Staying cool in the summer doesn’t have to mean burning a hole in your wallet. Knowing how to calculate your air conditioner’s electricity consumption can help you manage your monthly budget better. Let’s break it down in a simple, step-by-step way.
What You Need to Calculate AC Power Consumption
To calculate the electricity cost of a 1-ton AC, you need four basic details:
- Power Consumption: A 1-ton AC typically consumes around 1.2 kW of power.
- Usage Hours: Let’s assume the AC runs for 8 hours per night.
- Electricity Rate: Varies by city, usually between ₹6 to ₹8 per unit (kWh).
- Number of Days: Standard billing cycle is 30 days per month.
Electricity Bill Formula
Monthly Bill (₹) = Power (kW) × Hours per Day × Days per Month × Rate per Unit (₹)
Example: How Much Does It Cost to Run an AC All Night?
Assuming your 1-ton AC uses 1.2 kW and runs for 8 hours every night, at ₹8 per unit:
- Daily Consumption = 1.2 × 8 = 9.6 kWh
- Monthly Consumption = 9.6 × 30 = 288 kWh
- Monthly Bill = 1.2 × 8 × 30 × 8 = ₹2,304
So, running a 1-ton AC throughout the night can cost over ₹2,300 per month, according to electrical expert Mr. Verma. The actual cost may vary depending on the AC type (inverter or non-inverter) and usage habits.
City-Wise Electricity Bill Examples
Delhi (₹7/unit)
- 1.2 × 8 × 30 × 7 = ₹2,016
Mumbai (₹8.5/unit)
- 1.2 × 8 × 30 × 8.5 = ₹2,448
“Different cities have different electricity rates, which can significantly affect your bill,” says electrical engineer Priya Singh.
Top 5 Smart Tips to Save on AC Bills
- Set Temperature Between 24°C–25°C
– Saves energy while maintaining comfort. - Use Ceiling Fans
– Helps distribute cool air quickly and reduces AC load. - Enable Sleep Mode
– Can cut energy usage by 15–20% at night. - Regular Servicing
– Dirty filters can increase power use by up to 10%. - Seal Your Room Properly
– Prevents cool air from escaping, saving electricity.
What’s Behind Your Electricity Bill?
On average, a 1-ton AC costs ₹12–15 per hour to run. Inverter ACs are more efficient and can save up to 30% in electricity. According to Mr. Verma, AC usage increases by nearly 40% during Indian summers, pushing average family electricity bills up by ₹2,000–₹3,000.
Why It’s Important to Know Your AC Power Usage
“Knowing your AC’s power consumption helps you plan your expenses better,” says Priya Singh. The same formula applies whether you use a 1-ton or 2-ton AC. In a hot climate, staying cool and managing your budget should go hand in hand.