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Cost to run a reverse-cycle air conditioner (heating mode) in Australian Capital Territory (2026–27)

ACT reference tariff · 37.0c/kWh

$0.37 per hour at 1,000 W

Typical use (6 h/day, 90 days a year at 1,000 W) ≈ $200/year on the Evoenergy rate.

Source: ICRC retail electricity price recalibration 2026–27 (ActewAGL standing offer), effective 1 July 2026

Reverse-cycle heating cost in ACT at 6 h/day, 90 days/year (37.0c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (600 W)$0.22$1.33$40.44$120
Typical (1,000 W)$0.37$2.22$67.40$200
High (2,000 W)$0.74$4.43$134.81$399

Appliance running-cost calculator

ACT

Reverse-cycle heating: 600–2,000 W typical range.

4–8 h/day in winter, mostly mornings and evenings; compressor draw rises in cold snaps.

$0.37 per hour · $200/year at your settings
Per day (6 h)
$2.22
Per month
$67.40
Per year (90 days)
$199.55

Tariff: 37.0c/kWh — ICRC retail electricity price recalibration 2026–27 (ActewAGL standing offer) for the Evoenergy network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Daikin Cora specifications (via Wholesale Aircon). Full reverse-cycle heating costs in ACT →

The same appliance in other states

Cutting the cost

Reverse-cycle is one of the cheapest ways to heat, but only if you run it well. Hold a steady, moderate set-point instead of overheating and then cracking a window. Warm the rooms you're in and shut the doors on the ones you aren't. Clean filters move heat better. If your plan has a cheaper overnight rate, take the chill off early rather than heating hard through the evening peak.

Frequently asked questions

What does a reverse-cycle heating cost per hour in ACT?
$0.37 at the typical 1,000 W draw on ACT's reference rate of 37.0c/kWh (Evoenergy network). Efficient models run $0.22, high-draw models $0.74.
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 ACT's 2026–27 reference rate — change the assumptions in the calculator above.
Is the tariff here what I actually pay?
It's the ICRC retail electricity price recalibration 2026–27 (ActewAGL standing offer) usage rate for the Evoenergy network — the government reference. Your market offer may be a little under it; your zone may differ. See ACT rates by zone.

Related

Sources — figures current as at 17 July 2026.

4–8 h/day in winter, mostly mornings and evenings; compressor draw rises in cold snaps.