CostAC Running Cost Calculator
Estimate how much your air conditioner costs to run per hour, day, month and year.
Enter values and press Calculate.
Country rates are illustrative starting points, not live prices. Enter your actual rate. Calculations run in your browser.
Use electrical input watts, not cooling capacity
The watt figure should represent average electrical power while the AC is operating. BTU/h and tons describe cooling output and cannot be substituted directly. If you use measured average watts, do not apply another duty-cycle reduction.
Cost = energy × price/kWh
Worked example: 1,800 W for 8 hours
At 0.17 per kWh, this is 14.4 kWh and 2.448 per day. A 30-day period uses 432 kWh and costs 73.44. One less hour each day reduces that period's estimate by 9.18.
Why an inverter AC estimate varies
Input power changes with temperature, insulation, setpoint and compressor operation. Rated maximum watts can overestimate typical use. Use an appropriate meter or energy-monitor reading when available, or compare several plausible average watt figures. The result excludes fixed utility charges and taxes; use the electricity bill estimator for those.
How this calculator works
AC cost is estimated from its average power draw, daily operating time and your electricity rate. Inverter AC units often cycle and may consume less than their maximum rated power.
How to use the result
Change one input at a time to compare scenarios. This helps you see which factor has the biggest effect on your total cost or savings.
Frequently asked questions
Does inverter AC use less electricity?
Often yes, especially after the room reaches the target temperature, because the compressor can run at reduced output.
Should I use rated watts or measured watts?
Measured average wattage gives a better estimate when available.
Why does weather matter?
Hotter outdoor temperatures usually increase compressor runtime and total energy use.