Split AC Power Consumption Explained: Units, Cost & Savings

Air conditioners are a necessity in most households in India, especially during the peak summer months. But before buying and using an air conditioner, it is important to know about split AC power consumption and how it affects your electricity bill.

In this guide, we will discuss the power consumption of various capacities and ratings, including 1 Ton, 1.5 Ton, 2 Ton, and 2.5 Ton air conditioners, 3 Star, 4 Star, and 5 Star air conditioners, and inverter air conditioners.

What is the Power Consumption of a Split AC?

Split AC Power Consumption is the amount of electricity (in watts or units/kWh) that the Split Air Conditioner consumes. The power consumption of the split air conditioner depends on the following factors:

• Capacity of AC (1 ton, 1.5 ton, etc.)
• BEE Star rating (3 star or 5 star)
• Inverter or non-inverter split air conditioner
• Size of the room and insulation
• Temperature and usage time

Split AC Unit Consumption Per Hour

Split AC unit consumption per hour is the number of units of electricity that the air conditioner consumes in one hour of its operation. One unit of electricity = 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh).

The actual consumption will depend on the following:

• Capacity of AC (1 ton, 1.5 ton, 2 ton)
• BEE Star rating (3 star, 2 star, 5 star)
• Inverter or non-inverter model
• The temperature settings of the AC and the room temperature.

The following is a general estimate:

AC Capacity	Approx Power Consumption Per Hour	Units Per Hour
1 Ton	800–1200 Watts	0.8- 1.2 units
1.5 Ton	1200–1700 Watts	1.2- 1.7 units
2 Ton	1600–2400 Watts	1.6- 2.4 units

These values may fluctuate depending on efficiency and brand.

Split AC Consumption of different Models according to Tonnage and BEEStar Rating

Here’s a detailed analysis of different tonnage Models of Split AC:

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

1.5 Ton Split AC Models:

Star Rating	Power Consumption	Units Per Hour	Annual Energy Consumption	Electricity Bill	Upfront Cost	Long-term Saving
5 Star	Lowest	1.2- 1.35 units	750- 850 units	Least	Highest	Very High
4 Star	Low	1.35- 1.5 units	850- 950 units	Lower	Slightly High	High
3 Star	Moderate	1.5- 1.7 units	950- 1050 units	Higher	Moderate	Moderate
2 Star	Highest	1.7- 1.9 units	1050- 1200 units	Highest	Lowest	Low

2 Ton Split AC Models:

Star Rating	Power Consumption	Units Per Hour	Annual Energy Consumption	Electricity Bill	Upfront Cost	Long-term Saving
5 Star	Lowest	1.6-1.8 units	1100- 1250 units	Least	Highest	Very High
4 Star	Low	1.8- 2.0 units	1250- 1400 units	Lower	Slightly High	High
3 Star	Moderate	2.0- 2.2 units	1400- 1550 units	Higher	Moderate	Moderate
2 Star	Highest	2.2-  2.4 units	1550- 1700 units	Highest	Lowest	Low

2.5 Ton Split AC Models:

Star Rating	Power Consumption	Units Per Hour	Annual Energy Consumption	Electricity Bill	Upfront Cost	Long-term Saving
5 Star	Lowest	2.0- 2.2 units	1400- 1550 units	Least	Highest	Very High
4 Star	Low	2.2 – 2.4 units	1550- 1700 units	Lower	Slightly High	High
3 Star	Moderate	2.4- 2.6 units	1700- 1850 units	Higher	Moderate	Moderate
2 Star	Highest	2.6-  2.8 units	1850- 2000 units	Highest	Lowest	Low

To calculate your Electricity Consumption, you can use the NoBroker AC Electric Consumption Calculator according to your AC Brand and your daily consumption to be sure which model may suit you the best.

Factors That Affect Window AC Power Consumption

However, even the most efficient air conditioner will consume more power if it is not used properly. The most important factors that influence the power consumption of an air conditioner are:

• Temperature Setting – Using the AC at 24-26°C will decrease power consumption.
• Room Size – Using the wrong tonnage of AC will increase power consumption.
• Maintenance – Using a dirty filter will increase power consumption.
• Insulation & Sunlight Exposure – If the insulation is poor, it will increase the cooling demand.
• Usage Hours – The longer the usage hours, the more units will be consumed in a month.

Maintenance of your AC can affect the power consumption as well as extends the life of your Air Conditioner, here NoBroker services can help you out, solving your problems and extending your AC’s life.

Difference Between Normal Split AC and Inverter Split AC

While selecting a split air conditioner, one of the most frequently asked questions is whether to purchase a normal split AC or an inverter split AC. The basic difference between the two is related to the functioning of the compressor and the power consumption of the device.

Let’s discuss the difference between the two in detail:

Compressor Working Technology

Non-Inverter Split AC

• The compressor operates at a constant speed.
• It switches ON and OFF alternately to keep the desired temperature.
• Each time it restarts, it consumes more power.

Inverter Split AC

• The compressor operates at varying speeds.
• It adjusts the power automatically without switching OFF completely.
• It keeps the temperature constant without frequent restarts.

This is the most prominent difference between an inverter split AC and a non-inverter split AC.

Power Consumption

Feature	Normal Split AC	Inverter Split AC
Compressor Speed	Fixed	Variable
Power Usage	High during restart	Optimized and stable
Electricity Consumption	Higher	Lower saves up to 20-30%

An inverter split AC generally consumes less electricity, especially if used for long hours daily.

Electricity Bill Effect

• Normal split AC: Consumes more units due to frequent compressor switching.
• Inverter split AC: Reduces the total unit consumption per hour after achieving the desired temperature.

If you use AC for 6-8 hours a day, an inverter split AC can greatly help cut down your electricity bills.

Cooling Effect

• Normal AC: There is a slight variation in temperature.
• Inverter AC: It maintains a constant temperature with precise cooling.

Inverter ACs ensure a smooth cooling experience without any sudden variations in cooling.

Noise Level

• Normal split AC: Slightly louder due to frequent compressor switching.
• Inverter split AC: Quieter and smoother.

Initial Cost

Normal split AC: Less expensive to buy.

Inverter split AC: More expensive to buy but more economical in the long run.

Which One Should You Buy?

Buy a normal split AC if:

• You use it for a shorter period (2-3 hours a day).
• You are on a tight budget.

Buy an inverter split AC if:

• You use your AC daily for an extended period.
• You want to cut down your electricity bills.
• You want a consistent cooling experience with less noise.

If you want a comparison between Split AC and Windows AC, check out the Window AC Complete guide.

Tips to Minimize Split AC Electricity Consumption

• Set the thermostat to 24°C or higher.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate cooled air.
• Close doors and windows.
• Clean filters every 2-3 weeks
• Opt for inverter and 5-star split ACs for heavy use.
• By following these easy tips, you can definitely cut down your electricity bills.

Is it Expensive to Run Split AC?

A split AC is not an expensive device to run, provided you select a split AC with a high star rating or inverter technology. In fact, a split AC is more energy-efficient than a standard window AC.

Electricity Consumption

For the same tonnage:

• 1 Ton Split AC → Approximately 0.8 to 1.2 units/hour
• 1.5 Ton Split AC → Approximately 1.2 to 1.7 units/hour
• 2 Ton Split AC → Approximately 1.6 to 2.4 units/hour

Inverter split ACs use the compressor at varying speeds once the desired temperature is achieved. This cuts down on the continuous power consumption and, consequently, electricity bills.

The actual power consumption of a split AC depends on:

• Star rating (3 Star vs 5 Star)
• ISEER rating
• Room size and insulation
• Temperature setting
• External heat conditions

Overall 

A split AC is more expensive to buy and install, but it is:

• More energy-efficient (especially inverter split ACs)
• Less noisy
• Suitable for long-hour usage

If you use a split AC judiciously and take proper care of it, it is not an expensive device to run and can even be more economical than a standard non-inverter window split AC.

Conclusion 

Knowledge about the power consumption of split ACs will enable you to make the right purchase decision and also help you to control your electricity bills effectively.

Whether you are comparing the power consumption of 1 ton split ACs, analyzing the hourly electricity consumption of 1 ton split ACs, or comparing the electricity consumption of 5 star split AC 1.5 ton models, you should always keep in mind the size of your room and usage pattern.

Inverters and 5-star split ACs are more efficient in the long run, especially when it comes to the Indian climate.

Selecting the right AC today will save you thousands of rupees annually on electricity bills.

Other Energy-Saving AC Guides

Understand how your AC’s type, capacity, and rating affect power consumption. Our guides make it easy to select efficient cooling solutions. Check out our other popular guides for more insights.

AC Power Consumption Guides
AC vs Cooler Power Consumption	3-Star vs 5-Star AC Power Consumption
Window AC Power Consumption	1 Ton AC Power Consumption
2 Ton AC Power Consumption	1.5 Ton AC Power Consumption
4-Star AC Power Consumption	3-Star AC Power Consumption

Split AC Power Consumption: FAQ’s

1. How many units of electricity does a split AC use in an hour?

Ans- A split AC uses 0.8 to 2 units of electricity in an hour.

2. What is the cost of running a 1-ton split AC for one hour?

Ans- The cost of running a 1-ton split AC in one hour is around ₹6 to ₹9, depending on the electricity tariff.

3.  How much does a 1.5-ton split AC cost to run in a day?

Ans- If it is used for 8 hours, it may cost ₹70 to ₹100 per day.

4. Does a 5-star split AC help cut down electricity bills?

Ans- Yes, a 5-star split AC uses less electricity and can help save up to ₹500 to ₹1,000 per month.

5. How many units of electricity does a split AC use in a night?

Ans- A split AC uses 6 to 12 units of electricity in 8 hours.

6. Is an inverter split AC an economical option to run?

Ans- Yes, inverter split ACs have the ability to vary the speed of the compressor and use 10-20% less power than non-inverter split ACs.

7. What are the factors that influence the power consumption of split AC?

Ans- Factors such as room size, temperature, star rating, insulation, and maintenance influence the power consumption of split ACs.

8. Does running the AC at 24°C help in saving electricity?

Ans- Yes, running the AC at 24-26°C will help in saving electricity.

9. What is the approximate monthly cost of running a split AC?

Ans- The approximate monthly cost of running a split AC is between ₹1,500 to ₹4,000, depending on usage and capacity.

10. Which split AC is most energy efficient?

Ans- The most energy-efficient split AC is a 5-star inverter split AC, which can be used for extended periods of time.