What does it cost to run your air conditioner?
Wondering what your air conditioner costs to run? Estimate the cost per hour, day and year for your system in Adelaide. Change the electricity rate to match your own bill for a closer figure.
Air conditioner running cost calculator
See what your air conditioner costs to run in Adelaide.
about $0.13 per hour · around $379 per year at this usage
Estimate only. Real running cost depends on your unit, settings, the weather and your electricity plan. Rate prefilled at $0.45/kWh (a South Australian average, correct June 2026), change it to match your bill.
Keep your AC running efficientlyHow running cost is worked out
Running cost depends on how much electricity your unit draws (its input power), how long you run it, and your electricity rate. A reverse-cycle unit’s input power is roughly its cooling capacity divided by its efficiency, so a more efficient unit costs less to run for the same comfort. South Australia has some of the highest electricity rates in the country, so efficient running and regular servicing make a real difference.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run an air conditioner in Adelaide?
As a rough guide, a 3.5 kW split system running 8 hours a day costs roughly $1 a day at South Australian rates, but this varies with the unit’s efficiency, the weather and your electricity plan. Use the calculator above with your own rate for a closer figure.
How can I lower my air conditioner running costs?
Set a sensible temperature (around 24-25 degrees in summer), clean or replace filters regularly, keep the outdoor unit clear, use zoning and timers, and book an annual service so the system runs at its best. A poorly maintained unit works harder and costs more.
Is it cheaper to leave the air conditioner on all day or turn it off?
For most homes, turning it off when you do not need it uses less energy overall, even allowing for the power to cool the house back down later. The CSIRO advises against blasting the unit very cold in short bursts and notes that modern inverter systems run most efficiently when you set a comfortable temperature and let them maintain it. A timer or smart controller that starts the system shortly before you arrive home gives the best of both.
What is the most cost-effective temperature in summer?
Set it to the highest temperature you are still comfortable at. The CSIRO notes that every degree cooler adds roughly 5 to 10 percent to your running costs, so around 24 to 26 degrees is a sensible balance for cooling. Running ceiling fans lets you sit a degree or two warmer for the same comfort, for very little power.
Does a ducted system cost more to run than a split system?
Running a whole ducted system generally uses more energy than a single split system because it conditions far more space. The gap narrows a lot when you use zoning to cool only the rooms you are in. If you usually need to cool just one or two rooms, a split system is typically cheaper to run.
