AC optimisation
Estimate AC + fan savings
Model the impact of raising your AC set point while using a ceiling fan for comfort.
AC usage details
Energy Saved
18%
3°C warmer set point
Bill · AC only
₹2,880
per month
Bill · AC + fan
₹2,419
per month
Seasonal Saving
₹2,304
How it works
Raising your AC temperature by 3°C saves roughly 18% electricity. The fan load is included at 30W, compared with the AC's 1500W estimate.
How these AC savings are estimated
The assumptions behind the model
The figures here are planning estimates, not metered readings. The calculator models a 1, 1.5, or 2 ton AC at roughly 1000, 1500, or 2000 W, assumes each 1°C you raise the set point trims AC consumption by about 6%, adds around 30 W for the ceiling fan, and projects the result over a typical 150-day AC season. It accounts only for the AC's own electricity, not your whole monthly bill, so treat the output as a directional comparison rather than a guaranteed number.
What moves your number away from the preset
Your real saving depends on how the inputs differ from the defaults: longer daily run hours and a higher per-unit tariff both scale the rupee figure up, while an older or under-serviced AC may draw more than the modelled wattage. The economic logic is an asymmetry — the roughly 30 W the fan adds is tiny next to a load of 1000 W or more, so even buying back 12–18% of the AC's consumption usually dwarfs the fan's own running cost. The fuller reasoning is laid out in our guide on using a ceiling fan with AC.
When the savings are largest
The case is strongest where you cool for many months a year, where tariffs are on the higher side, and where your current set point is low — if you habitually run the AC at 20–22°C, there is more headroom to raise it than for a home already sitting at 26°C. If your season is short or your set point is already conservative, the gain narrows, and the calculator's estimate will reflect that smaller margin.
Common questions
How much electricity do I save by raising AC temperature by 1°C?
BEE and most energy efficiency studies estimate roughly 6% reduction in AC electricity consumption for every 1°C increase in set-point temperature. So raising from 18°C to 24°C (6°C change) can reduce AC running cost by around 30–36%. Pairing the higher set-point with a ceiling fan maintains comfort while keeping the savings.
Should I use a ceiling fan with AC?
Yes. A ceiling fan creates a wind-chill effect that makes a room feel 2–3°C cooler than the actual air temperature. This lets you raise the AC set point by 2–3°C without losing comfort — reducing AC electricity use by 12–18% while adding only 28–35 W (BLDC fan) to your total load. Switch the fan off when you leave the room; it cools people, not rooms.
What AC temperature saves the most electricity in India?
BEE recommends 24°C as the default AC set point for Indian conditions. Every degree above 18°C saves roughly 6% on AC running cost. Setting your AC to 24–26°C and using a ceiling fan for comfort is the most practical balance of savings and comfort for Indian summers.
Does a ceiling fan actually cool a room?
No — a ceiling fan does not lower the air temperature. It creates a wind-chill effect on skin that makes occupants feel 2–3°C cooler. Because the fan only benefits people in the room (not the room itself), turn it off when the room is empty to avoid wasting electricity.
How much does running a 1.5 ton AC cost per hour?
A 3-star 1.5 ton split AC uses roughly 1,400–1,600 W (1.4–1.6 kWh per hour). At an average Indian tariff of ₹6–8/unit, that is ₹8–13 per hour of running time. A 5-star or inverter AC of the same capacity uses 900–1,100 W, bringing the cost down to ₹5–9/hour. The calculator above lets you input your actual tariff and usage hours for a precise estimate.