AC Electricity Cost Calculator
Calculate exactly how much your AC costs to run. Enter your AC specs, usage pattern, and electricity rate to see your daily, monthly & yearly costs.
❄️
Rs 1,800
Monthly AC Cost
Power: 910W | Efficiency: Good
Monthly Cost Level
Low
Medium
High
Very High
Daily Cost
Rs 60
Summer Season (3 mo)
Rs 5,400
Yearly Cost
Rs 21,600
Monthly Units
225.0 kWh
Units Consumed
Daily
7.5 kWh
Yearly
2,700 kWh
Comparison vs 5-Star Inverter
Save Rs 4,320/year
by switching to a 5-star inverter AC
Monthly Cost by Star Rating
Cost at Different Temperature Settings
AC % of Typical Household Bill
72%
of bill
Compared to average household monthly bill of Rs 2,500
AC Electricity
Other Appliances
₹ Energy Saving Tips
- Setting your AC to 24°C instead of 18°C could save up to 36% on your AC bill.
- Using a ceiling fan along with AC allows you to set 2-3°C higher temperature comfortably.
- Clean your AC filters every 2 weeks during heavy use to maintain efficiency.
- Ensure your room is well-insulated and keep doors/windows closed while AC is running.
How to Use the AC Electricity Cost Calculator
- Select AC Tonnage: Choose your AC capacity (0.8 to 2 ton). Most bedrooms use 1-1.5 ton, while larger rooms need 2 ton.
- Choose Star Rating: Select the BEE star rating printed on your AC. Higher stars = more efficient = lower bills.
- Select AC Type: Choose between inverter (variable speed, more efficient) and non-inverter (fixed speed) AC.
- Set Daily Usage: Enter how many hours you typically run your AC each day.
- Adjust Temperature: Set your usual thermostat temperature. Lower settings use more power.
- Enter Electricity Rate: Use your state's average rate or check your electricity bill for exact rate.
- View Results: See your daily, monthly, and yearly costs, plus energy-saving tips.
Pro Tip: Use the preset buttons (Night Only, WFH, 24x7, Weekends) for quick calculations based on common usage patterns.
Understanding AC Power Consumption in India
Air conditioners are typically the biggest electricity consumers in Indian households, especially during summer. Understanding your AC's power consumption can help you manage electricity bills effectively.
How AC Power Consumption is Calculated
AC power consumption depends on several factors:
- Tonnage: Higher tonnage = more cooling capacity = more power. A 1.5 ton AC consumes about 1.2-1.6 units/hour.
- Star Rating: Each additional star typically saves 8-10% electricity. A 5-star AC uses 20-30% less power than a 3-star.
- AC Type: Inverter ACs are 25-40% more efficient as they adjust compressor speed based on cooling needs.
- Temperature Setting: Each degree below 24°C increases power consumption by ~6%.
- Room Size & Insulation: A well-insulated room requires less cooling energy.
State-wise Electricity Rates (2024-25)
Electricity rates vary significantly across Indian states. Here are approximate domestic slab rates:
- Highest: Maharashtra (Rs 9-10/unit), West Bengal (Rs 8-9/unit), Delhi (Rs 8/unit)
- Moderate: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana (Rs 6-7/unit)
- Lower: Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Punjab (Rs 5-6/unit)
- Lowest: Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa (Rs 4-5/unit)
Formula for AC Electricity Cost
Monthly Cost = (Power in Watts × Hours/Day × Days/Month) / 1000 × Electricity Rate
Example: 1.5 ton 3-star inverter AC at 24°C
= (910W × 8 hrs × 30 days) / 1000 × Rs 8/unit
= 218.4 kWh × Rs 8 = Rs 1,747/month
Tips to Reduce AC Electricity Bills
- Set temperature to 24-26°C: This is the sweet spot for comfort and efficiency. BEE recommends 24°C.
- Use fan + AC combo: Running a ceiling fan allows you to set AC 2-3°C higher while feeling equally cool.
- Upgrade to 5-star inverter: The extra cost is recovered in 2-3 years through electricity savings.
- Clean filters regularly: Dirty filters can increase power consumption by 5-15%.
- Use timer/sleep mode: Auto-off at night or when not needed saves significant power.
- Seal the room: Close doors, windows, and gaps to prevent cool air from escaping.
- Service annually: Regular maintenance keeps efficiency optimal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much electricity does a 1.5 ton AC consume per hour?
A 1.5 ton AC typically consumes between 1.2-1.6 kWh (units) per hour depending on the star rating. A 5-star inverter AC consumes around 1.0-1.2 units/hour, while a 3-star non-inverter may consume 1.4-1.6 units/hour. At 24°C setting, a 1.5 ton 3-star inverter AC uses approximately 0.9-1.1 units/hour.
Is inverter AC cheaper to run than non-inverter?
Yes, inverter ACs are 25-40% more energy efficient than non-inverter ACs. While they cost Rs 8,000-15,000 more upfront, the electricity savings typically recover the extra cost within 2-3 years for regular usage (6-8 hours/day). Inverter ACs are especially efficient when running for longer durations.
Does AC temperature setting affect electricity bill?
Yes, significantly! Each degree below 24°C increases power consumption by approximately 6%. Setting your AC at 24°C instead of 18°C can reduce your bill by 30-36%. The optimal temperature for comfort and efficiency is 24-26°C according to BEE guidelines.
How much does it cost to run AC for 8 hours?
Running a 1.5 ton 3-star inverter AC for 8 hours at 24°C costs approximately Rs 55-75 depending on your electricity rate (Rs 6-10/unit). A non-inverter AC of same specs would cost Rs 80-110 for the same duration. A 5-star inverter would cost only Rs 45-60.
Which AC is best for reducing electricity bill?
A 5-star inverter AC is the most efficient choice. While the upfront cost is higher, it saves 30-40% electricity compared to a 3-star non-inverter. For a 1.5 ton AC running 8 hours daily, you can save Rs 400-600/month, meaning the extra cost is recovered in 2-3 years.
How do I calculate AC electricity cost from my bill?
Check your AC's power rating (in watts) from the label. Use this formula: Cost = (Watts × Hours used × Days) / 1000 × Rate per unit. For example: 1400W AC running 6 hours for 30 days at Rs 7/unit = (1400 × 6 × 30) / 1000 × 7 = Rs 1,764/month.
Does AC consume more power when starting?
Non-inverter ACs consume a brief power surge when starting (up to 3x normal), which is why frequent on/off cycles increase bills. Inverter ACs have soft-start technology with minimal startup surge. Once running, both stabilize to rated power. This is why running AC continuously is often more efficient than turning it on/off repeatedly.
How much can I save by using AC with ceiling fan?
Using a ceiling fan (which consumes only 70-80 watts) allows you to set AC temperature 2-3°C higher while feeling equally cool. This can save 12-18% on your AC electricity bill. The fan cost (Rs 0.5-1/hour) is negligible compared to AC savings.