Quick Summary: What You’ll Learn
- 🔌 Simple formulas to calculate AC electricity use
- 🌟 How star ratings affect your power bill
- 💡 Actionable tips to reduce consumption by 30%
- 📊 Real-world examples with cost calculations
- ❓ Answers to most common AC power questions

1. Understanding Your AC’s Power Needs (Key Concepts)
A. What Does “1 Ton” AC Mean?
- Definition: 1 Ton = 3.5 kW cooling power = Cools ~100-120 sq. ft.
- Common Sizes:
- 0.75 Ton (small rooms)
- 1.5 Ton (medium bedrooms)
- 2 Ton (large halls)
B. EER vs ISEER: The Efficiency Metrics
Metric | Applies To | What It Means | Good Range |
---|---|---|---|
EER | Regular ACs | Instant efficiency | 3.0-3.7 |
ISEER | Inverter ACs | Seasonal efficiency | 3.5-4.5+ |
Pro Tip: Higher number = More savings
2. The Power Calculation Formula (With Examples)
Basic Formula
Power (W) = Cooling Capacity (W) / [EER/ISEER]
Step-by-Step Example: 1.5 Ton AC
- Convert tons → 1.5 × 3,500W = 5,250W
- Find EER (assume 3-star: 3.1)
- Calculate: 5,250 ÷ 3.1 = 1,694W (1.69 kW)
Quick Reference Chart
AC Type | 1 Ton | 1.5 Ton | 2 Ton |
---|---|---|---|
3-star | 1,100W | 1,700W | 2,300W |
5-star Inverter | 800W | 1,200W | 1,600W |
How to Calculate Power Consumption for 1 Ton AC
Formula:
Power (W) = Cooling Capacity (3,500W) / EER or ISEER
Examples:
- 3-star Non-Inverter (EER 3.1):
3,500 / 3.1 = 1,129W (1.13 kW) - 5-star Inverter (ISEER 4.3):
3,500 / 4.3 = 814W (0.81 kW)
Quick Estimate:
- 3-star: ~1.1 kW/hour
- 5-star: ~0.8 kW/hour
How to Calculate Power Consumption for 1.5 Ton AC
Formula:
Power (W) = Cooling Capacity (5,250W) / EER or ISEER
Examples:
- 3-star Non-Inverter (EER 3.0):
5,250 / 3.0 = 1,750W (1.75 kW) - 5-star Inverter (ISEER 4.2):
5,250 / 4.2 = 1,250W (1.25 kW)
Quick Estimate:
- 3-star: ~1.7 kW/hour
- 5-star: ~1.2 kW/hour
How to Calculate Power Consumption for 2 Ton AC
Formula:
Power (W) = Cooling Capacity (7,000W) / EER or ISEER
Examples:
- 3-star Non-Inverter (EER 2.9):
7,000 / 2.9 = 2,414W (2.41 kW) - 5-star Inverter (ISEER 4.0):
7,000 / 4.0 = 1,750W (1.75 kW)
Quick Estimate:
- 3-star: ~2.3 kW/hour
- 5-star: ~1.6 kW/hour
Key Takeaways
- Ton to Watts: Multiply tonnage by 3,500 (e.g., 1.5 Ton = 5,250W)
- EER/ISEER Matters: Higher star rating = Lower power use
- Quick Estimates: Use the wattage values from the chart for approximations
Need Real-World Cost Estimates?
Daily Cost = Power (kW) × Hours × Electricity Rate
Example: 1.5T 5-star @ 8 hours, $0.10/kWh → 1.2 kW × 8 × 0.10 = $0.96/day.
3. What This Means for Your Electricity Bill
Monthly Cost Calculation
Cost = Power (kW) × {Hours/Day} × 30 × {Rate}
Example Scenario:
- 1.5 Ton 3-star AC
- 6 hours daily @ $0.09/unit (₹7/unit)
- 1.7 kW × 6 × 30 × 0.09=$27.54/month
Potential Savings:
- Switching to 5-star inverter: $8.10/month saved (₹630)
- Adding smart thermostat: Additional $4.13/month savings (15%)
Cost Comparison Table (Monthly)
AC Type | Daily Use | Cost (USD) | Cost (INR) |
---|---|---|---|
1.5T 3-star | 6 hours | $27.54 | ₹2,142 |
1.5T 5-star inverter | 6 hours | $19.44 | ₹1,512 |
With smart thermostat | 6 hours | $16.53 | ₹1,285 |
4. 5 Proven Ways to Reduce AC Power Use
- Temperature Optimization
- Ideal setting: 24-26°C
- Each degree lower → 6-8% higher consumption
- Smart Maintenance
- Clean filters monthly (15% savings)
- Annual professional servicing
- Complementary Cooling
- Use ceiling fans → Allows 2-3°C higher AC setting
- Install thermal curtains
- Upgrade Wisely
- Inverter vs non-inverter comparison
- Right-sizing your AC
- Usage Habits
- Pre-cool during off-peak hours
- Avoid frequent on/off cycles
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many units will my 1.5-ton AC use in 8 hours?
- 3-star: ~13.6 units
- 5-star inverter: ~9.6 units
Q2. Is it better to leave AC on all day?
- For inverter ACs: Yes, at moderate temperature
- For regular ACs: No, turn off when not needed
Q3. Do voltage stabilizers increase consumption?
- Good quality: No impact
- Old models: May add 3-5% load
Key Takeaways: What to Remember
- Always check EER/ISEER when buying
- 1 Ton ≈ 1,000W for quick estimates
- 5-star inverter ACs save 25-40% over 3-star
- Maintenance affects bills more than you think