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Cost to run a reverse-cycle air conditioner (heating mode) in South Australia (2026–27)

SA reference tariff · 41.9c/kWh

$0.42 per hour at 1,000 W

Typical use (6 h/day, 90 days a year at 1,000 W) ≈ $226/year on the SA Power Networks rate.

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

Reverse-cycle heating cost in SA at 6 h/day, 90 days/year (41.9c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (600 W)$0.25$1.51$45.87$136
Typical (1,000 W)$0.42$2.51$76.44$226
High (2,000 W)$0.84$5.03$152.89$453

Appliance running-cost calculator

SA

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.

$0.42 per hour · $226/year at your settings
Per day (6 h)
$2.51
Per month
$76.44
Per year (90 days)
$226.32

Tariff: 41.9c/kWh — AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) for the SA Power Networks network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Daikin Cora specifications (via Wholesale Aircon). Full reverse-cycle heating costs in SA →

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 SA?
$0.42 at the typical 1,000 W draw on SA's reference rate of 41.9c/kWh (SA Power Networks network). Efficient models run $0.25, high-draw models $0.84.
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 SA'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 SA Power Networks network — the government reference. Your market offer may be a little under it; your zone may differ. See SA 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.