Here's a step-by-step guide to calculating air conditioner electricity costs under Malaysia's 2025 tariff, including projected rates, formulas, and cost-saving strategies based on the latest energy policies:
Formula:
Power (kW) = [BTU/hr ÷ EER] ÷ 1,000
Example:
12,000 BTU/h AC with EER 12
→ (12,000 ÷ 12) ÷ 1,000 = 1.0 kW
Daily kWh = kW × Hours Used
Example:
1.0 kW × 8 hours/day = 8 kWh/day
*Based on 2024 rates + 8% average increase forecast*:
| Monthly Household Usage | Rate (RM/kWh) |
|---|---|
| 1–200 kWh | RM 0.235 ⬆️ |
| 201–300 kWh | RM 0.361 ⬆️ |
| 301–600 kWh | RM 0.557 ⬆️ |
| 601–900 kWh | RM 0.590 ⬆️ |
| >900 kWh | RM 0.617 ⬆️ |
*Official 2025 rates will be confirmed Dec 2024 (Suruhanjaya Tenaga)
Assumed increase based on ICPT adjustments and fuel cost trends.
AC: 1.5 HP Inverter (1.2 kW, EER 12.5)
Usage: 8 hours/day
Household Total: 550 kWh/month (including AC)
Calculations:
AC Monthly kWh:
1.2 kW × 8 hrs × 30 days = 288 kWh
Total Household Usage:
Non-AC: 262 kWh
Total: 262 + 288 = 550 kWh
Cost Breakdown (2025 Projected):
| Usage Block | kWh | Rate (RM) | Cost (RM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–200 | 200 | 0.235 | 47.00 |
| 201–300 | 100 | 0.361 | 36.10 |
| 301–600 | 250 | 0.557 | 139.25 |
| AC Portion | 288 | 0.557 | 160.42 |
| Total Bill | 550 | – | 222.35 |
| → AC Cost ≈ RM 160.42/month |
Higher Rates:
Average increase of 6–10% vs. 2024 (driven by ICPT adjustments).
Steeper Tiered Pricing:
Costs rise sharply above 300 kWh to encourage conservation.
RM40 Rebate for B40 Families:
Eligible households receive bill credit for usage <600 kWh/month.
| AC Type (1.5 HP) | Avg. Power | Monthly kWh | Cost (RM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inverter | 0.8–1.0 kW* | 192–240 | 107–133 |
| Non-Inverter | 1.3–1.6 kW | 312–384 | 174–214 |
*Inverter saves ~40% after initial cooldown.
*Assumes 8 hrs/day, 301–600 kWh tier (RM 0.557/kWh).*
Set Temp to 24–26°C: Each 1°C lower adds 10% to bills.
Use Eco Mode: Reduces power by 20–30%.
Night Scheduling: Run less during 6–10 PM (peak grid demand).
Seal Gaps: Weather-strip windows/doors to cut heat gain.
Claim Tax Rebates: RM2,000 income tax relief for new 5-star inverter ACs.
| Room Size | AC Type | 8 hrs/day | 12 hrs/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (1.0 HP) | Inverter | RM 90–110 | RM 135–165 |
| Medium (1.5 HP) | Non-Inverter | RM 160–190 | RM 240–285 |
| Large (2.0 HP) | Inverter | RM 130–150 | RM 195–225 |
Includes tariff tiers 301–600 kWh. Add 15% for >600 kWh usage.
Real-Time Trackers:
TNB Bill Calculator (update for 2025 in Dec 2024)
Smart plugs like Tapo P110 (monitors kWh)
AC Energy Labels:
Look for Malaysia Energy Label (5 stars = best efficiency).
**Formula for Advanced Users**: Monthly Cost = (kW × Hours × 30) × Tiered Rate + 8% Service Tax
Final Tip: Pre-cool rooms before peak hours (4–7 PM) to avoid highest tariff tiers!
Always verify 2025 rates at myTNB after December 2024.
Need a personalized estimate? Reply with:
AC size (HP/BTU)
Daily usage hours
Approx. total household kWh/month
