How to calculate the air cond electricity consumption in Malaysia 2025?
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:
Step 1: Find Your AC's Power Consumption
Formula:
Power (kW) = [BTU/hr ÷ EER] ÷ 1,000
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Example:
12,000 BTU/h AC with EER 12
→ (12,000 ÷ 12) ÷ 1,000 = 1.0 kW
Step 2: Calculate Daily Energy Use (kWh)
Daily kWh = kW × Hours Used
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Example:
1.0 kW × 8 hours/day = 8 kWh/day
Step 3: Apply Malaysia's 2025 Electricity Tariff (Projected*)
*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.
Step 4: Calculate Monthly Cost
Scenario:
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AC: 1.5 HP Inverter (1.2 kW, EER 12.5)
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Usage: 8 hours/day
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Household Total: 550 kWh/month (including AC)
Calculations:
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AC Monthly kWh:
1.2 kW × 8 hrs × 30 days = 288 kWh -
Total Household Usage:
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Non-AC: 262 kWh
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Total: 262 + 288 = 550 kWh
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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
Key Changes in 2025 Tariff
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Higher Rates:
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Average increase of 6–10% vs. 2024 (driven by ICPT adjustments).
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Steeper Tiered Pricing:
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Costs rise sharply above 300 kWh to encourage conservation.
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RM40 Rebate for B40 Families:
Eligible households receive bill credit for usage <600 kWh/month.
Cost Comparison: Inverter vs. Non-Inverter AC
| 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).*
5 Cost-Saving Tips for 2025
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Set Temp to 24–26°C: Each 1°C lower adds 10% to bills.
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Use Eco Mode: Reduces power by 20–30%.
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Night Scheduling: Run less during 6–10 PM (peak grid demand).
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Seal Gaps: Weather-strip windows/doors to cut heat gain.
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Claim Tax Rebates: RM2,000 income tax relief for new 5-star inverter ACs.
Estimated Monthly Costs (2025)
| 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.
Tools for Accuracy
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Real-Time Trackers:
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TNB Bill Calculator (update for 2025 in Dec 2024)
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Smart plugs like Tapo P110 (monitors kWh)
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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:
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AC size (HP/BTU)
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Daily usage hours
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Approx. total household kWh/month