Aircon Consumption & Cost Calculator
See exactly how much your aircon adds to your Meralco bill each month. Compare inverter vs non-inverter savings, hours used, and AC sizes — based on real Philippine wattage data.
❄️ 0.5 HP to 2.5 HP supported
🔌 Inverter vs Non-Inverter
💸 Estimated monthly + yearly cost
Your Aircon
Check the spec sticker on your unit
Inverter uses 35-45% less than non-inverter
Usage
Average daily aircon hours
Hot months: 30; Cooler months: less
Default ₱11.39/kWh. Check your Meralco bill for your exact rate.
Compare with
See savings from reducing daily hours
See savings from upgrading AC type
Monthly Aircon Cost
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0 kWh/month
Power consumption0 W
Hours per month0 hrs
kWh per month0 kWh
Cost per hour₱0.00
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How aircon electricity cost is calculated
Your aircon’s monthly cost depends on three things: its wattage (how much power it draws), how many hours it runs, and your Meralco rate. We use real-world Philippine wattages from spec sheets of common AC models — adjusted for typical compressor cycling patterns on inverter units.
Aircon cost formula
Monthly Cost = (Watts × Hours/day × Days/month) ÷ 1,000 × ₱/kWh
Average wattage by AC type (Philippine market)
| HP | Window Non-Inverter | Window Inverter | Split Non-Inverter | Split Inverter (avg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 HP | 550 W | 380 W | 480 W | 320 W |
| 0.75 HP | 800 W | 550 W | 750 W | 480 W |
| 1.0 HP | 1,080 W | 750 W | 920 W | 600 W |
| 1.5 HP | 1,600 W | 1,100 W | 1,450 W | 950 W |
| 2.0 HP | 2,150 W | 1,500 W | 1,950 W | 1,250 W |
| 2.5 HP | 2,650 W | 1,850 W | 2,400 W | 1,550 W |
Inverter wattages represent average power draw across a typical cycle. Inverters ramp up to full power when reaching target temperature, then idle at 30-50% of rated wattage to maintain — saving roughly 35-45% over non-inverters during normal use.
How to lower your aircon bill
- Set temperature to 25°C or higher — every degree below 25°C adds about 6% to compressor energy. 22°C costs roughly 20% more than 25°C.
- Use sleep mode at night — most ACs raise the set temperature by 1-2°C over 7-8 hours, cutting overnight power use by 10-15%.
- Clean filters monthly — clogged filters force the compressor to run harder. Saves 5-15% on bills.
- Close curtains during the day — direct sunlight through windows adds 10-20% to cooling load.
- Use a fan alongside aircon — circulating air lets you set the AC 2°C higher with the same comfort.
- Don’t leave AC on when you leave — turning it back on uses less than leaving it running for 4+ hours away.
- Replace 10+ year old units — modern inverters use 40% less than 10-year-old non-inverters of the same HP.
Inverter vs Non-Inverter: When does upgrading pay off?
An inverter AC typically costs ₱8,000–₱15,000 more upfront than the equivalent non-inverter. For a 1.0 HP unit running 8 hours/day at ₱11.39/kWh:
- Non-inverter Window: ~₱2,955/month, ~₱35,460/year
- Split Inverter: ~₱1,640/month, ~₱19,680/year
- Annual savings: ~₱15,780
At those numbers, an inverter pays back its premium in under a year of heavy use. For light use (3-4 hours/day), payback stretches to 2-3 years — still worthwhile over the unit’s 10-year lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to run a 1.0 HP aircon overnight?
A 1.0 HP non-inverter split (920W) running 8 hours costs about ₱84 per night at ₱11.39/kWh (7.4 kWh × ₱11.39). An inverter equivalent costs about ₱55 per night. Window-type non-inverter sits in the middle at about ₱98/night.
Does turning AC off and on use more electricity than leaving it running?
It depends on how long you’re gone. The startup surge is brief (under 1 minute at compressor lock-rotor amps). If you’re leaving for more than 30-60 minutes, turning off saves energy. For an inverter that ramps up gradually, this break-even is even shorter — the steady-state idle consumption usually exceeds the startup cost after 15 minutes.
Why is my actual aircon bill higher than this calculator says?
A few possible reasons: (1) your specific unit’s wattage is higher than the average we use, (2) you’re running it at a colder set temperature (which keeps the compressor running longer), (3) leaking refrigerant or dirty filters force longer cycles, (4) you might be running other heavy appliances on the same Meralco bill. Check the spec sticker on the side of your unit for exact wattage.
What’s the difference between rated wattage and actual consumption?
Rated wattage is the maximum power your AC draws (compressor at full capacity). Actual consumption is lower because the compressor cycles on and off. For non-inverters, average consumption is 80-90% of rated. For inverters, average is 50-65% of rated wattage during typical operation. This calculator uses average power, not peak.
How accurate is this calculator?
Within ±15% of your actual cost for typical conditions. Wide variances come from set temperature (22°C vs 25°C is ~20% different), room insulation, outdoor temperature, frequency of door/window opening, and unit age. For the most accurate reading, check the wattage label on your AC and your last 3 months of Meralco bills.
Is it cheaper to use 2 small ACs or 1 large one?
Generally one larger AC is more efficient if it serves a single open space. Two smaller units are better when cooling separate rooms — you can turn off the one you’re not using. A 2.0 HP unit doesn’t use exactly 2× the energy of a 1.0 HP, but about 1.7-1.9× since larger compressors are slightly more efficient per BTU.
Are there energy efficiency ratings I should look for?
Yes. Look for the Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) sticker on the unit. Higher EER = more cooling per watt. For window-type, look for EER ≥ 10. For split inverter, look for EER ≥ 12 (or Cooling Seasonal Performance Factor, CSPF, ≥ 4.5). High-EER units cost 20-30% more upfront but save that back in 2-3 years.
Can I run aircon on solar?
Yes, but properly sized. A 1.0 HP aircon needs a solar system that can deliver ~1.5 kW peak (panels + inverter + optional battery). At Philippine prices, a grid-tied 3-4 kWp solar system (₱150,000-₱220,000 installed) covers all daytime AC use plus other appliances. Combined with Meralco’s net metering program, you can credit excess generation back to your account.
For estimation only. Actual consumption depends on AC model, room conditions, set temperature, and outdoor climate. Check your unit’s spec sticker for exact wattage.