How much does it cost to run an air conditioner?

The answer starts from the official energy figure on the energy rating label. This page uses the median of every air conditioner registered for sale in Australia in our dataset, then scales it to your usage and your electricity price. Change the assumptions to match your home.

Short answer. The median air conditioner registered for sale in Australia has 2,037 kWh a year on its label. At the mixed zone label figure and 32c/kWh, that is about $652 a year. Half of the models on the market fall between $349 and $1,219 at the same usage.

Where to find the numbers

The zoned annual kWh is on the energy rating label and in the registration. Your electricity price is the unit rate on your bill (c/kWh).

What the figure is based on

The Zoned Energy Rating Label gives an annual kWh for each climate zone at standard residential usage hours for that zone. Pick your zone; the figure includes cooling and, for reverse-cycle units, heating.

What changes the cost

• Climate zone and hours of use: the label figures assume standard hours for each zone; longer or hotter seasons push real use above them.
• Set temperature: each degree closer to the outside temperature saves roughly 5–10% of cooling or heating energy.
• Unit size for the room: an undersized unit runs flat out; an oversized one short-cycles. Both cost more than a right-sized one.
• Insulation, shading and draughts: heat leaking in or out is what the unit has to work against.
• Filter and outdoor unit condition: a dirty filter or a blocked outdoor coil reduces efficiency.

Compare air conditioners by energy use and running cost to see every model behind this figure.

Not sure what size you need? Use the air conditioner size calculator first.

For a specific model or any other appliance, use the electricity cost calculator.