Air conditioner Electricity Cost
Work out how much a portable air conditioner costs to run during warm weather.
Air conditioner running cost calculator
Example: 1,000 W. Example for a portable unit. Ratings vary widely; split systems are often more efficient.
e.g. 0.25 = 15 min
0 to 7
Example rate — enter your own tariff.
Estimated cost to run your air conditioner
£1.00per day used
Uses 4 kWh on each day it's used (1,000 W × 4 h).
How it works: cost = power (kW) × hours used × price per kWh. Standing charges aren't included because you pay them whether or not the appliance is on.
Estimates only. Real consumption depends on the model, settings and how the appliance is used.
How air conditioner electricity use is measured
Air conditioners list an input power in watts. The compressor cycles once the room reaches the set temperature, so real average use depends on the heat in the room.
How to calculate your air conditioner running cost
Cost = power (kW) × hours used × price per kWh
Example only: at 1,000 W for 4 hours, a air conditioner would use about 4 kWh, costing around £1.00 at 25p per kWh. Used 5 days a week, that's roughly 1,043 kWh and £260.71 a year. Your own figures may be quite different.
Why actual usage varies
- Unit type and efficiency.
- Set temperature.
- Sunlight, insulation and room size.
- Hours used.
Ways to reduce the cost
- Close curtains during the hottest part of the day.
- Don't set it colder than you need.
- Use a fan where that's enough.
To include all your household use, try the electricity cost calculator, or price any other device with the appliance electricity cost calculator.