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How much does it cost to run a split-system air conditioner (cooling)? (2026–27)

At typical draw · official state tariffs

$0.21–$0.31 per hour at 750 W

Typical household use — 6 h/day, 90 days a year at 750 W — runs $111–$170 a year depending on your state's tariff.

Wattage basis: Rated cooling power input: Daikin Cora 2.5 kW = 490 W, 3.5 kW = 810 W; TCL 2.5 kW = 675 W, 5 kW = 1,480 W.

Split-system aircon running cost by state at typical draw (2026–27 reference tariffs)
StateTariff c/kWhPer hourTypical year
New South Wales33.1c$0.25$134
Victoria27.5c$0.21$111
Queensland28.0c$0.21$113
South Australia41.9c$0.31$170
Western Australia33.3c$0.25$135
Tasmania28.0c$0.21$113
Australian Capital Territory37.0c$0.28$150
Northern Territory31.7c$0.24$128

Appliance running-cost calculator

NSW

Split-system aircon: 450–1,500 W typical range.

4–8 h/day in summer; inverter units modulate below their rated draw once the room is at temperature.

$0.25 per hour · $134/year at your settings
Per day (6 h)
$1.49
Per month
$45.33
Per year (90 days)
$134.21

Tariff: 33.1c/kWh — AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) for the Ausgrid network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Daikin Cora specifications (via Wholesale Aircon). Full split-system aircon costs in NSW →

Cutting the cost

Pick a moderate temperature and leave it there; chasing a colder room just runs the compressor harder for longer. Clean the filters often, and keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves and harsh afternoon sun so it can shed heat. In milder weather, try the "dry" or fan mode instead of full cooling, and close the curtains before the room has a chance to heat up.

Frequently asked questions

How is the running cost calculated?
Watts ÷ 1,000 × your electricity rate = cost per hour. A split-system aircon drawing 750 W on a 33.1c/kWh tariff costs $0.25 an hour — the calculator above lets you change every input.
Does a higher star rating cut the cost?
Yes — the star rating compresses the power draw or energy per use, which scales this page's figures directly. The low–high band in the table (450–1,500 W) roughly spans efficient to inefficient models.
Why does the state matter?
The appliance draws the same power everywhere — but each state's reference usage rate differs, so the same hour of running costs $0.21 in the cheapest state and $0.31 in the dearest. Pick your state above for exact figures.

Related

Sources — figures current as at 17 July 2026.

Costs use each state's representative-zone reference usage rate, effective 1 July 2026. 4–8 h/day in summer; inverter units modulate below their rated draw once the room is at temperature.