AC Bill Calculator
Estimate your Air Conditioner electricity consumption and cost
What is the AC Bill Calculator?
The AC Bill Calculator is a smart and simple tool designed for Indian households to estimate their air conditioner electricity bills accurately. In India, summer temperatures can soar above 45°C, making ACs a necessity rather than a luxury. However, the biggest worry for every middle-class family is the electricity bill shock at the end of the month.
Many people ask, "My 1.5 ton AC runs for 8 hours, how much will the bill be?" or "Does an Inverter AC really save money?". This calculator answers all these questions instantly. By entering simple details like your AC capacity (1 Ton, 1.5 Ton, etc.), type (Inverter or Non-Inverter), star rating, and usage hours, you can get a clear picture of your daily, monthly, and yearly electricity costs.
Whether you are planning to buy a new AC or just want to check if your current one is consuming too much power, this tool helps you plan your budget better. It uses the latest average power consumption data (kW) for different AC models available in the Indian market to give you a realistic estimate.
How AC Electricity Consumption is Calculated?
Calculating electricity consumption might seem like rocket science, but it’s actually quite simple if you know the basics. Your electricity bill depends on how many "Units" (kWh) your appliances consume. For Air Conditioners, this calculation depends on four major factors:
1. Tonnage (Capacity)
The "Ton" of an AC doesn't refer to its weight, but its cooling capacity. A 1 Ton AC is designed for small rooms (approx 100-120 sq ft), while a 1.5 Ton or 2 Ton AC is for larger rooms. Naturally, a 2 Ton AC has a larger compressor and motor, so it consumes more electricity than a 1 Ton AC to cool the same space.
2. Inverter Technology vs. Non-Inverter
This is the most important factor in modern ACs.
- Non-Inverter AC: It works on a simple "On-Off" logic. When you set the temp to 24°C, the compressor runs at full speed until the room reaches 24°C, then it turns off. When the room gets warm again, it starts again at full speed. This sudden starting and stopping consumes a lot of power.
- Inverter AC: It has a variable speed compressor. Once the room reaches the desired temperature, the compressor doesn't turn off; instead, it slows down just enough to maintain the cooling. This runs like a car on a highway—smooth and fuel-efficient—saving you 30% to 50% on electricity bills.
3. Star Rating (Efficiency)
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) gives Star Ratings (1 to 5) to appliances. A 5-Star AC is the most efficient and consumes the least power. Although 5-Star ACs are more expensive to buy, they are cheaper to run. For example, a 5-Star AC might save you ₹300-₹400 every month compared to a 3-Star AC if used for 8-10 hours daily.
4. Usage and Temperature
If you run your AC at 18°C, the compressor has to work extremely hard to reach that low temperature, consuming maximum power. If you set it to 24°C, the compressor relaxes sooner, saving significant electricity. Also, running the AC for just 2 hours less per day can save you thousands of rupees over a year.
1.5 Ton AC Bill Estimation: Real Examples
Let’s look at some real-world calculations so you can understand what to expect in your monthly bill. We assume an electricity rate of ₹8 per unit.
Approx 1.5 Units/hour. 8 Hours usage.
Daily: 12 Units.
Monthly Bill: ₹2,880
Approx 0.9 Units/hour. 8 Hours usage.
Daily: 7.2 Units.
Monthly Bill: ₹1,728
The Result? Switching to a 5-Star Inverter AC can save you over ₹1,000 per month!
Average AC Power Consumption Table
| AC Type | Capacity | Approx. Power (kW) | Units per Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Inverter (3 Star) | 1.0 Ton | ~ 1.1 kW | 1.1 Units |
| Non-Inverter (3 Star) | 1.5 Ton | ~ 1.5 - 1.6 kW | 1.6 Units |
| Inverter (3 Star) | 1.5 Ton | ~ 0.8 - 1.2 kW | 1.0 Unit (Avg) |
| Inverter (5 Star) | 1.5 Ton | ~ 0.6 - 1.0 kW | 0.8 Unit (Avg) |
| Non-Inverter (3 Star) | 2.0 Ton | ~ 2.0 kW | 2.0 Units |
How to Reduce Your AC Electricity Bill?
Here are some trusted, practical tips specifically for Indian homes to reduce AC power consumption:
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) recommends setting your AC to 24°C. For every degree you raise usage temperature, you save approx 6% electricity.
Keep the fan running at slow speed. It helps circulate cool air, allowing you to set the AC thermostat higher while staying comfortable.
Use the Sleep Mode or Timer to switch off the AC early in the morning when it's naturally cooler.
Clean your AC filters every 2 weeks. A choked filter forces the AC to work harder, increasing your bill.
Use heavy curtains to block sunlight and ensure doors/windows are sealed tightly to prevent cooling loss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the monthly electricity bill for a 1.5 Ton AC?
If you have a Non-Inverter 1.5 Ton AC, it consumes about 1.5 units per hour. Running it for 8 hours daily adds up to ~12 units. At a rate of ₹8 per unit, your monthly bill would be approximately ₹2,800 to ₹3,000. An Inverter AC is more efficient and could bring this bill down to around ₹1,800.
- Does Inverter AC really save electricity?
Yes, absolutely. An Inverter AC is smarter than a regular AC. It doesn't switch off its compressor but slows it down to maintain cooling. This avoids the high power surge of starting and stopping. In real-world usage, an Inverter AC can save 30% to 40% electricity compared to a non-inverter AC of the same star rating.
- What is the cost of running AC for 8 hours?
For an average 3-Star 1.5 Ton AC, running it for 8 hours will consume around 10-12 units of electricity. At an average rate of ₹8 per unit, the cost is between ₹80 to ₹100 per night. If you use a 5-Star Inverter AC, this cost can come down to ₹50-₹60 per night.
- Is 5-star AC better than 3-star AC?
Yes, a 5-Star AC consumes less power than a 3-Star AC for the same amount of cooling. While a 5-Star AC costs about ₹5,000 to ₹8,000 more upfront, the electricity savings (approx ₹3,000 per year) mean you recover that extra cost in just 2-3 years. After that, it’s pure savings for the lifetime of the AC!
- Why is my AC bill so high?
Your bill could be high due to:
- Setting very low temperatures (18-20°C).
- Dirty filters blocking air flow.
- Old non-inverter AC consuming more power.
- Poor room insulation (leaking windows/doors).
- Gas leakage making the compressor work harder.
- Does "Eco Mode" really work?
Yes, Eco Mode (or Economy Mode) limits the compressor usage to reduce power consumption. It might cool the room slightly slower, but it significantly reduces the units consumed. It is best used on nights when it is not extremely hot.