I tracked my AC’s electricity use for a month: Here’s what it really cost me

Summer heat in Delhi-NCR can make an air conditioner feel more like necessity and less like a luxury. With ACs running almost round the clock, figuring out how much that comfort adds to your electricity bill becomes more important than ever. However, figuring out just how much electricity does your AC consume isn't exactly AC. To find out, I tracked my 1.5-ton 5-star inverter AC’s daily power consumption for 30 days using a smart energy meter.

The numbers at the end of the month revealed exactly how much cooling costs in real-world local conditions. Assuming an average usage of 10 hours per night in peak summer, a modern 5-star inverter AC consumes roughly 1.2 kWh (units) per hour under heavy cooling loads. This means in a day, the AC consumes 12 units daily. For a month or 30 days, this number stands at 360 units.

In Delhi NCR, domestic power tariffs follow a slab system. Factoring in the upper-slab rate of roughly ₹8 per unit (including fixed charges and surcharges):

Monthly Cost: 360 units x ₹8 per unit = ₹2,880

If you are running your AC for around 8 hours daily, your monthly cost would stand at around ₹2,304.

Simply put, running a single 1.5-ton unit for 8-10 hours every night adds about ₹2,300 to ₹2,900 directly to your monthly bill. Here's a simple breakdown of the calculation:

How to reduce your AC bill

• Buy a 5-star rated AC: The first thing that you can do is to get a 5-star rated AC, which is more energy efficient than lower rated models.
• Set the AC to 24–26°C: Avoid setting the temperature to 18–20°C, while 24–26°C generally offers a good balance between comfort and efficiency.
• Clean the filters regularly: Dust-clogged filters restrict airflow and force the AC to work harder. Cleaning them every few weeks during heavy-use months can help maintain efficient cooling and lower your electricity bill.
• Use the AC’s Sleep or Eco mode: Using Eco Mode can automatically adjust cooling and compressor operation when you are asleep or when the room has reached the desired temperature. This helps in reducing unnecessary power consumption.
• Service the AC before and during the usage time: Get the indoor and outdoor units checked periodically. A dirty condenser, low refrigerant or poor airflow can reduce cooling efficiency and increase electricity consumption.

Now that we have all the information, here are the top five more energy efficient ACs for your home.

The Samsung Bespoke AI 1 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC has a clean, modern design with a digital panel display and 4-way swing for more even airflow. Its cooling system is built for harsh Indian summers, with Samsung claiming operation even at temperatures of up to 58°C. The 5-step Convertible mode lets users adjust cooling and power consumption, while AI Energy Mode can optimise usage based on operating patterns.

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers find the air conditioner to be of excellent quality with smooth installation and good value for money. The AC effectively cools and distributes air evenly throughout the space, while being energy efficient and impressively quiet during operation.

Why should you choose this product?

Buyers should choose this AC for its cooling performance and energy efficiency.

The Carrier ESTER EDGE GXi is a compact 1-ton inverter AC designed for efficient cooling in smaller rooms. Its Flexicool 6-in-1 technology lets you adjust cooling capacity according to usage. This AC also features a smart energy display, Wi-Fi connectivity and geo-fencing for convenient control. It can operate in ambient temperatures of up to 52°C, which makies it suitable for demanding Indian summers. It also gets a PM 2.5 filter and Dry Mode further improve indoor comfort.

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers find the air conditioner's installation good and appreciate its exceptional cooling performance. They also appreciate its low noise operations.

Why should you choose this product?

Buyers should choose this AC for its cooling performance and energy efficiency.

This LG AC has a clean white design with a hidden 88 display that keeps the front panel understated. Its 1.5-ton capacity is paired with AI Convertible 6-in-1 cooling, 4-way swing and VIRAAT Mode for faster cooling in extreme heat. The 100% copper condenser and Gold Fin+ protection are designed for durability, while the HD Filter with anti-virus protection adds to indoor comfort. This AC can cool comfortably in ambient temperatures of up to 55°C.

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers find the air conditioner energy efficient and appreciate its cooling performance. They also appreciate its low noise operations.

Why should you choose this product?

Buyers should choose this AC for its cooling performance, low noise operations and energy efficiency.

The IFB Fastcool features an ivory matte-finish design with a dual-temperature display and Wi-Fi-enabled smart controls. Its Hybrid Mode delivers faster initial cooling before switching to inverter operation, while the 8-in-1 Flexi Mode lets you adjust cooling capacity for better energy management. The HD Compressor is designed to cool even at temperatures up to 55°C.

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers find the air conditioner's cooling performance excellent, with one mentioning it chills through the entire room, and they consider it worth the price. The device is well-built and works amazingly.

Why should you choose this product?

Buyers should choose this AC for its cooling performance and energy efficiency.

This Voltas AC has a clean white design with a temperature display on the indoor unit. Its 6-in-1 convertible cooling modes let you adjust capacity based on room conditions, while AI-enabled cooling and 4-way swing help deliver more consistent airflow. The copper condenser is designed for durability, and Sleep Mode and Auto Clean add convenience.

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers find the air conditioner's cooling performance excellent. They also like its power management features and energy efficiency.

Why should you choose this product?

Buyers should choose this AC for its cooling performance and energy efficiency.

Top features of the best energy efficient ACs

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The Research

I’ve used and tested hundreds of ACs across price points and types. I’ve also been writing about consumer electronic devices and home appliances for over a decade.

To compile this guide, I’ve used at least a dozen ACs with 5 star rating and combed through Reddit pages that talk about their cooling technology, compressor and factors that impact their overall performance. Like all HT journalists, I review products with complete editorial independence and recommend products based on my learnings.

Disclaimer: Mint has an affiliate marketing partnership, which means we may get some commission on purchases you make through the retailer's site links provided. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, which is free from any bias or marketing pitch. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions. We recommend verifying details with the retailer before making a purchase.