Air conditioners are lifesavers during scorching summers, but that cool comfort comes at a cost – energy consumption.
Air conditioners are often one of the biggest contributors to your electricity bill. Knowing your unit’s power usage lets you make informed choices to optimise settings and potentially lower your energy costs.
Understanding electricity usage can help you choose an energy-efficient model that will save you money in the long run when considering upgrades or replacements.
So if you’re asking questions like ‘‘How much electricity does an air conditioner use?”, “How much does it cost to run an air conditioner?” or “How much does an aircon cost to run?”, then you’re in the right place.
Factors Affecting Cost of Running Air Conditioner
Understanding how your air conditioner uses electricity can help you keep your cool and wallet happy. Several factors influence how much power your AC unit consumes, and being aware of these factors can help you make informed choices to save energy.
- Air Conditioner Type: Different AC types have varying levels of efficiency. Central air conditioners cool your entire home but use more energy than window units designed for a single room. Portable units offer spot cooling but may not be the most energy-efficient option.
- Size and Capacity: An AC unit sized correctly for your space will cool efficiently. Using more electricity, an undersized unit will constantly run to maintain the desired temperature. Conversely, an oversized unit will cycle on and off more frequently, which can also be less efficient.
- Inverter Technology vs. Standard: Traditional air conditioners use a single-speed compressor that turns on and off abruptly. Inverter technology uses a variable-speed compressor that adjusts its power based on cooling needs. This allows for smoother operation and potentially significant energy savings.
- Climate and Usage Patterns: Your local climate plays a big role. Hotter and humid environments require the AC to work harder, increasing electricity use. Usage patterns also matter. Setting the thermostat higher, reducing daily run time, and scheduling use during cooler periods can contribute to lower energy consumption.
- Outside Temperature and Humidity: Extreme heat and humidity push your AC to work at its peak, using more electricity. Conversely, milder temperatures require less cooling effort, reducing energy use.
- Thermostat Setting: Every degree to which you raise the thermostat translates to less energy. Finding a comfortable yet slightly warmer setting can significantly impact your electricity bill.
- Run Time Per Day: The longer your AC runs, the more electricity it consumes. Limiting daily run time through strategic use and higher thermostat settings can save costs.
How Much Electricity Does an Air Conditioner Use?
The amount of electricity your air conditioner uses depends on its size. Bigger units like central air conditioners use more power, ranging from 3000 to 3500 watts per hour. Smaller window units use between 900 and 1440 watts, while portable ACs can use anywhere from 2900 to 4100 watts per hour. Even within these size categories, there can be variations. For instance, a 1500-watt inverter AC might use 60 power units per hour, while a non-inverter 1000-watt unit might use 47.
It’s important to remember these are just estimates. Several other factors can affect how much electricity your AC uses, including how hot it is outside, what temperature you set your thermostat to, and how long you run the unit daily.
The best way to determine your AC’s energy consumption is to check your monthly electricity bill. This will tell you how many power units you used and the cost. Some online air conditioning running costs calculator in Australia can help you estimate your AC’s monthly energy use based on size and how often you run it.
How Much Does It Cost to Run an Air Conditioner?
Pinpointing your air conditioner’s exact running cost is tricky, but let’s talk ballpark figures. Assuming ideal conditions, a 2.5 kW unit might cost around $0.22 per hour to run, while a 9 kW unit could reach $6.30 per hour at full blast.
Here is a table that shows how much the average costs per hour depending on the size of the air conditioner:
| Size (kW) | Per Hour | Yearly Cost to Run | |
| Small (up to 4kW) | 2.5 | $0.21875 | $306–$492 |
| 3 | $0.2625 | ||
| 3.5 | $0.30625 | ||
| Medium (4–6kW) | 4 | $0.35 | $391–$552 |
| Large (over 6kW) | 5 | $0.4375 | $286–$586 |
| 7 | $0.6125 | ||
| 9 | $0.7875 |
Average Usage Rates Across Australian Cities
Australia’s hot climate makes air conditioners a near necessity in most homes. But how much do people actually use them and how much does it cost to run an air conditioner?
This table dives into the average usage rates of air conditioners in various Australian cities.
| City | Average Usage Rate |
| Perth | 30.8c/kWh |
| Canberra | 26.4c/kWh |
| Melbourne | 26.3c/kWh |
| Adelaide | 44.9c/kWh |
| Brisbane | 31.2c/kWh |
| Sydney | 35.3c/kWh |
How Much Does a Split System Cost to Run?
Yearly aircon power consumption of reverse-cycle air conditioners can vary significantly. It’s costs range from $30 to nearly $400 for cooling, depending on room size and location. Heating costs are variable, falling between $18 and $528 annually.
To better understand potential costs and potentially how much power does a split system use, we included tables that estimate annual air conditioning expenses based on usage assumptions above, appliance efficiency (depending on your climate zone), and room size (small, medium, large). These estimates apply to single-split, non-ducted reverse cycle systems.
Estimated annual cost of running air conditioner for a small room
| Climate Zone | City | Heating Costs | Cooling Costs |
| Average | Perth | $169 | $54 |
| Cold | Canberra | $206 | $30 |
| Cold | Melbourne | $206 | $30 |
| Average | Adelaide | $246 | $78 |
| Hot | Brisbane | $46 | $155 |
| Average | Sydney | $193 | $61 |
Estimated annual cost of running air conditioner for a medium room
| Climate Zone | City | Heating Costs | Cooling Costs |
| Average | Perth | $133 | $88 |
| Cold | Canberra | $307 | $48 |
| Cold | Melbourne | $306 | $48 |
| Average | Adelaide | $194 | $128 |
| Hot | Brisbane | $20 | $258 |
| Average | Sydney | $153 | $101 |
Estimated annual cost of running air conditioner for a large room
| Climate Zone | City | Heating Costs | Cooling Costs |
| Average | Perth | $203 | $134 |
| Cold | Canberra | $473 | $73 |
| Cold | Melbourne | $471 | $73 |
| Average | Adelaide | $295 | $195 |
| Hot | Brisbane | $30 | $396 |
| Average | Sydney | $232 | $154 |
How Much Does Ducted Air Conditioning Cost to Run?
How much power does ducted aircon use?
It does come with a higher cost to run ducted air conditioning even though ducted air conditioning provides excellent cooling throughout your entire home. Installation costs are steeper compared to other systems, and ducted air conditioning cost to run can vary.
The table below outlines how much power does a ducted air conditioner use and estimated annual cost to run ducted air conditioning. Remember, these are just estimates and will vary depending on your climate zone, electricity rates, unit capacity, and room size.
| Climate Zone | City | Heating Costs | Cooling Costs |
| Average | Perth | $634 | $681 |
| Cold | Canberra | $1,457 | $384 |
| Cold | Melbourne | $471 | $383 |
| Average | Adelaide | $1,451 | $992 |
| Hot | Brisbane | $97 | $1,964 |
| Average | Sydney | $726 | $780 |
Calculating Electricity Cost
While you can use a special metre to measure your AC’s electricity use, most utility companies already track this information on your monthly bill. This is the easiest way to determine how much power your AC consumes.
Many people want to know how much it costs to run their air conditioner each hour. You can estimate this by finding the wattage of your unit. Here’s a formula to get a rough idea of the hourly cost (not considering efficiency):
Appliance wattage (kW) x Electricity rate ($/hour) = Cost per hour
To find the daily cost, multiply the hourly cost by the number of hours you use the AC each day. Then multiply that number by 30 to get a monthly estimate.
For example, let’s say you have an old, inefficient 3.5 kW air conditioner in a small room (25 square meters) and your electricity rate is 26 cents per hour. Here’s how much it might cost to run:
- Hourly cost: 3.5 kW x $0.26/hour = $0.91
- Daily cost (for 8 hours): $0.91/hour x 8 hours = $7.28
- Monthly cost: $7.28/day x 30 days = $218.40
But wait! This is just an estimate. Modern air conditioners are much more efficient. To get a more accurate idea of your costs, you’ll need to consider the unit’s star rating.
Get a General Idea of Running Costs With Star Ratings
People are more concerned than ever about how much their air conditioner costs to run, both hourly and daily. This has led manufacturers to develop more energy-efficient units. Thanks to these advancements, we now have air conditioners with Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings.
The EER rating allows for a more accurate cost calculation for modern, energy-star rated air conditioners. Here’s the new formula:
Unit capacity (kW) / EER x Electricity rate ($/hour) = Cost per hour
Let’s revisit our example from before. If we use a 3.5 kW air conditioner with an EER of 3.21 and the same electricity rate of 26 cents per hour, we get a much lower cost:
- Hourly cost: (3.5 kW / 3.21) x $0.26/hour = $0.28
- Daily cost (for 8 hours): $0.28/hour x 8 hours = $2.24
- Monthly cost: $2.24/day x 30 days = $67.20
As you can see, EER-rated air conditioners cost significantly less to operate than older models. Upgrading your unit can drastically reduce your electricity bills. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also use less energy while staying cool in Australia’s hot climate.
Portable vs. Split-System: Cost to Run Air Conditioner
Portable air conditioners are self-contained units on wheels. They vent hot air outside through a large, flexible tube that fits most windows. Some models can also heat in addition to cooling. While convenient for a single room, they’re not ideal for large spaces.
Split-systems are more expensive to buy and install, but they’re much more efficient to operate. This is because they use inverter technology, which adjusts power usage based on needs. In a well-insulated home, a split-system can maintain comfort while using less energy.
Check Split-System Cost Guide
The provided table compares the cost of portables to different sized split-systems (consider adding $600-$750 for split-system installation). Even though portables are cheaper upfront, they cost more to run in the long term.
| Small split | Medium split | Large split | Portable | |
| Size | Up to 4kW | 4–6kW | Over 6kW | 2–5.5kW |
| Average power consumed in one hour | 0.65kW | 1.36kW | 2.15kW | 1.2kW |
| Range of power consumed | 0.31–0.94kW | 0.53–1.85kW | 1.52–3.19kW | 0.46–2.2kW |
| Average cost of running air conditioner | $82 | $164 | $264 | $173 |
| Range of rcost of running air conditioner | $50–134 | $126–240 | $164–390 | $66–317 |
| Average price | $1438 | $2139 | $2807 | $728 |
Tips for Reducing Electricity Use
Here are some ways to keep your air conditioner from draining your wallet:
- Run it Strategically: Use your AC during cooler times of the day when electricity rates might be lower.
- Block the Sun: Window coverings like shades or drapes can help block sunlight and keep your home cooler, reducing the need for AC.
- Control the Coolth: Close blinds and curtains in rooms that are not used to keep cool air from escaping.
- Go Green: Consider installing solar panels to generate electricity and power your AC with renewable energy.
- Smart Tech Savings: Invest in a smart thermostat that learns your habits and adjusts the ideal temperature automatically for optimal comfort and energy efficiency. Control it remotely to pre-cool your vacation home or monitor your main system.
- Fan Power: Ceiling fans circulate cool air, allowing you to raise the thermostat and save money without sacrificing comfort.
- Eco Mode Magic: Many AC units have an “Eco” or “Energy Saver” mode that uses less power than standard settings. This can be an excellent option for cooler days or saving your electricity bill.
Global Cool Air: Air Conditioner Experts for Keeping You Cool
Global Cool Air is here to turn down the confusion and crank up the savings! Understanding your air conditioner’s electricity usage empowers you to make informed decisions that benefit your wallet and the environment.
Remember, small adjustments, like adjusting the thermostat or scheduling run times, can significantly impact your energy consumption. So, take control and make your cool comfort cost-effective and eco-friendly.
We’ve answered the questions how much does it cost to run an air conditioner and how much electricity does an air conditioner use. Now, don’t let rising temperatures and electricity bills get you down. Global Cool Air is your one-stop shop air conditioner experts for keeping your cool and your wallet happy.
Global Cool Air provides air conditioning supply, installation, maintenance, and repair.
