The rise in temperatures leads many to rely more on air conditioning, but this device contributes to an increase in the energy bill at the end of the month. What are the actual costs?
“Using it regularly can represent a significant charge on the electricity bill, sometimes accounting for up to 15% of the total monthly amount,” states Selectra in a statement sent to Notícias ao Minuto.
The tariff comparison company explains that the “cost of air conditioning depends essentially on the power, daily usage time, technology type (inverter or conventional), and the price per kWh.”
“Other factors include thermal capacity (BTUs), energy class, and the type of device – portable (less efficient), split (for one room), or multisplit (for several rooms),” it is further noted.
What is the cost of having the air conditioning on?
Selectra’s calculations – using a device with a power of 2,500 W (2.5 kW) as a reference – reveal that the monthly cost can “vary considerably depending on the usage time”:
The formula for calculating the monthly consumption is: Monthly consumption (kWh) = Power (kW) × Hours of use/day × 30 days Monthly expense (€) = Monthly consumption × Price per kWh (check your electricity bill)
For example, for a 2.5 kW device operating 8 hours a day:
2.5 kW × 8 h × 30 days = 600 kWh
600 kWh × 0.1595 € = 95.70 €
This amount must also include the applicable taxes and fees, namely:
- Special Electricity Consumption Tax (IEC) – 0.001 €/kWh;
- General Directorate of Energy and Geology (DGEG) exploration fee – 0.07€;
- Contribution to the Audiovisual (CAV) – 3.021 €;
- VAT, 6% for the first 200 kWh (or up to 300 kWh for large families) in contracts with power up to 6.9 kVA, and 23% for the remaining consumption.
