Beat the heat without breaking the bank: A guide to your AC’s power consumption

As the summer heat kicks in, your AC becomes the perfect solution for staying cool and comfortable. So, whether it’s for a good night’s sleep or simply to make your work-from-home afternoon comfortable, your air conditioner becomes your go-to escape from the heat. But even as the cool air flows, there’s often one question running in the background – “How much electricity is this using?”

If you’ve ever paused to think about how much electricity your AC consumes, you’re already on the path to more energy-efficient and budget-conscious cooling. Getting a sense of how much power your 1.5-ton AC uses can help you make smarter decisions and save a bit on your electricity bill, too. So, let’s find out how much energy your 1.5-ton AC consumes and what factors influence its power usage.

Energy star ratings: What they actually mean

When looking at how much electricity a 1.5-ton AC uses, one of the first things to consider is the energy star rating. These ratings, provided by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), are a quick indicator of how efficiently an appliance uses power.

Simply put, the higher the star rating, the more efficiently the AC runs. A 5-star 1.5-ton AC is designed to consume less electricity than a 3-star or 2-star model, especially over long usage hours. For instance, a newer 5-star unit might consume around 1.2 to 1.5 units (kWh) of electricity per hour, while a lower-rated or older model could easily use approximately 1.5 to 1.8 units or more.

Usage habits: How often and for how long?

Beyond the star rating, your day-to-day usage habits also affect how much electricity your 1.5-ton AC uses. Someone using it for 3 to 4 hours a day during the evening will naturally see a lower bill than someone running it for 12 hours straight.

Also, the temperature you set plays a bigger role than most people realise. Running your AC at 18°C might feel great initially, but it puts extra pressure on the system and increases energy use. On the other hand, setting it at a moderate 24°C to 25°C helps maintain comfort while being far more energy efficient.

Why your room’s size, sunlight, and maintenance matter

Your AC doesn’t work in isolation; external conditions and upkeep play a big role in how much power it draws. If the room is too large, your 1.5-ton AC needs more time and energy to cool it effectively. Additionally, direct sunlight and extra heat from appliances can also add to the load. Moreover, clogged filters and coils from a lack of maintenance force your AC to work harder, which increases consumption over time. Therefore, regular servicing and choosing the right room setup can help keep electricity usage in check.

A 1.5-ton AC can make a huge difference in your comfort during peak summer. And while it does add to your power usage, how much it costs you depends on how smartly you use it. Factors like the AC’s energy rating, daily runtime, temperature setting, and general upkeep all play a part. By being a little more aware of these elements, you can enjoy a cooler home without worrying about electricity consumption.