More Malaysians are noticing higher electricity bills in recent years, particularly during the warmer months. Air conditioners are a major contributor. However, what is the true electricity consumption of an air conditioner in Malaysia, and how can the cost be controlled?
Let’s break it down using real-life usage patterns along with the newly implemented TNB 2025 electricity tariffs. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to calculate your aircond electricity cost, plus practical tips to help you save energy and reduce your monthly bill.
Understanding AC Electricity Consumption
Does an air conditioner consume a lot of electricity? An air conditioner’s electricity use depends on several factors, mainly:
- Horsepower (HP): A 1.0 HP unit typically consumes around 860 watts (0.86 kW) per hour.
- Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) or Cooling Seasonal Performance Factor (CSPF): Higher numbers mean better efficiency.
- Inverter vs Non-Inverter ACs: Inverter models adjust power dynamically, using significantly less electricity over time.
⚡ New TNB Electricity Tariff (Effective 1 July 2025): What You Need to Know
Starting 1 July 2025, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has rolled out a revised electricity tariff structure for residential users under the Regulatory Period 4 (RP4). Your monthly electricity bill will now reflect a few new categories of charges, replacing the older tiered system.
But don’t worry, let’s break it down in a simple way so you can understand what you’re paying for.
🔌 Breakdown of Electricity Charges (Per kWh)
Your total electricity cost now consists of three main components:
| Category | If usage ≤ 1,500 kWh/month | If usage > 1,500 kWh/month |
|---|---|---|
Energy Charge |
27.03 sen/kWh |
37.03 sen/kWh |
Capacity Charge |
4.55 sen/kWh |
4.55 sen/kWh |
Network Charge |
12.85 sen/kWh |
12.85 sen/kWh |
💰 Total |
44.43 sen/kWh |
54.43 sen/kWh |
💡 The energy charge depends on how much electricity you consume in a month. Higher usage means a higher energy rate.
🧾 Other Charges You Might See in Your Bill
- Retail Charge:
RM 10/month (waived if your monthly usage is 600 kWh or below)
- AFA (Automatic Fuel Adjustment):
Replaces the former ICPT. Adjusted monthly (± up to 3 sen/kWh) based on global fuel prices.
For July 2025, AFA is 0.00 sen/kWh.
- EEI (Energy Efficiency Incentive):
If you use less than 1,000 kWh/month, you’re eligible for a rebate.
You could save up to 25 sen/kWh, depending on your consumption level.
🕒 Optional Time-of‑Use (ToU) Tariff (Available to Smart‑Meter Residential Customers)
Smart meter users can opt into the Time-of-Use (ToU) plan, which charges different rates depending on the time of day.
For households consuming ≤ 1,500 kWh/month:
For households consuming > 1,500 kWh/month:
| Time / Period | Rate |
|---|---|
Peak (2PM–10PM, Weekdays) |
28.52 sen/kWh |
Off-Peak
(10PM–2PM, Weekdays + All Weekends/Public Holidays) |
24.43 sen/kWh |
| Time / Period | Rate |
|---|---|
Peak |
38.52 sen/kWh |
Off-Peak |
34.43 sen/kWh |
For households consuming ≤ 1,500 kWh/month:
| Time / Period | Rate |
|---|---|
Peak |
38.52 sen/kWh |
Off-Peak |
34.43 sen/kWh |
For households consuming > 1,500 kWh/month:
| Time / Period | Rate |
|---|---|
Peak (2PM–10PM, Weekdays) |
28.52 sen/kWh |
Off-Peak
(10PM–2PM, Weekdays + All Weekends/Public Holidays) |
24.43 sen/kWh |
🧾 Note: The capacity charge, network charge, AFA, and retail charge still apply on top of ToU rates.
💸 Estimate Your Monthly Aircond Electricity Cost (2025 Tariff)
Wondering how much your aircond is adding to your electricity bill? With the latest TNB tariff, it’s more important than ever to track your energy usage, especially if you rely on air conditioners daily.
To make things easier, try our free Air Conditioner Electricity Cost Calculator. This tool helps you:
💡 Estimate your monthly electricity cost based on your AC’s horsepower (HP) or BTU
⏱️ Input your daily usage hours to get personalized results
⚡ Understand how your usage aligns with the latest TNB 2025 blended tariffs
📉 Discover potential savings by comparing inverter vs. non-inverter units
Whether you’re planning to install a new unit or simply want to stay within budget, this calculator provides a quick and accurate projection of your aircond power consumption and monthly cost, eliminating the need for guesswork.
ℹ️ Notes and Tips:
- Actual rebate depends on sliding‑scale EEI: TNB doesn’t publish exact rebate curves.
- To verify the exact rebate amount, you can check your MyTNB portal bill statement, which will show the EEI applied.
- If you’re interested in Time-of‑Use (ToU) rates, note that ToU scheme could change effective per‑kWh rates (peak/off‑peak) but still includes capacity, network, retail and AFA components. However, it’s optional and generally best for users with smart meters and significant off‑peak usage.
Factors Influencing Consumption & Costs of Air Conditioners
Efficiency of the AC
- Inverter air conditioners with high CSPF can save 40–60% energy compared to non-inverter models
- Look for energy-efficient ratings when buying new units
Maintenance & Aging
- Dirty filters or old compressors can increase electricity use by 5–10% yearly
- Servicing your unit annually helps keep consumption optimal
Charging Practices in Rentals
- Some landlords charge RM 0.50–RM 0.60/kWh (above TNB rates)
- This is common in room rentals with sub-meters (always check your tenancy agreement)
Other Factors
- Set-point temperature: Lower settings use more energy (e.g. 16°C vs 25°C)
- Home insulation: Poorly insulated homes force your AC to work harder
- Usage hours & time of day
- Ambient climate: Hotter, humid areas like KL or Penang = longer cooling cycles
Tips to Reduce AC Electricity Consumption
With a few simple adjustments, you can significantly reduce your aircond electricity usage without sacrificing comfort. Here are 7 practical and energy-saving tips on “how to save electricity for air conditioners”:
✅ Choose inverter airconds or models with high CSPF ratings – up to 60% more efficient
🧽 Clean filters monthly, and service your unit at least once a year
🌡️ Set temperature between 24–26°C instead of freezing it at 16°C
⏲️ Use timers, sleep mode, or smart plugs to avoid unnecessary runtime
🪟 Keep windows and curtains closed during the day to block out heat
💨 Use ceiling fans with your AC to circulate cool air more efficiently
🧱 Improve home insulation or apply reflective window film to reduce heat gain
Summary & Key Takeaways: Managing Aircond Electricity Usage in Malaysia
Air conditioner electricity consumption in Malaysia can vary significantly depending on unit size (HP), efficiency, and daily usage habits. Inverter air conditioners and units with high CSPF ratings can cut electricity usage by up to 60% compared to older non-inverter models. If you’re shopping for a new AC, energy efficiency should be a top priority.
Stay tuned for more tips and expert insights from our team. Got questions or need help choosing the right aircond? Reach out to the Sifu Engineering experts! We’re here to guide you on the best aircond products, services, and energy-saving solutions!
FAQs: Common Questions
Which air conditioner uses the least electricity in Malaysia?
Inverter ACs with high CSPF ratings (e.g. Daikin, Panasonic Elite series) are among the most efficient. Look for models rated 5-stars by Suruhanjaya Tenaga.
How to calculate my air conditioner’s electricity usage and cost?
Use our BTU/kWh calculator or multiply wattage × hours × days and apply the TNB tariff.
Do inverter air conditioners really save electricity in Malaysia?
Yes. Inverter ACs adjust power based on room conditions, leading to 30–60% lower electricity consumption over time.
Why is my electricity bill so high after installing aircond?
Possible reasons: long usage hours, low temperature settings, inefficient unit, or lack of maintenance.
Can I reduce aircond electricity usage without upgrading my unit?
Yes! Set timer modes, clean filters, raise thermostat to 25–26°C, and improve insulation or airflow.
