As summer temperatures soar, air coolers remain the most economical and popular choice for keeping homes comfortable. However, a common concern for many users is how much these devices actually add to the monthly electricity bill.
The answer depends on three main factors: the type of cooler, the motor wattage, and the duration of use.
Using the standard formula provided by experts at Orient Electric, you can easily calculate your own consumption at home.
The Magic Formula: How to Calculate Units
To find out how many units (kWh) your cooler consumes, use this simple calculation:
Power Consumption (kWh) = (Wattage × Hours of Use) ÷ 1000
Scenario 1: The 190-Watt Desert Cooler
If you are using a powerful 190W desert cooler (like an 88-litre model) for 8 hours every night, here is the breakdown:
Daily Consumption:$1.52\text{ units (kWh)}$
Monthly Consumption (30 Days):$45.6\text{ units}$
Estimated Cost: At an average rate of ₹5 per unit, this cooler will cost you just ₹228 per month.
Scenario 2: The 180-Watt Personal Cooler
For a slightly smaller 180W cooler running for the same 8 hours a night:
Daily Consumption:$1.44\text{ units (kWh)}$
Monthly Consumption (30 Days):$43.2\text{ units}$
Estimated Cost: At ₹5 per unit, the monthly expense comes to approximately ₹216.
Key Takeaways for Summer Savings
| Cooler Wattage | Daily Units (8 hrs) | Monthly Units (30 days) | Monthly Cost (at ₹5/unit) |
| 180W | $1.44\text{ kWh}$ | $43.2\text{ kWh}$ | ₹216 |
| 190W | $1.52\text{ kWh}$ | $45.6\text{ kWh}$ | ₹228 |
Why Coolers Are a Smart Choice
Compared to Air Conditioners, which can consume anywhere from $0.8$ to $1.5\text{ units per hour}$ (depending on the star rating and tonnage), an air cooler is significantly lighter on the pocket. Even running a high-capacity cooler all night costs less than the price of a few cold drinks per month.