and September, many Maryland households see the highest utility bills of the year. The main reason? Air conditioning.

So, how much electricity does an AC use, and why does it have such a big impact on your bill?

How Much Power Does Central Air Conditioning Use?

Central air conditioners use about 3,000 to 5,000 watts every hour when running. If yours runs 8 hours a day, that adds up to about 25-40 kilowatt-hours (kWh) daily.

Depending on your utility provider and rates, that can mean $125–$300 or more spent every month just on cooling your Maryland home.

To put that in perspective:

• Your refrigerator often makes up only about 5–10% of your bill.
• Your AC can account for more than 50% of your bill in the summer!

This is why cooling costs feel so overwhelming compared to other appliances.

Why Is Your AC Bill Higher Than Normal?

In many homes, AC electricity consumption is much higher than it needs to be. This happens when:

• Older systems waste energy and run longer than needed.
• Poor insulation or drafty windows let cool air escape.
• Systems that are the wrong size cycle on and off constantly, which drives up usage.

When this happens, inefficiency creates higher electric bills. That means you could be paying hundreds of extra dollars each year without getting more comfort. In other words, it’s worth it to make a change.

How to Reduce AC Electricity Use in Your Maryland Home

There are small steps you can take, like:

• Raising your thermostat a few degrees
• Changing air filters often
• Using ceiling fans to help spread cool air

But for higher savings, you need bigger improvements, like:

• AC repair or replacement so your system runs efficiently
• Insulation and air sealing so your AC doesn’t have to work as hard

No-Cost Weatherization Can Help

The Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) offers no-cost weatherization services for income-qualified households across Maryland. These services can include:

• Heating and cooling system repair or replacement
• Insulation and air sealing
• Water heater repair or replacement
• LED lighting and bathroom fan upgrades
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detector installation

On average, households save $372 every year on energy bills after weatherization assistance! Even better, your home will be more comfortable and healthier, too.

How to Apply for Weatherization Assistance in Maryland

Getting started is simple:

1. See if you meet our program’s income guidelines.
2. Fill out our short online intake form (we’ll follow up if a full application is needed).
3. We’ll schedule an in-person home energy visit.
4. Our trusted contractor partners complete your home upgrades at no cost to you, and we check the finished work to make sure your home is ready to deliver savings.