If the cooler runs for 14 to 15 hours a day, how much will the electricity bill be? understand the full story

As soon as the summer season starts, the demand for coolers in homes increases. Strong sunlight, heat wave and humid nights force people to run coolers day and night. In many families, the cooler runs continuously from morning till night, i.e. for 14 to 15 hours a day. But when the electricity bill comes, my heart sinks. The question that comes in everyone’s mind is that if the cooler is run for 14-15 hours a day, how much will the electricity bill be? Let us understand in simple language.

How much electricity does a cooler consume? The power of desert coolers (large rooftop or stand) commonly used in India ranges from 180 watts to 250 watts. Small personal coolers are 100-150 watts, while larger desert coolers draw an average of 200-250 watts. Let’s do the calculations (assuming an average of 220 watts): Hourly consumption: 220 watts = 0.22 units (kWh)

In 14 hours: 14 × 0.22 = 3.08 units per day

In 15 hours: 15 × 0.22 = 3.30 units per day

Now let’s talk about the whole month (30 days):

14 hours daily i.e. 3.08 × 30 = 92.4 units

15 hours daily i.e. 3.30 × 30 = 99 units

How much will the electricity bill be?

The average rate of domestic electricity in 2026 ranges from ₹5 to ₹8 per unit (due to the slab system). In many states, the first 200 units are cheap, then the rate increases.

Let us understand with an example (assuming an average of ₹6.50 per unit)

• On daily operation for 14 hours: 92 units × ₹6.50- ₹600
• On daily operation of 15 hours: 99 units × ₹6.50 – ₹640-650

If your total domestic bill goes up to 300-400 units (cooler + fridge + other things), then with the increase in slabs the average rate could be ₹ 7-8 per unit. Then the cooler alone can add ₹700 to ₹800 per month.

Note: If the cooler is old or the fan is run at high speed then the consumption can reach 250-300 watts, which will increase the bill further.

New energy efficient coolers with BLDC motor consume only 100-150 watts, which reduces the bill.

How to reduce bills?

• Get service done: Dirty filters and grass cause the cooler to consume more electricity. Make sure to get service done before every season.
• Correct Speed: Drive at medium speed instead of high speed. Almost the same cooling effect, electricity is saved.
• Water concentrate: Being filled with too much water also puts a load on the motor.
• Use stabilizer: Voltage fluctuations consume more electricity.
• Drive less at night: Run the cooler with a fan at night or set a timer.
• Buy Energy Efficient Models: Choose a 5-star or BLDC cooler, saving in the long run.

A cooler is necessary in summer, but with a little care the bill can be controlled. If your cooler is of 200 watts and runs for 15 hours, then the additional monthly bill is around ₹ 600-800. If the bill is more than this, first get the service of the cooler checked. This summer, run the cooler smartly, get coolness and also keep the bills under control.