Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Monthlong AC Test Reveals Delhi-NCR Cooling Costs
An air conditioner uses electricity whenever it cools a room.
The article tracked a 1.5-ton, 5-star inverter AC for 30 days.
It estimates that the AC uses about 1.2 electricity units every hour during heavy cooling.
Using it for eight hours each night may add about ₹2,304 to a monthly bill.
Using it for ten hours may raise the added cost to about ₹2,880.
The exact bill can vary because Delhi-NCR uses different electricity tariff slabs.
Setting the temperature to 24–26°C can help reduce electricity use.
Clean filters, Eco or Sleep mode, and regular servicing may also help the AC work more efficiently.
A 1.5-ton, 5-star inverter AC was tracked for 30 days using a smart energy meter.
The article estimates consumption at about 1.2 kWh per hour under heavy cooling loads.
Running the AC for eight hours daily uses about 288 units and costs approximately ₹2,304 monthly.
Ten hours of daily use could consume 360 units and cost around ₹2,880 at ₹8 per unit.
Suggested savings measures include setting 24–26°C, cleaning filters, using Eco or Sleep mode, and servicing the unit.
- Who
- The article’s writer, who tested a 1.5-ton 5-star inverter AC, and Delhi-NCR households using air conditioners.
- What
- A 30-day test and calculation of AC electricity consumption and monthly running costs, along with energy-saving advice and five recommended ACs.
- When
- The AC was tracked for 30 days during peak-summer conditions; the article assumes eight to ten hours of nightly use.
- Where
- Delhi-NCR, India.
- Why
- To estimate the real-world cost of running an AC and identify ways to reduce electricity consumption.
- Tested AC
- 1.5-ton, 5-star inverter split AC
- Tracking period
- 30 days using a smart energy meter
- Estimated hourly consumption
- About 1.2 kWh under heavy cooling loads
- Eight-hour daily use
- About 288 units and ₹2,304 per month
- Ten-hour daily use
- About 360 units and ₹2,880 per month
- Assumed electricity rate
- Approximately ₹8 per unit, including fixed charges and surcharges
- Recommended temperature
- 24–26°C
- Featured models
- Samsung, Carrier, LG, IFB and Voltas 5-star inverter ACs