# What affects how much it costs to run an air conditioner? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) 4. What affects how much it costs to run an air conditioner? **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) - [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [What affects how much it costs to run an air conditioner?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/what-affects-air-conditioner-running-costs/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? Electrical faults explained](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/no-hot-water-electrical-checks/) - [What smoke alarms does Queensland require?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/queensland-smoke-alarm-requirements/) [Costs and finance](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/) - [How does interest-free finance work for home energy upgrades?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/interest-free-finance-home-energy-upgrades/) - [What affects the cost of a home battery in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/what-affects-home-battery-cost-brisbane/) - [Can I get compensation for a power outage in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/power-outage-compensation-energex/) - [How much does an electrician cost per hour in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/electrician-cost-brisbane/) - [What affects switchboard upgrade cost?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/switchboard-upgrade-cost/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) Running costs depend on your electricity plan, how long and how hard the unit runs, its efficiency and size, and your home. By Casey Midgley, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. What makes up the running cost? 2. How does my home change it? 3. Are inverter units cheaper to run? 4. How do I see what my unit uses? 5. Does regular servicing affect cost? 6. Can solar help? 7. What to note before you ask for advice 8. Who can advise on my home? 9. Frequently asked questions Air conditioner running costs depend on your electricity plan, how many hours the unit runs, the temperature you set, its efficiency, whether it is the right size, and how well your home keeps heat out. There is no single figure, so look at these factors and ask a licensed professional about your home. ## What makes up the running cost? An air conditioner uses electricity, so the cost is the power it draws multiplied by the hours it runs and the rate your electricity plan charges. Each part of that equation can vary a lot between homes. - **Your electricity plan.** Rates differ between retailers and between times of day, so the same unit can cost different amounts on different plans. Comparison sites say the plan is one of the biggest factors. - **Hours of use.** Running a unit for most of the day costs far more than running it for a couple of hours. - **The temperature you set.** The further you ask the unit to move the room from the outside temperature, the harder it works. - **Efficiency.** The energy rating label shows how well a model turns electricity into cooling or heating. - **Size.** An oversized or undersized unit can use more energy than a well-matched one. ## How does my home change it? Insulation, shading, curtains, window quality, and gaps around doors all affect how much heat leaks in or out. A well-sealed home with shade on the sunny windows needs less work from the unit. A hot west-facing room with no shade needs more. ## Are inverter units cheaper to run? Inverter units (those that adjust their speed rather than switching fully on and off) are generally more efficient than older fixed-speed units, which switch the compressor on and off at full power. Nearly all new split systems sold in Australia today are inverter types, though some older or portable models are not. When to get a licensed professional If your bills seem unusually high, or the unit is running constantly, it may be undersized or faulty and should be checked by an ARC-licensed technician. If the unit trips power, smells of burning, or shows smoke or sparks, stop using it, keep clear, and call 000 for fire or sparks. ## How do I see what my unit uses? The model’s energy rating label and specifications show its rated power and efficiency. Your electricity bill and the Energy Made Easy comparison service can help you understand your plan’s rates. Keep a note of how many hours you run the unit to understand your own pattern. Our guide on lights dimming when the air conditioner starts covers one related electrical issue. ## Does regular servicing affect cost? A system that is looked after according to the manufacturer’s guidance is more likely to keep running efficiently. Choice also suggests professional servicing every few years as part of keeping a split system in good order. ## Can solar help? If you have solar, running the air conditioner during daylight hours can use power your panels make. How much this helps depends on your system and usage. A licensed professional can explain what suits your home. ## What to note before you ask for advice 1. Record the use — Write down roughly how many hours a day the unit runs in summer and winter, and the temperature you set. 2. Gather the paperwork — Have the unit’s model label, energy rating label and a recent electricity bill on hand. 3. Photograph the labels — Photograph the labels without touching or opening the unit. What you can safely check Read your bill and the unit’s rating label, and use the remote or app as normal to set a comfortable temperature. Do not alter the unit or its wiring. ### Who can advise on my home? A licensed professional can look at the unit, the size, the insulation and your usage and suggest what to change. ## Frequently asked questions - It depends on the home, the unit and the weather. There is no single answer, so ask a licensed professional about your situation. - Inverter units are generally more efficient and quieter because they adjust speed. Most new split systems in Australia are inverter. - Comfort varies, but setting the temperature closer to the outside temperature means less work for the unit. - Yes. More stars generally means lower running costs for a model of similar size, if it is properly installed. [Learn about Air Conditioning](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/) Related services: [Ducted Air Conditioning](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/ducted-air-conditioning/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Australian Refrigeration Council](https://www.arctick.org/) - [Energy Rating (Australian Government)](https://www.energyrating.gov.au/) - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [Air conditioningWhat size air conditioner do I need for my room or home?The right kW size depends on room size, ceiling height, sun, insulation and layout, so a licensed professional should assess it.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/what-size-air-conditioner-do-i-need/) - [Air conditioningShould I choose a split system or ducted air conditioning?Split systems suit one or a few rooms, while ducted systems suit whole-home comfort if the roof or floor space allows, so get an on-site assessment.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/split-system-vs-ducted-air-conditioning/) - [Air conditioningHow often does an air conditioner need servicing?Many manufacturers and installers advise servicing every one to two years, but follow your manual and warranty and use a licensed technician.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/how-often-air-conditioner-servicing/) - [ElectricalWhy do my lights dim when the air conditioner starts?A brief dip when a big appliance starts can happen, but dimming that is getting worse, lasts or comes with other signs needs a licensed electrician.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/lights-dim-when-aircon-starts/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. What makes up the running cost? 2. How does my home change it? 3. Are inverter units cheaper to run? 4. How do I see what my unit uses? 5. Does regular servicing affect cost? 6. Can solar help? 7. What to note before you ask for advice 8. Who can advise on my home? 9. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/what-affects-air-conditioner-running-costs/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).