

The electricity consumption of air conditioners is indicated on the technical specification sheet.
Maximum capacity refers to the amount of electrical energy consumed by an air conditioner when running continuously at maximum capacity for 1 hour.
To calculate the electricity consumption of an air conditioner in 1 hour, you can apply the following formula:
A = P x t
Where:
- A: Electricity consumption of the air conditioner during time t (Wh, kWh).
- P: Power of the air conditioner (W).
- t: Operating time of the air conditioner (h).
For example, the technical specifications table of a 1HP air conditioner indicates the input power as 750W. Therefore, the electricity consumption of this air conditioner model is calculated as follows:
A = P x t = 750 x 1 = 750 Wh = 0.75 kWh. This means that the air conditioner will consume 0.75 kW of electricity in 1 hour.
In the case of calculating the electricity consumption of the air conditioner based on the cooling capacity (BTU), you need to rely on the index of cooling capacity (HP) and electricity consumption kW.
According to the standards of some countries, 1 horsepower (HP) = 0.746 kW. This conversion factor may vary depending on different geographical regions.
2.2. Electricity consumption in 1 hour of a 9000 BTU air conditioner
A 9000 BTU air conditioner typically with a cooling capacity of 1HP is equivalent to 0.746 kW.
However, the actual electricity consumption of the air conditioner also includes the power of the fan (about 0.2 - 0.25 kWh). Therefore, the electricity consumption of a 9000 BTU air conditioner in 1 hour is: 0.746 x 1 + 0.25 ≈ 1 kWh.
Hence, the electricity consumption of a 900 BTU air conditioner per hour is approximately: 1 kWh x 1 hour x 2.014 dong/kWh = 2.014 VND (tier 3 electricity rate).
2.3. Electricity Consumption in 1 Hour of a 12000 BTU Air Conditioner
Following the same calculation as above, a 12000 BTU air conditioner equals 1.5 HP = 1.119 kW.
Therefore, the average electricity consumption of a 12000 BTU air conditioner (including fan power) will be approximately 1.369 kWh.
The electricity cost of using a 12000 BTU air conditioner for 1 hour is approximately: 1.369 kWh x 1 hour x 2.014 dong/kWh = 2.757 VND (tier 3 electricity rate).
2.4. Electricity Consumption in 1 Hour of a 18000 BTU Air Conditioner
Similarly, following the calculation above, an 18000 BTU air conditioner equals 2.0 HP = 1.49 kW.
The average electricity consumption of a 18000 BTU air conditioner (including fan power) will be approximately 1.7 kWh.
The electricity cost of using a 18000 BTU air conditioner for 1 hour is approximately: 1.7 kWh x 1 hour x 2.014 dong/kWh = 3.424 VND (tier 3 electricity rate).
Note: The conversion between horsepower (HP) and the power of the machine (kW) above is theoretical. In practice, this conversion also depends on the energy-saving capabilities of each air conditioner. For example, Inverter air conditioners consume less electricity compared to conventional engines. Even your usage habits also affect the actual electricity consumption of the machine.

Inverter air conditioners save more energy
However, when purchasing an air conditioner, you can use the energy consumption parameters provided by the manufacturer to evaluate and compare between models. From there, you can choose a model with cooling capacity and electricity consumption suitable for your needs.
Additionally, electricity prices may vary over time and depending on the area you live in.
3. Tips to Help Your Air Conditioner Save Electricity Efficiently
- Keep the room closed tightly during use to minimize the loss of cold air.
- Set the temperature according to your usage needs, avoid setting the temperature too low when starting the machine.
- Utilize additional power-saving modes available on air conditioners such as ECO, Econo, etc., to reduce electricity consumption while still ensuring effective room cooling.

Use the Eco mode to enhance electricity-saving efficiency
- Choose an air conditioner with suitable capacity for the room size to avoid overloading the equipment during prolonged operation.
- Regularly clean the air conditioner every 3 to 6 months to maintain cooling efficiency, motor durability, and energy savings.
Surely you've found the answer to the question of how much electricity an air conditioner consumes in an hour. Although we can only calculate based on theoretical numbers, this is still useful information to help you easily choose the right air conditioner model. Don't forget to apply the electricity-saving tips shared in the article to minimize costs for your family!
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