⚡ Utilities Hub

AC Running Cost Calculator

Find out exactly how much your air conditioner costs to run per month — based on capacity, star rating, and your electricity tariff.

⚙️ AC Details
8 hrs
30 days
Custom: ₹/unit
💡 Cost Breakdown
Power Draw
—
kW
Cost / Hour
—
Daily Units
—
kWh/day
Monthly Cost
—
Monthly Units
—
kWh/month
Annual Cost (6m)
—
📊 Star Rating Cost Comparison

Same capacity & usage, different star ratings:

Star Power (kW) Monthly Cost Annual (6m) vs 5★ Save
📈 Monthly Cost by Star Rating
🎯 AC Efficiency Score
—
—
—
    —
    🔢 How It's Calculated
    TermMeaning
    Cooling Capacity (W)Tons × 3,517 W/ton
    ISEERIndian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio — higher = more efficient
    Power Draw (kW)Cooling Capacity ÷ ISEER (Window AC: ×1.10)
    Daily Units (kWh)Power (kW) × Hours/day
    Monthly UnitsDaily Units × Days/month
    Monthly CostMonthly Units × Electricity Rate (₹/unit)
    Annual CostMonthly Cost × 6 (typical summer months)
    ISEER: 1★=2.7 | 2★=3.1 | 3★=3.6 | 4★=4.2 | 5★=5.0
    Power(kW) = (Tons × 3.517) / ISEER
    Monthly Cost = Power × Hrs/day × Days/month × Rate
    ⚠️ Disclaimer: Power consumption figures are approximate based on BEE star rating norms. Actual consumption varies by ambient temperature, usage pattern, and AC condition. Electricity rates are indicative — verify with your state DISCOM.
    ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
    How much electricity does a 1.5 ton AC consume per hour? ▼
    A 1.5 ton 3-star split AC consumes approximately 1.38 kW (units) per hour. A 5-star model consumes around 1.15 kW/hr. Window ACs consume about 10% more. At ₹7/unit tariff, a 3-star 1.5T AC costs roughly ₹9.66 per hour. Use this calculator to get exact figures for your tariff.
    Which star rating AC is best for Indian summers? ▼
    5-star BEE rated ACs are most energy-efficient and best for Indian summers where ACs run 8–12 hours daily. The higher upfront cost is typically recovered in 2–4 years through electricity savings. For usage above 8 hours/day, 5-star inverter ACs deliver the best long-term value. A 5★ 1.5T AC saves roughly ₹2,500–₹4,000 per year versus a 1★ model.
    How much does running an AC cost per month in India? ▼
    A 1.5 ton 3-star split AC running 8 hours/day at ₹7.5/unit costs approximately ₹2,484 per month (30 days). A 5-star model costs around ₹2,070/month — saving ₹414/month. Actual costs vary by state electricity tariff, ambient temperature, and usage pattern. Use this calculator with your exact tariff for accurate results.
    Is inverter AC worth it over fixed-speed AC? ▼
    Yes. Inverter ACs adjust compressor speed based on cooling load, consuming 30–50% less electricity than fixed-speed ACs under real-world conditions. They are typically 4-star or 5-star rated. For usage above 6 hours/day, an inverter AC pays back its premium cost in 2–3 years through energy savings, and also offers quieter operation and longer lifespan.
    How do I calculate my AC electricity bill manually? ▼
    AC Electricity Bill = Power (kW) × Hours/day × Days/month × Electricity Rate (₹/unit). Power in kW = (Tons × 3517) ÷ ISEER. ISEER for 3★ = 3.6. For a 1.5T 3★ split AC: Power = (1.5 × 3517) ÷ 3.6 = 1.465 kW. Monthly bill = 1.465 × 8 × 30 × ₹7.5 = ₹2,637. BEE star ratings give approximate ISEER values.
    🔗 Related Calculators
    Electricity Bill Calculator
    Calculate your full home electricity bill
    Appliance Electricity Cost
    Cost of running any home appliance
    Solar Rooftop ROI
    Calculate solar panel payback period
    All Utility Calculators
    Browse all CalcDesk utility tools