Start with electrical input
Find the electrical input in the appliance data sheet. Do not use its cooling capacity. Average electrical kW multiplied by operating hours gives kWh; multiply by your CHF/kWh tariff to estimate variable energy cost.
| Hours/day | kWh | CHF |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 60 | 18 |
| 4 | 120 | 36 |
| 6 | 180 | 54 |
| 8 | 240 | 72 |
A purely illustrative example
At 1 kW electrical input, 6 hours a day, 30 days and CHF 0.30/kWh, continuous operation uses 180 kWh and costs CHF 54. These are example inputs, not FREATH ONE specifications or an average Swiss tariff.
Real operation varies
A compressor can cycle off or modulate. The calculator’s usage factor simplifies that behaviour; it does not predict actual cycles or separately model fan consumption. Measurement with a suitable electricity meter is more representative. Fixed bill charges are excluded.
Reduce heat gain first
Close external blinds early, limit heat-producing equipment and clean filters as directed. Choose a sensible temperature setting and cool the area you use. A properly fitted window kit helps prevent hot air returning.
Choose the right input figure
If you have measured average power over the compressor’s cycles, use that figure with a 100% usage factor. If you use nominal power instead, the factor only explores an equivalent running-time assumption. Reducing both would understate consumption. The calculator is not connected to your meter and does not know how your appliance modulates.
Compare scenarios without promising savings
The table holds electrical input at 1 kW and tariff at CHF 0.30/kWh to isolate operating time. Four rather than six hours produces a lower arithmetic cost, but not necessarily the same comfort. A hotter room may keep a compressor running longer. Every table value is an editable example rather than an observed result.
Track consumption consistently
Record tariff, period, operating hours, temperature setting and unusual events such as intense heat or extra occupants. Before using a plug-in meter, check its suitability and load limits. Measure a representative period rather than a few seconds at startup. Compare similar days and treat the results as observations of your own installation.
What belongs in the CHF/kWh tariff?
Use the relevant variable components of your bill and do not confuse centimes with francs: 30 centimes is CHF 0.30. If rates vary by time, calculate each period separately or use a weighted average matching your usage. Fixed charges do not change directly with this appliance’s kWh and are not included here.
Turn the guidance into a room plan · 1
Find electrical input, not just cooling capacity. If only cooling capacity is available, you still lack the input needed for a running-cost estimate.
Turn the guidance into a room plan · 2
Illustrative example: an assumed 1 kW input for 6 hours per day over 30 days uses 180 kWh, costing CHF 54 at CHF 0.30/kWh. This is not a FREATH ONE measurement or consumption forecast.
Turn the guidance into a room plan · 3
Replace the assumptions with your tariff and schedule. Duty cycle is an additional assumption; only an electrical measurement over a representative period can confirm actual running costs.
Sources and methodology
These sources explain the technical context. They do not validate FREATH ONE or our calculator assumptions.
U.S. Department of Energy — Portable Air ConditionersOFEN / BFE — Étiquette-énergie / Energieetikette