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Cost to run a ducted air conditioner in Queensland (2026–27)

QLD reference tariff · 28.0c/kWh

$1.12 per hour at 4,000 W

Typical use (6 h/day, 90 days a year at 4,000 W) ≈ $604/year on the Energex rate.

Source: AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8), effective 1 July 2026

Ducted aircon cost in QLD at 6 h/day, 90 days/year (28.0c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (2,000 W)$0.56$3.36$102.05$302
Typical (4,000 W)$1.12$6.71$204.10$604
High (6,500 W)$1.82$10.91$331.66$982

Appliance running-cost calculator

QLD

Ducted aircon: 2,000–6,500 W typical range.

4–8 h/day across summer for a whole home; near-continuous in heatwaves.

$1.12 per hour · $604/year at your settings
Per day (6 h)
$6.71
Per month
$204.10
Per year (90 days)
$604.25

Tariff: 28.0c/kWh — AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) for the Energex network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Daikin ducted specifications (via Advanced Air). Full ducted aircon costs in QLD →

The same appliance in other states

Cutting the cost

Zone it. Only condition the rooms you're actually using, close the vents and doors elsewhere, and hold a moderate thermostat setting rather than blasting cold air. A gentle set-point costs far less to maintain than a chilly one, and running the fan on "auto" stops it circulating once the room is comfortable. Service the filters before summer so the system isn't fighting a clogged return.

Frequently asked questions

What does a ducted aircon cost per hour in QLD?
$1.12 at the typical 4,000 W draw on QLD's reference rate of 28.0c/kWh (Energex network). Efficient models run $0.56, high-draw models $1.82.
How is this calculated?
Watts ÷ 1,000 × the tariff = cost per hour, then × hours × days for the period figures. Every figure on this page uses QLD's 2026–27 reference rate — change the assumptions in the calculator above.
Is the tariff here what I actually pay?
It's the AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) usage rate for the Energex network — the government reference. Your market offer may be a little under it; your zone may differ. See QLD rates by zone.

Related

Sources — figures current as at 17 July 2026.

4–8 h/day across summer for a whole home; near-continuous in heatwaves.