Window AC Power Consumption: How to Save Energy and Reduce Electricity Bills
Window AC Power Consumption: Complete Guide to Units, Cost & Efficiency
As the summer months approach, the rising temperatures make a Window Air Conditioner an essential appliance in every Indian home. But before you decide to get one installed, it is important to know about the power consumption of a Window AC, the number of units it consumes hourly, and how it impacts your electricity bill.
In this thorough guide, we will discuss and explain the power consumption of a window AC unit on an hourly basis, the power consumption of Window AC units having different tonnage, and the impact of the BEE Star rating of a Window AC unit on its power consumption.
What is the Power Consumption of a Window AC?
The power consumption of a window air conditioner is the amount of electricity it uses while it is operating. It is measured in the following ways:
- In Watts (W) or Kilowatts (kW) – It is the direct power consumption.
- In Units (kWh) – It is the electricity used in an hour.
1 unit of electricity = 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh)
If your air conditioner uses 1.5 kW of electricity in an hour, then it uses 1.5 units of electricity in an hour.
Window AC Unit Consumption Per Hour
The window AC unit consumption per hour is largely dependent on the following factors:
- AC unit capacity (Ton)
- Star rating
- Room size
- Temperature setting
- Usage time
The following is a general estimate:
| AC Capacity | Approx Power Consumption Per Hour | Units Per Hour |
| 1 Ton | 900–1200 Watts | 0.9- 1.2 units |
| 1.5 Ton | 1400–1800 Watts | 1.4- 1.8 units |
| 2 Ton | 1800–2500 Watts | 1.8- 2.5 units |
These values may fluctuate depending on efficiency and brand.
Window AC Power Consumption According to the BEE Star Rating of Different Tonnage Models
In the tables given below, there is a comparison between BEE Star Rating, which will help you understand the Power Consumption of different Star Rating of:
1Ton 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 |
1.5 Ton Window 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 Window AC Models:
| Star Rating | Power Consumption | Units Per Hour | Annual Energy Consumption | Electricity Bill | Upfront Cost | Long-term Saving |
| 5 Star | Lowest | 1.8- 2.0 units | 1200- 1300 units | Least | Highest | Very High |
| 4 Star | Low | 2.0- 2.1 units | 1300- 1400 units | Lower | Slightly High | High |
| 3 Star | Moderate | 2.1- 2.2 units | 1400- 1500 units | Higher | Moderate | Moderate |
| 2 Star | Highest | 2.2- 2.4 units | 1500- 1650 units | Highest | Lowest | Low |
2.5 Ton Window AC Models:
| Star Rating | Power Consumption | Units Per Hour | Annual Energy Consumption | Electricity Bill | Upfront Cost | Long-term Saving |
| 5 Star | Lowest | 2.3- 2.5 units | 1500- 1600 units | Least | Highest | Very High |
| 4 Star | Low | 2.5- 2.6 units | 1600- 1700 units | Lower | Slightly High | High |
| 3 Star | Moderate | 2.6- 2.7 units | 1700- 1850 units | Higher | Moderate | Moderate |
| 2 Star | Highest | 2.7- 2.9 units | 1850- 2000 units | Highest | Lowest | Low |
If your daily usage is between 6 to 8 hours or more, a 5 Star Model will be the best choice for you whatever Tonnage Model you might choose, as it will save the best in long-term savings, while a 2 Star model will probably increase your electricity bills over a period of time.
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
The following are the factors that affect window AC power consumption:
- Room Size
A small AC has to work harder, thereby increasing its unit consumption.
- Insulation
A poorly insulated room allows the cold air to escape, thereby increasing the power consumption of the AC.
- Temperature Setting
The lower the temperature, the higher the power consumption.
- Maintenance
Dirty filters and coils result in an increase in the window AC unit consumption per hour.
- Climate Conditions
Hot and humid climates result in an increase in the compressor running time.
Tips for Reducing Power Consumption on Window AC
Here are some tips to reduce your electricity bill:
- Fix the temperature between 24-26°C
- Use a ceiling fan along with AC
- Clean filters after every 2-3 weeks
- Close doors and windows
- Use curtains to prevent direct sunlight
- Switch off the AC when not needed
Small adjustments can lead to a significant reduction in the power consumption of window ACs.
Window AC Expensive to Run?
Window ACs are relatively:
- Slightly cheaper to buy
- Slightly noisier
- Similar in electricity consumption for the same capacity as split AC’s
However, inverter split ACs may provide better energy efficiency.
Conclusion
Knowing the power consumption of window ACs will enable you to make a more informed purchase decision. Whether you are calculating the power consumption of a window AC per hour or comparing the power consumption of a 1.5 ton window AC to that of a 3-star window AC, the secret lies in efficiency and consumption patterns.
Before making a purchase, it is essential that you check the following:
- Star rating
- ISEER rating
- Wattage
- Estimated annual electricity consumption
A good window AC will not only provide you with effective cooling but will also help you keep your electricity bills in check.
Other AC Power Consumption Guides
At NoBroker, we provide detailed guides on AC power consumption to help you understand energy usage across different types of air conditioners, capacities, and star ratings. These resources make it easier to choose an energy-efficient AC and manage your electricity bills effectively.
Explore our other popular guides to make informed decisions about cooling.
AC Repair and Installation Services Across India
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We serve Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Ahmedabad.
Window AC Power Consumption: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is the window AC power consumption per hour?
Ans- The window AC power consumption per hour is generally between 0.9 to 1.8 units.
2. What is the window AC unit consumption per hour for 1.5 ton AC?
Ans- The window AC unit consumption per hour for 1.5 ton is approximately 1.4 to 1.8 units.
3. What is the power consumption of 1.5 ton window A per hour in watts?
Ans- It consumes 1400 to 1800 watts per hour.
4. How many units does a 1.5 ton window AC consume in a day?
Ans- It consumes 11 to 14 units per day when used for 8 hours.
5. What is the power consumption of 3-star window AC?
Ans- The power consumption of a 3-star window AC is generally slightly higher, ranging from 1.6 to 1.8 units per hour for 1.5-ton ACs.
6. Does the temperature setting affect the window AC power consumption?
Ans- Yes, setting a lower temperature increases power consumption significantly.
7. Is the power consumption of a window AC higher than that of a split AC?
Ans- Power consumption is similar for both, but inverter split ACs consume less electricity.
8. How can I reduce the power consumption of a window AC unit per hour?
Ans- Set your AC to 24-26°C, clean filters regularly, and properly insulate your room.
9. How much electricity does a 1-ton window AC consume?
Ans- A 1-ton window AC consumes 0.9 to 1.2 units of electricity per hour.
10. Does the star rating affect window AC power consumption?
Ans- Yes, a higher star rating indicates better power efficiency and lower electricity costs.