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

VIC reference tariff · 27.5c/kWh

$1.10 per hour at 4,000 W

Typical use (6 h/day, 90 days a year at 4,000 W) ≈ $593/year on the Jemena rate.

Source: ESC Victorian Default Offer 2026–27, effective 1 July 2026

Ducted aircon cost in VIC at 6 h/day, 90 days/year (27.5c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (2,000 W)$0.55$3.30$100.21$297
Typical (4,000 W)$1.10$6.59$200.42$593
High (6,500 W)$1.79$10.71$325.68$964

Appliance running-cost calculator

VIC

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

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

$1.10 per hour · $593/year at your settings
Per day (6 h)
$6.59
Per month
$200.42
Per year (90 days)
$593.35

Tariff: 27.5c/kWh — ESC Victorian Default Offer 2026–27 for the Jemena network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Daikin ducted specifications (via Advanced Air). Full ducted aircon costs in VIC →

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 VIC?
$1.10 at the typical 4,000 W draw on VIC's reference rate of 27.5c/kWh (Jemena network). Efficient models run $0.55, high-draw models $1.79.
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 VIC's 2026–27 reference rate — change the assumptions in the calculator above.
Is the tariff here what I actually pay?
It's the ESC Victorian Default Offer 2026–27 usage rate for the Jemena network — the government reference. Your market offer may be a little under it; your zone may differ. See VIC 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.