AC Running Cost Calculator
How many units an air conditioner adds to your bill and what it costs per month, for inverter and non-inverter 1, 1.5 and 2 ton units.
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How this is calculated
Units per hour = rated power (kW) × duty factor × temperature factor.
- Rated power is the compressor's draw at full load (≈1.4 kW for a 1.5 ton inverter; ≈1.8 kW non-inverter).
- Duty factor reflects that the compressor does not run flat out once the room is cool, around 60% for inverters (they modulate) and 75% for non-inverters (they cycle on/off).
- Temperature factor: each degree below 24°C raises consumption by roughly 6%.
Multiply by hours and days for monthly units, then by your all-in per-unit rate.
Frequently asked questions
- How many units does a 1.5 ton AC use per hour?
- About 0.8–1.0 units for an inverter at 24°C and 1.3–1.5 units for a non-inverter, rising as you set the temperature lower.
- Is an inverter AC worth it?
- At 8 hours a day, an inverter typically saves 35–45% versus a non-inverter: usually paying back the price difference within two summers.
- Does 26°C really save money?
- Yes: each degree higher saves roughly 6%. 26°C with a fan is the cheapest comfortable setting.
Sources
- Typical rated power draw from manufacturer datasheets (Gree, Haier, Dawlance, Orient): Searchable
Version 1.0.0 · reviewed 15 Sept 2026. Rates change with the Federal Budget and regulator notifications; we update this tool when they do. Confirm with the primary source before making financial decisions.