What reverse cycle actually costs to run

A modern reverse cycle split in a decent lounge, run hard on a 38 degree afternoon, is often $0.40 to $0.90 an hour depending on your tariff and the size. That is not nothing. It is also not the $8 an hour story your uncle tells about a 1998 window rattler.

Ducted costs more to run if you cool the whole house because you forgot to zone. It can cost less per room if you only run the living zone.

The quiet killers are old weather seals, no ceiling insulation, and a unit that short-cycles because it is too big. Fix the house a bit and the air con looks like a bargain.

If you already have solar, run the unit in the afternoon on your own power. That is the cheapest kilowatt you will ever buy. Pairing is a reason people come to us after they have done panels, not a reason to buy a bigger system than you need.

Want a number for your house? Check the rebate on your postcode. No name required. Check the rebate on your postcode.

Or do the sums yourself first: what size you need and what it costs to run.