Energy Cost Calculator
Find out exactly how much your air conditioner costs to run. Enter your system size, SEER rating, and electricity rate to see costs per hour, day, month, and year — plus a comparison showing how different efficiency ratings affect your energy bills.
Understanding AC Energy Costs in Texas
Air conditioning is the single largest electricity expense for Texas homeowners, accounting for roughly 50-60% of summer electric bills. In Central Texas, where temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from June through September, your AC may run 10-16 hours per day during peak summer months. Understanding how much your system costs to operate helps you make informed decisions about thermostat settings, system upgrades, and energy-saving strategies.
How SEER Rating Affects Your Energy Bill
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures how efficiently your AC converts electricity into cooling. A higher SEER rating means lower operating costs. As of January 2023, the federal minimum SEER rating for new AC systems in Texas (DOE South region) is 15 SEER. Older systems may have ratings as low as 8-10 SEER, meaning they use nearly twice the electricity of a modern system to produce the same cooling output.
Texas Electricity Rates
Texas has a deregulated electricity market, so rates vary by provider and plan. The statewide average is approximately $0.135 per kWh, but rates in the Killeen-Temple-Waco area typically range from $0.10 to $0.18 per kWh depending on your plan. Fixed-rate plans protect against summer price spikes, while variable-rate plans can see costs surge during extreme heat events. Check your electric bill for your exact rate to get the most accurate estimate from this calculator.
Reducing Your AC Operating Costs
Beyond upgrading to a higher-efficiency system, there are several ways to reduce cooling costs: proper insulation and air sealing, sealing leaky ductwork (especially in the attic), using a programmable thermostat, and scheduling annual maintenance. Studies show that regular maintenance alone can improve efficiency by 5-15%, and sealing duct leaks can save 20-30% on cooling costs.
Contact Texas Temp Masters for a free energy assessment and find out how much you could save with a more efficient system or targeted improvements.
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