How Much Does It Really Cost to Run an AC in Phoenix?
Phoenix homeowners are often shocked by how much it really costs to run an AC. Here’s how efficiency, SEER2 ratings, and utility rates affect your monthly bill.
Running an air conditioner in Phoenix isn’t optional — it’s a necessity. With long summers and extreme heat, cooling costs make up a large portion of most homeowners’ electric bills. What many people don’t realize is how dramatically system efficiency affects what you pay every month.
The cost to run an AC depends on several factors, including system size, efficiency (SEER2 rating), home insulation, thermostat settings, and local utility rates. Older systems with lower SEER ratings use significantly more electricity to produce the same cooling as newer, high-efficiency systems.
In Phoenix, where AC systems often run for 1,800 to 2,400 hours per year, even small efficiency improvements can lead to meaningful savings. A higher-SEER2 system doesn’t just reduce energy usage — it also runs more consistently, improves comfort, and places less strain on components during extreme heat.
Utility provider matters as well. APS and SRP customers may see different costs depending on rate plans, time-of-use pricing, and peak demand charges. That’s why estimating operating cost using averages alone can be misleading.
The best way to understand your true cooling cost is to compare systems based on total lifetime operating cost, not just upfront price. When you factor in monthly energy use and 15 years of operation, efficiency often pays for itself.