Air conditioners are essential for comfort specially in the hot and humid regions. But this home appliance can significantly affect your electricity bill and utility consumption. Understanding the power consumption of different aircon types and sizes can help you choose the correct air conditioner. Let’s have a detailed look at the consumption of various aircon systems, from 1 HP to central cooling systems.
| Aircon Type | Use Case | Power Consumption (kW/hour) |
| System 1 | Single room | 0.8 – 1.5 |
| System 2 | Two rooms | 1.5 – 2.5 |
| System 3 | Medium apartments | 2.5 – 3.5 |
| System 4 | Large homes | 3.5 – 5.0 |
| 1 HP Aircon | Small bedrooms | 0.75 – 1.2 |
| 2 HP Aircon | Medium rooms | 1.5 – 2.2 |
| 3 HP Aircon | Large spaces or small shops | 2.2 – 3.5 |
| 4 HP Aircon | Restaurants, office floors | 3.0 – 4.5 |
| 5 HP Aircon | Large halls, commercial use | 3.8 – 5.5 |
| 6 HP Aircon | Industrial or showroom use | 4.5 – 6.5 |
| Casement Aircon | Small rooms with sliding windows | 0.9 – 1.5 |
| Cassette Aircon | Offices, ceiling installation | 2.0 – 4.5 |
| Portable Aircon | Temporary or mobile cooling | 1.0 – 1.8 |
| Central Aircon | Whole buildings or large homes | 3.0 – 7.0+ |
| Inverter Aircon | Energy-efficient cooling | 30–50% less than non-inverter |
| Dry Mode (1 HP) | Dehumidifying with low power use | 0.4 – 0.7 |
System 1 Aircon Power Consumption
System 1 aircons consist of one outdoor unit connected to a single indoor unit. These are the most common type of aircon for bedrooms and small rooms. Their energy use depends on the energy tick rating ( for Singapore) and whether the unit uses inverter technology.
- 1 indoor + 1 outdoor unit
- Typically 1–2 HP
- Power usage: 0.8 – 1.5 kW/hour
- Suitable for single-room cooling
- More efficient if inverter type is used
System 2 Aircon Power Consumption
System 2 aircons have one outdoor unit connected to two indoor units. They’re ideal for cooling two rooms simultaneously and are popular in small apartments. The total power consumption depends on the combined HP of the indoor units.
- 2 indoor units
- Usually 2–3 HP total
- Power usage: 1.5 – 2.5 kW/hour
- Good for small homes or apartments
- Inverter versions offer better energy control
System 3 Aircon Power Consumption
System 3 air conditioners link one outdoor unit to three indoor units. They provide simultaneous cooling to three rooms. These systems are perfect for medium-sized households looking for energy-efficient multi-room cooling.
- 3 indoor units
- Typically 3–4 HP combined
- Power usage: 2.5 – 3.5 kW/hour
- Ideal for medium-sized homes
- Inverter technology reduces overall power draw
System 4 Aircon Power Consumption
System 4 aircons are built for larger homes with four indoor units powered by a single outdoor unit.
- 4 indoor units
- Usually 4–5.5 HP total
- Power usage: 3.5 – 5.0 kW/hour
- Efficient for large apartments or homes
- Smart control options can improve efficiency
1 HP Aircon Power Consumption
1 HP air conditioners, such as Daikin FTKF25AV1 (Inverter Split Type), are best for small bedrooms or office cubicles. They are cost-effective and consume less power, especially when using inverter models. Ideal for energy-conscious users in compact spaces.
- Cooling capacity: ~9,000 BTU
- Power usage: 0.75 – 1.2 kW/hour
- Low operational cost
- Perfect for small rooms
2 HP Aircon Power Consumption
2 HP air conditioners, such as Panasonic CS-XU18XKH (Inverter Wall-Mount), offer stronger cooling for medium-sized rooms or living areas. They consume more power but are still efficient with inverter technology.
- Cooling capacity: ~18,000 BTU
- Power usage: 1.5 – 2.2 kW/hour
- Suitable for living rooms or open areas
- Inverter models recommended for savings
3 HP Aircon Power Consumption
3 HP units, such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries SRK80ZMX-S split aircon, are commonly used in large spaces or small shops. They provide powerful cooling but require more energy and are best used with proper insulation.
- Cooling capacity: ~27,000 BTU
- Power usage: 2.2 – 3.5 kW/hour
- Ideal for large rooms or halls
- Use programmable timers to save energy
4 HP Aircon Power Consumption
4 HP aircons, such as Daikin RZR125MVM (Ceiling Cassette Inverter), are semi-commercial units used in wide spaces like restaurants or office floors. They have high power draw, so energy-saving modes are crucial.
- Cooling capacity: ~36,000 BTU
- Power usage: 3.0 – 4.5 kW/hour
- Suitable for commercial setups
- High cooling power, high operating cost
5 HP Aircon Power Consumption
A 5 HP aircon, such as Central System Split Type, is designed for larger commercial spaces. It consumes a significant amount of electricity and is rarely used in homes.
- Cooling capacity: ~45,000 BTU
- Power usage: 3.8 – 5.5 kW/hour
- Recommended for large halls or offices
- Choose inverter or energy-rated models
6 HP Aircon Power Consumption
6 HP aircons are heavy-duty systems for industrial or large commercial spaces. They provide powerful cooling but come with high electricity usage.
- Cooling capacity: ~54,000 BTU
- Power usage: 4.5 – 6.5 kW/hour
- Used in factories, showrooms, or hotels
- Not suitable for home use
Casement Aircon Power Consumption
Casement air conditioners, such as Carrier 42KFD060DS-703 (Ducted System), are designed for sliding or narrow windows. They’re compact but less energy-efficient compared to split systems of the same size.
- Power usage: 0.9 – 1.5 kW/hour
- Suited for small rooms
- Easy to install
- May be noisier than split units
Cassette Aircon Power Consumption
Cassette air conditioners are ceiling-mounted and distribute air evenly. Ideal for commercial spaces, they consume more power due to higher output.
- Power usage: 2.0 – 4.5 kW/hour
- Great for offices, shops, or meeting rooms
- Blends into ceiling design
- Usually part of a multi-split system
Portable Aircon Power Consumption
Portable air conditioners are convenient for temporary cooling needs. While easy to move, they are less efficient and tend to consume more energy per cooling unit.
- Power usage: 1.0 – 1.8 kW/hour
- No permanent installation needed
- Less efficient than split types
- Ideal for short-term or small-space use
Central Aircon Power Consumption
Central air conditioning systems cool entire buildings through ducts. They are efficient for large spaces but have high initial and running costs.
- Power usage: 3.0 – 7.0+ kW/hour
- Best for whole-house or commercial cooling
- Ducted design distributes air evenly
- High setup cost but efficient in long-term use
Inverter Aircon Power Consumption
Inverter air conditioners automatically adjust compressor speed to maintain room temperature, reducing energy usage compared to traditional models.
- Uses 30–50% less energy than non-inverter
- Example: 1.5 HP inverter unit uses 0.8 – 1.2 kW/hour
- Maintains stable room temperature
- Longer lifespan and quieter operation
Aircon Dry Mode Power Consumption
Dry mode of modern aircon removes humidity without aggressively cooling, resulting in lower power consumption. It’s ideal for humid climates with mild temperatures.
- Uses 30–50% less energy than cooling mode
- Example: 1 HP unit uses 0.4 – 0.7 kW/hour in dry mode
- Reduces moisture, not temperature
- Great for monsoon or damp seasons
FAQ
What is the most energy-efficient type of aircon?
Inverter air conditioners are generally the most energy-efficient because they adjust their compressor speed and avoid frequent on/off cycles.
Is dry mode better than cool mode for saving electricity?
Yes, dry mode uses less electricity since it mainly removes moisture without aggressively cooling the air.
Do portable air conditioners consume more energy?
Yes, portable aircons usually consume more electricity per unit of cooling and are less efficient compared to split or inverter units.
How can I reduce my aircon electricity bill?
Use inverter units, set temperatures between 24–26°C, clean filters regularly, and use sleep or eco modes whenever possible.
Conclusion
Aircon power consumption varies greatly depending on type, size, and technology. Whether you’re choosing a 1 HP unit for a bedroom or a system 4 for a large home, knowing the energy usage can help you make a smart and cost-effective decision. Always consider inverter models and proper sizing for maximum efficiency.
