AC energy use and running costs: calculate without false savings promises
Cooling capacity is not electrical input. Estimating a bill requires energy used and your electricity price, not just the prominent kW cooling figure in a brochure.
A transparent example
If a measurement shows 3 kWh for a session and the applicable energy rate is €0.20/kWh, that energy costs €0.60. This is an example, not a tariff or the complete bill. Average electrical input multiplied by hours can give an estimate, but an inverter varies its operation; an instantaneous reading does not represent a whole night.
Comparing equipment and labels
SEER and SCOP describe seasonal cooling and heating performance under assessment conditions. They support careful comparisons, not fixed savings promises for every home. Compare capacity, climate and running hours; do not equate efficiency classes from different scales or portable and split consumption without considering installation.
Finding practical improvements
Manage solar gains, air leakage and filters as instructed. A fan can improve how the room feels but does not remove heat as a refrigeration system does. Do not box in an outdoor unit to shade it: clearances and airflow must remain suitable. Compare energy before and after changes under similar conditions to see whether they actually help.
Choose the next step
Use the symptom page to understand the likely causes. If the cause is still unclear, book a diagnosis before approving a repair.