If you’re growing cannabis indoors in Thailand, one thing becomes clear very quickly — the heat is no joke. With outdoor temperatures regularly hitting 30–35°C (86–95°F), air conditioning isn’t optional — it’s essential.
In this post, we’ll break down:
- Why cooling is such a major cost
- How much A/C actually uses
- Tips for improving efficiency and cutting electricity bills
🌡️ Why You Need Cooling 24/7
Cannabis thrives best between 23–26°C (73–79°F). Anything above 30°C and:
- Growth slows
- Buds can become loose and airy
- Terpenes and potency may suffer
- Pests and mildew thrive
If you’re running LED lights, that helps reduce heat — but in a sealed indoor space in Thailand, A/C is still required nearly all year.
🔌 How Much Does A/C Cost?
Let’s say you’re running:
- 2 x 12,000 BTU (1-ton) inverter air conditioners
- Each unit draws about 1.1 kWh/hour under normal load
- You run them 24/7 to maintain temps and humidity
🧮 Monthly Cooling Usage:
| Detail | Amount |
| A/C Usage (daily) | ~52.8 kWh/day (2.2 kWh x 24h) |
| Monthly Use | ~1,584 kWh/month |
| Cost @ ฿4.15/kWh | ฿6,570/month (~$195 USD) |
⚡ Your cooling system alone could be nearly 50% of your total electricity bill.
💡 How to Reduce A/C Costs in Your Grow
✅ 1. Use Inverter Air Conditioners
They adjust their speed and use less power once the room reaches target temperature — saving 20–40% energy compared to older models.
✅ 2. Grow at Night
Electricity is cooler (and sometimes cheaper) at night. Run your light cycle from 6pm to noon and let the A/C work during naturally cooler hours.
✅ 3. Insulate Your Grow Space
Use foam panels, insulated reflective sheeting (like radiant barriers), or grow tents to keep cool air in and reduce how hard your A/C has to work.
✅ 4. Seal the Room Properly
Block outside heat and humidity from creeping in. Air leaks = more cooling needed = higher bills.
✅ 5. Match A/C Size to Your Room
Too small, and it’ll run constantly. Too big, and it may short cycle and miss humidity targets. For ~20–30 m², 2 x 12,000 BTU units is usually sufficient.
✅ 6. Use Dehumidifiers Wisely
Dehumidifiers generate heat. If your A/C is already keeping RH low, you might not need them 24/7. Monitor humidity closely and adjust accordingly.
✅ 7. Consider a Split A/C with Ducting
Split systems with ducting allow better airflow across multiple tents or zones — and often run more efficiently.
Bonus: Using Cooling as a Strategic Tool
Did you know?
- Cooler temps during late flowering (18–22°C) can boost color and trichome development
- Strategic cooling can influence terpene expression and overall bud density
So you’re not just cooling for survival — you’re cooling for quality.
✅ Final Thoughts
In Thailand’s hot and humid climate, cooling your indoor cannabis grow can cost ฿6,000–฿9,000/month ($170–$260 USD) depending on your setup and how efficient your A/C system is. But with smart gear choices and environmental control, you can keep costs manageable without sacrificing plant health.
In our next post, we’ll wrap everything together with a full start-up vs monthly cost breakdown for a 30-plant grow — so you can see the big picture and decide what’s right for you.