1 Ton AC Power Consumption: Complete Guide to Electricity Usage, Per Hour & Per Day
In the case of buying an air conditioner, especially for a bedroom or office, a 1-ton capacity air conditioner is usually the first choice for most people. However, before buying one, most people need information on the consumption of a 1 ton AC, how much power it consumes every hour, and the monthly cost.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about 1 ton AC’s electricity usage, including star rating, inverter types, and daily usage.
What Does 1 Ton Mean in an AC?
A 1 ton air conditioner denotes the capacity of the air conditioner, not the weight. This kind of air conditioner suits rooms of up to 120-150 sq. ft. Generally, the capacity of the air conditioner and the power consumption of the air conditioner are two entirely different concepts. For the power consumption of a 1 TR AC, we need to check the wattage and efficiency of the AC.
Cooling Capacity in Watts vs. Power Consumption Watts
It is important to understand the difference between cooling capacity and power consumption. The cooling capacity of a 1 Ton AC is exactly 3,516 watts (or 12,000 BTU). However, this does not mean the AC consumes 3,516 watts of electricity. Thanks to modern compressor efficiency, a 1 Ton AC only needs to draw a fraction of that in electrical power to produce that cooling effect.
1 Ton AC Wattage: How Many Watts Does a 1 Ton AC Use?
So, exactly how many watts does a 1 ton AC use? Depending on the BEE star rating and whether it is an inverter or non-inverter model, a 1 Ton AC wattage typically ranges from 800 watts to 1,200 watts. A highly efficient 1 Ton 5-star inverter AC might run on as little as 800W, while an older 3-star non-inverter window AC will draw closer to 1,100W or 1,200W of power.
1 Ton AC Power Consumption Per Hour
On average:
- A non-inverter connected 1-ton air conditioner uses 0.9-1.2 units of electricity per hour.
- The inverter model has a consumption rate of 0.7-1.0 units/hour, depending on usage.
Thus, the normal 1 ton AC power consumption per hour varies between 900 to 1200 watts.
The actual consumption depends on:
- Star rating
- Inverter vs non-inverter technology
- Room insulation
- Outdoor temperature.
- Temperature setting
1 Ton Inverter AC Power Consumption Per Hour
An inverter AC is designed to be highly energy-efficient. Instead of turning the compressor on and off, it adjusts the motor speed based on the room’s temperature. Because of this, the 1 Ton inverter AC power consumption per hour drops significantly once the room is cooled, averaging just 0.7 to 0.9 units per hour during continuous operation.1 Ton AC Power Consumption Per Day
In order to determine the consumption of 1 ton AC power in a day, we multiply the usage of the AC by the running hours a day.
Example:
If the unit itself consumes 1 unit/hour and is operating for 8 hours, then
1 x 8 = 8 units/day
If the cost is ₹8 per unit:
8 x ₹8 = ₹64 per day
1 Ton 5 Star AC Power Consumption
The power consumption of a 1-ton 5-star AC is substantially less than that of a 3-star.
- Average consumption: 0.7 to 0.8
- Annual savings: 15-25% less than 3 star AC
If your AC runs for 8 hours each day, the variation in your electricity bill may be noticeable.
1 Ton 3 Star Inverter AC Power Consumption
To average out a per-hour power consumption for a 1 ton 3 star inverter AC:
0.8–1.0 units per hour
Although it consumes slightly more than the 5-star model, its inverter technology helps consume less power by controlling the speed of the compressor according to the need.
1 Ton AC Power Consumption Per Month & Estimated Bill
To find your 1 ton AC electricity bill per month in India, simply multiply your daily cost by 30 days.
Using the example above (₹64 per day):
₹64 x 30 = ₹1,920 per month.
Keep in mind that electricity tariffs vary by state in India (usually ranging from ₹5 to ₹10 per unit). If you live in a city with a ₹6/unit tariff and use a 5-star AC for 8 hours a day, your monthly bill could be as low as ₹1,000 to ₹1,200.
1 Ton AC Power Consumption of different BEE Ratings
1 Ton Window AC Models:
| Star Rating | Power Consumption | Units Per Hour | Annual Energy Consumption | Electricity Bill | Upfront Cost | Long term Saving |
| 5 Star | Lowest | 0.9- 1.0 units | 600- 700 units | Least | Highest | Very High |
| 4 Star | Low | 1.0- 1.1 units | 700- 800 units | Lower | Slightly High | High |
| 3 Star | Moderate | 1.1- 1.2 units | 800- 900 units | Higher | Moderate | Moderate |
| 2 Star | Highest | 1.2- 1.3 units | 900- 1000 units | Highest | Lowest | Low |
1 Ton 5 Star AC Power Consumption
The power consumption of a 1-ton 5-star AC is substantially less than that of a 3-star.
- Average consumption: 0.7 to 0.8
- Annual savings: 15-25% less than 3 star AC
If your AC runs for 8 hours each day, the variation in your electricity bill may be noticeable.1 Ton 3 Star Inverter AC Power Consumption
To average out a per-hour power consumption for a 1 ton 3 star inverter AC:
0.8–1.0 units per hour.
Although it consumes slightly more than the 5-star model, its inverter technology helps consume less power by controlling the speed of the compressor according to the need.
1 Ton 3 Star vs 5 Star AC Power Consumption: Which is Better?
When comparing a 1 ton 3 star vs 5 star AC, the 5-star model uses about 15% to 20% less electricity. If you run your AC for more than 6-8 hours daily (especially during peak summers), a 5-star AC is the better investment. However, if your usage is minimal (2-3 hours a day), a 3-star AC makes more sense as it has a lower upfront purchase cost, and the electricity savings of a 5-star won’t justify the higher price tag.
1 Ton Split AC Power Consumption
The power consumption of a 1 ton Split AC depends on the AC’s model type:
- Non Inverter Split AC uses 1.0- 1.2 units per hour.
- Inverter Split AC uses 0.7- 1.0 units per hour.
Generally speaking, Split AC is much more energy-efficient than a window AC, particularly an inverter type.
1 Ton Split AC Models:
| Star Rating | Power Consumption | Units Per Hour | Annual Energy Consumption | Electricity Bill | Upfront Cost | Long term Saving |
| 5 Star | Lowest | 0.8- 1.0 units | 550- 650 units | Least | Highest | Very High |
| 4 Star | Low | 0.9- 1.1 units | 650- 750 units | Lower | Slightly High | High |
| 3 Star | Moderate | 1.0- 1.2 units | 750- 850 units | Higher | Moderate | Moderate |
| 2 Star | Highest | 1.1- 1.3 units | 850- 950 units | Highest | Lowest | Low |
1 Ton AC Power Consumption Per Day
In order to determine the consumption of 1 ton AC power in a day, we multiply the usage of the AC by the running hours a day.
Example:
If the unit itself consumes 1 unit/hour and is operating for 8 hours, then
1 x 8 = 8 units/day
If the cost is ₹8 per unit:
8 x ₹8 = ₹64 per day
Monthly cost (30 days):
₹64 x 30 = ₹1,920
This gives a rough estimate of 1 ton of AC electricity consumption per day and per month.
How to Calculate 1 Ton AC Electricity Consumption
Use this simple formula:
- Wattage ÷ 1000 x Number of Hours = Units Consumed
For example:
- 1000 watts / 1000 = 1 unit per hour
Running for 6 hours:
- 1 x 6 = 6 units per day. This technique will allow you to calculate an estimate of the actual 1 ton AC power utilization.
If you don’t want the hassle of all the calculations, you can simply use NoBroker AC Electric Consumption Calculator.
Factors Affecting the Power Consumption of 1 TR AC
Even with the same tonnage, many variables will make the consumption of electricity different due to:
- Setting the thermostat accordingly – preferably 24 to 26°C
- Room size
- Exposing to direct sunlight
- Ceiling height
- Maintenance and servicing
- Installation quality
Its power consumption can be lessened drastically, but for that, it requires proper maintenance over time for a 1-ton split AC.
Tips to Reduce 1 Ton AC Power Consumption
- Set the temperature at 24–26°C
- Use a ceiling fan with AC
- Keep doors and windows closed
- Clean filters regularly
- Choose 5-Star Inverter Models
- Schedule Professional Servicing
These steps will help reduce your daily and monthly electricity bills.
Conclusion
Knowing the consumption of 1 ton of AC power will help you make an informed decision while purchasing an AC. On average, a 1 ton AC unit consumes between 0.7 to 1.2 units per hour. If your priority is saving on energy consumption, a 5-star model of an inverter is the best choice. The initial cost may be higher, but the savings on 1-ton AC electricity consumption are worth it. It is always important to compare annual energy consumption ratings before making a purchase.
Additional AC Power Consumption Guides
At NoBroker, we offer detailed guides on AC power consumption to help you understand energy usage across different AC types, capacities, and star ratings. These resources make it easier to choose an energy-efficient AC and manage your electricity bills.
Explore our other popular guides to make informed decisions about cooling.
Brand-Wise AC Power Consumption Guide
1 Ton AC Power Consumption: FAQ’s
1. What is the 1 ton AC power consumption per hour?
Ans- It is between 0.7 and 1.2 units per hour, depending on the model.
2. How much is 1 ton AC power consumption per day?
Ans- If the AC is used for 8 hours, it consumes around 6-8 units per day.
3. What is 1 ton 5 star AC power consumption?
Ans- Approximately 0.7–0.8 units hourly.
4. What is the power consumption of 1 ton 3 star inverter AC per hour?
Ans- Around 0.8-1.0 units hourly.
5. How to calculate the power consumption of 1 TR AC?
Ans- Divide wattage by 1000 and multiply by running hours.
6. What is 1 TR?
Ans- 1 TR (1 Ton of Refrigeration) is the amount of heat required to melt 1 ton (1000 kg) of ice in 24 hours. Basically 1 TR AC = 1 Ton AC
7. Does an inverter AC reduce electricity consumption?
Ans- Yes, inverter models vary compressor speeds and reduce electricity consumption.
8. What is 1 ton split AC power consumption?
Ans- Between 0.7 and 1.2 units per hour based on efficiency rating.
9. Is a 5 star AC worth buying?
Ans-Yes, it provides lower long-term electricity bills.
10. How many units does a 1-ton AC consume monthly?
Ans- Approximately 180 to 240 units for a daily usage of 8 hours.
11. Does the temperature setting affect electricity consumption?
Ans- Yes, lower temperatures increase power usage significantly.
12. What is the 1 Ton AC electricity bill per month in India?
Ans- Depending on your city’s electricity tariff and AC star rating, running a 1 Ton AC for 8 hours a day will cost approximately ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 per month.
13. How many watts is a 1 Ton AC?
Ans- A 1 Ton AC typically consumes between 800 watts (for a highly efficient 5-star inverter model) and 1,200 watts (for a standard 3-star non-inverter model).
14. Is there a 1 Ton AC watt calculator?
Ans- Yes, you can use the NoBroker AC Electric Consumption Calculator to input your exact AC wattage, daily running hours, and local electricity rate to find your precise daily and monthly bill.