Is air-conditioning expensive to run ?

The indoor section of a split-type system contains a low-noise fan and some electronic controls, and consequently has a low power consumption, comparable to that of a light bulb. The compressor within the outdoor section consumes the greater amount of electrical power, which is required to run during cooling (or heating) operation. Once the room has reached the desired temperature, the outdoor unit cycles off until the temperature within the room has deviated by two degrees, where it will then start again. With a correctly sized system, we would expect pretty equal on and off periods, and in turn have based the following calculation on a diversity factor of 50%.

This calculation has been based upon a small Panasonic split-type system having maximum power consumption of 1.12 kW, and a rated cooling capacity of 3.6 kW.

Example:-

Running cost = Maximum power consumption x Diversity factor x Current tariff

Running cost = 1.12 kW x 50% x 8.3 cents per kW hour

Running cost = 4.648 cents per hour.

This information, is of course, only provided as a guideline and is based on the prevailing rate charged by our electrical supplier at the time. Please check your own bills for your own current rates and then perform the above calculation again for a cost that relates to your own circumstances.

Apollo Air will happily provide you with the ratings and power consumption of any of the units that we install.