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Cost to run a reverse-cycle air conditioner (heating mode) in Northern Territory (2026–27)

NT reference tariff · 31.7c/kWh

$0.32 per hour at 1,000 W

Typical use (6 h/day, 90 days a year at 1,000 W) ≈ $171/year on the Power and Water rate.

Source: NT Electricity Pricing Order 2026–27 (Jacana Energy standard residential), effective 1 July 2026

Reverse-cycle heating cost in NT at 6 h/day, 90 days/year (31.7c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (600 W)$0.19$1.14$34.67$103
Typical (1,000 W)$0.32$1.90$57.78$171
High (2,000 W)$0.63$3.80$115.56$342

Appliance running-cost calculator

NT

Reverse-cycle heating: 600–2,000 W typical range.

4–8 h/day in winter, mostly mornings and evenings; compressor draw rises in cold snaps.

$0.32 per hour · $171/year at your settings
Per day (6 h)
$1.90
Per month
$57.78
Per year (90 days)
$171.07

Tariff: 31.7c/kWh — NT Electricity Pricing Order 2026–27 (Jacana Energy standard residential) for the Power and Water network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Daikin Cora specifications (via Wholesale Aircon). Full reverse-cycle heating costs in NT →

The same appliance in other states

Cutting the cost

Reverse-cycle is one of the cheapest ways to heat, but only if you run it well. Hold a steady, moderate set-point instead of overheating and then cracking a window. Warm the rooms you're in and shut the doors on the ones you aren't. Clean filters move heat better. If your plan has a cheaper overnight rate, take the chill off early rather than heating hard through the evening peak.

Frequently asked questions

What does a reverse-cycle heating cost per hour in NT?
$0.32 at the typical 1,000 W draw on NT's reference rate of 31.7c/kWh (Power and Water network). Efficient models run $0.19, high-draw models $0.63.
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 NT's 2026–27 reference rate — change the assumptions in the calculator above.
Is the tariff here what I actually pay?
It's the NT Electricity Pricing Order 2026–27 (Jacana Energy standard residential) usage rate for the Power and Water network — the government reference. Your market offer may be a little under it; your zone may differ. See NT rates by zone.

Related

Sources — figures current as at 17 July 2026.

4–8 h/day in winter, mostly mornings and evenings; compressor draw rises in cold snaps.