☀︎SunTariff

Cost to run a ducted air conditioner in South Australia (2026–27)

SA reference tariff · 41.9c/kWh

$1.68 per hour at 4,000 W

Typical use (6 h/day, 90 days a year at 4,000 W) ≈ $905/year on the SA Power Networks rate.

Source: AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8), effective 1 July 2026

Ducted aircon cost in SA at 6 h/day, 90 days/year (41.9c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (2,000 W)$0.84$5.03$152.89$453
Typical (4,000 W)$1.68$10.06$305.78$905
High (6,500 W)$2.72$16.35$496.89$1,471

Appliance running-cost calculator

SA

Ducted aircon: 2,000–6,500 W typical range.

4–8 h/day across summer for a whole home; near-continuous in heatwaves.

$1.68 per hour · $905/year at your settings
Per day (6 h)
$10.06
Per month
$305.78
Per year (90 days)
$905.26

Tariff: 41.9c/kWh — AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) for the SA Power Networks network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Daikin ducted specifications (via Advanced Air). Full ducted aircon costs in SA →

The same appliance in other states

Cutting the cost

Zone it. Only condition the rooms you're actually using, close the vents and doors elsewhere, and hold a moderate thermostat setting rather than blasting cold air. A gentle set-point costs far less to maintain than a chilly one, and running the fan on "auto" stops it circulating once the room is comfortable. Service the filters before summer so the system isn't fighting a clogged return.

Frequently asked questions

What does a ducted aircon cost per hour in SA?
$1.68 at the typical 4,000 W draw on SA's reference rate of 41.9c/kWh (SA Power Networks network). Efficient models run $0.84, high-draw models $2.72.
How is this calculated?
Watts ÷ 1,000 × the tariff = cost per hour, then × hours × days for the period figures. Every figure on this page uses SA's 2026–27 reference rate — change the assumptions in the calculator above.
Is the tariff here what I actually pay?
It's the AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) usage rate for the SA Power Networks network — the government reference. Your market offer may be a little under it; your zone may differ. See SA rates by zone.

Related

Sources — figures current as at 17 July 2026.

4–8 h/day across summer for a whole home; near-continuous in heatwaves.