KEY POINTS
- Yearly air conditioner running costs range from $50.35 to $582.85, depending on size, location and settings.
- Ducted air conditioners typically cost more to run than split system units.
- Installing an energy-efficient air conditioner, operating at optimal temperatures and maintaining your unit will help to reduce your electricity bill.
Have you ever wondered: how much does it cost to run an air conditioner? This article may have all the answers you’ve been looking for. In this Canstar Blue guide, we look at air conditioner power consumption, and how much it costs to run an air conditioner in Australia. For these calculations, we have assumed an average electricity usage charge per kilowatt hour (kWh) based on each specific location.
How much does it cost to run an air conditioner?
According to Canstar Blue data, the average air conditioner costs anywhere from about $50.35 to $582.85 a year to run in cooling costs. Remember, this depends on the size of the room, location and a range of other factors.
The table below shows the annual cost of running an air conditioner in Australia (four hours per day, 13 weeks per year). Prices are sorted by cooling capacity.
Annual Cost of Air Conditioner by Cooling Temperature Settings (Four hours per day, 13 weeks per year)
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| Cooling Capacity | 21° | 22° | 23° | 24° |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5kW | $67.61 | $61.86 | $54.66 | $50.35 |
| 3.5kW | $113.07 | $103.45 | $91.42 | $84.20 |
| 5.0kW | $176.02 | $161.04 | $142.32 | $131.08 |
| 6.0kW | $216.82 | $198.37 | $175.30 | $161.46 |
| 7.1kW | $254.12 | $232.50 | $205.46 | $189.24 |
| 8.0kW | $289.09 | $264.49 | $233.74 | $215.28 |
| 10kW | $378.85 | $346.61 | $306.31 | $282.13 |
| 14kW | $582.85 | $533.25 | $471.24 | $434.04 |
Source: www.canstarblue.com.au – 19/11/2024. Based on Ergon Energy Air Conditioning Calculator. Assumes 34.069c/kWh electricity usage rate (Tariff 11 – Ergon Energy network) with air conditioner running four hours a day for 13 weeks of the year. General guide only.
Ducted air conditioner power consumption
Ducted air conditioning is likely the more effective cooling option, but it comes at a cost. Not only are ducted air conditioning systems more expensive to install, but they can be expensive to run too. While split systems are generally cheaper to install, the running costs of each system largely depends on how much you use them, your location and a range of other factors. It’s important to consider all your air conditioning needs before deciding whether to install ducted or split system air conditioning.
How can I reduce my air conditioner power consumption?
While air conditioners can be a large contributor to your power bill, they’re likely not the most power-hungry appliance in your household. However, there is still the potential for your power bill to shock you if you’ve been running your air conditioner regularly through a particularly sweltering summer. Here are some easy tips to potentially minimise the effect an air conditioner may have on your power bill:
- Consider an energy-efficient air conditioner: Energy-efficient air conditioners cost less to run and could save you lots in the long term. Remember, the more stars on an energy star rating, the more efficient the appliance.
- Set your air conditioner to the right temperature: Even slight changes to air conditioner temperature settings can add a surprising amount to your electricity bill.
- Consider alternatives to air conditioning: While modern air conditioners might not cost as much as you think, there are cheaper alternatives. Consider evaporate coolers, ceiling fans, portable aircon units or practical cooling solutions.
- Purchase when the time is right: Unit and installation costs of air conditioners can be fairly seasonal. Hold off on buying until the time is right.
- Keep your air conditioner clean: A well-maintained aircon unit will run more efficiently than one that has never been cleaned. The harder your system has to work to reach the temperature you have set, the more electricity it will use.
- Make sure you’re not paying too much for electricity: If you haven’t compared electricity plans recently, you might not be getting the best deal. Compare leading electricity retailers at Canstar Blue.
Compare cheap electricity deals
While you’re here, why not take the time to compare energy plans in your area. Check out our free comparison tool to see a range of quotes for your suburb or look at some cheap electricity plans by clicking on your state below:
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
The bottom line on air conditioner power consumption
According to Canstar Blue data, the cost of running an air conditioner is highly dependent on the temperature you set it at and how much you use it. It’s important to ensure you’re using the right air conditioner for you and your home. If you think it might be time to upgrade your model, compare some of Canstar Blue’s best-rated air conditioners below.
Air Conditioner Reviews & Ratings
Original article by Kelseigh Wrigley
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