Watts to kWh
kWh = (W ÷ 1,000) × hours × load factor. Multiply kWh by your electricity price to estimate energy cost.
❄️ Worked example
How much electricity does an air conditioner use?
Record setpoint and outdoor temperature alongside kWh. Replace example inputs with your own usage pattern.
5.04 kWhper day of use
30.24 €per month at 0.20 €/kWh
Worked example
1200 W × 7 h/day × 60 % load factor × 30 days.
151.20 kWh/month · 362.88 €/year
This is an energy-only estimate. Your bill can also include standing charges, taxes and other household consumption.
Typical reference range
Use the label, manual or manufacturer data for your exact model whenever possible.
| Type or situation | Indicative reference |
|---|---|
| Small efficient unit | 500–800 W |
| Typical domestic split | 800–1,500 W |
| Large unit / multisplit | 1,500–3,000+ W |
What changes the result?
Rated watts are only one part of the calculation.
Measure when possible
Thermostats, compressors, inverter control and programmes can make real consumption lower or higher than a simple maximum-power estimate.
Practical checks
- Use a sensible set point and avoid large temperature swings.
- Clean accessible filters regularly.
- Measure over several hours because inverter systems modulate.
Compare more appliances
Return to the appliance library or use the general electricity calculator for any device.
NEXT STEP
Keep exploring
BRICODATO · PRACTICAL CHECK
Check the real energy use of your air conditioner
Cooling capacity is not the same as electrical input. Record the input power, outdoor temperature, thermostat setting and operating hours so two days can be compared fairly. Inverter systems modulate: maximum rated electrical watts need not be drawn for every hour switched on.
Checklist to reproduce the comparison
- Record setpoint and outdoor temperature alongside kWh.
- Compare similar days and rooms with comparable operating conditions.
- Use suitable whole-session energy readings when available.
The figures elsewhere on this page are illustrative assumptions, not a measured average for every model. Use the label, your actual cycle count and safely collected kWh readings.