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

VIC reference tariff · 27.5c/kWh

$0.27 per hour at 1,000 W

Typical use (6 h/day, 90 days a year at 1,000 W) ≈ $148/year on the Jemena rate.

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

Reverse-cycle heating cost in VIC at 6 h/day, 90 days/year (27.5c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (600 W)$0.16$0.99$30.06$89
Typical (1,000 W)$0.27$1.65$50.11$148
High (2,000 W)$0.55$3.30$100.21$297

Appliance running-cost calculator

VIC

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.

$0.27 per hour · $148/year at your settings
Per day (6 h)
$1.65
Per month
$50.11
Per year (90 days)
$148.34

Tariff: 27.5c/kWh — ESC Victorian Default Offer 2026–27 for the Jemena network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Daikin Cora specifications (via Wholesale Aircon). Full reverse-cycle heating costs in VIC →

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 VIC?
$0.27 at the typical 1,000 W draw on VIC's reference rate of 27.5c/kWh (Jemena network). Efficient models run $0.16, high-draw models $0.55.
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 in winter, mostly mornings and evenings; compressor draw rises in cold snaps.