Summer in India means one thing: AC bills that make you wince. But how much does your AC actually cost to run? Most people have no idea whether they’re spending ₹7 per hour or ₹15 — and that gap adds up to thousands per month.
Our AC Running Cost Calculator gives you the real numbers. Pick your AC tonnage, star rating, and state — and see your exact cost per hour, per day, and per month. We also show you how much you’d save by switching to an inverter AC or upgrading your star rating. No guesswork, just math.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select your AC tonnage (1 Ton, 1.5 Ton, or 2 Ton).
- Choose the star rating and AC type (Inverter or Non-Inverter).
- Set your daily usage hours and days per month.
- Select your state to auto-fill electricity rates, or enter a custom rate.
- Click “Calculate” to see your hourly, daily, monthly, and yearly AC running cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 1.5 ton AC cost per hour in India?
A 1.5 ton AC costs between ₹6 to ₹15 per hour depending on star rating and type. A 5-star inverter AC costs around ₹6-7/hour, while a 3-star non-inverter costs ₹10-14/hour. The exact cost depends on your state electricity rate.
Is a 5-star AC worth the extra price?
Yes, in most cases. A 5-star 1.5 ton inverter AC saves roughly ₹1,500-2,500 per month compared to a 3-star non-inverter running 8 hours daily. The extra ₹5,000-10,000 you pay upfront is recovered within 2-4 summer months.
Does inverter AC really save electricity?
Inverter ACs save 30-50% electricity compared to non-inverter models. They achieve this by running the compressor at variable speeds instead of switching it on and off repeatedly. The savings are most noticeable when you run the AC for 6+ hours daily.
What temperature should I set my AC to save electricity?
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) recommends 24 degrees Celsius. Every degree below 24 increases power consumption by about 6%. Setting AC to 26 degrees with a ceiling fan gives similar comfort to 22 degrees without a fan — and saves about 20% electricity.