Is Air Conditioning Expensive to Run in the UK?

The perception that air conditioning is expensive to run has stopped many UK homeowners from installing it. With electricity prices rising in recent years, this concern is understandable. But how accurate is the idea that air conditioning is costly? In reality, modern systems are far more affordable to run than most people expect, especially when compared with other common household appliances.

The Modern UK Context

For decades, the UK was seen as a heating-dominated country. Most homes were built without provision for cooling. That is now changing. Hot summers in places such as Hampshire, Berkshire, and Surrey have shown that cooling is becoming just as important as heating.

Installers like ClimateWorks are now seeing higher demand from households in towns such as Basingstoke, Reading, and Guildford. The main concern remains cost, and the key to answering it lies in looking at actual usage patterns.

How Running Costs Are Calculated

Air conditioning running costs depend on:

• System size (kW capacity): A 2.5 kW bedroom unit consumes less energy than a 7 kW open-plan system.
• Efficiency (SEER/SCOP ratings): Modern inverter-driven systems adjust output to match demand, reducing power draw.
• Electricity tariff: The UK average in 2025 is about 28p per kWh.
• Usage hours: Most households only run systems for a few hours in the evening or overnight.
• Building design: Insulation and glazing quality affect how hard a system needs to work.

Typical Running Costs

• Bedroom system (2.5 kW): Around 0.7 kW consumption, costing 20p per hour.
• Family room system (5 kW): Around 1.5 kW consumption, costing 40p per hour.
• Kitchen diner system (7 kW): Around 2.2 kW consumption, costing 60p per hour.

An evening with a bedroom unit running for 8 hours might cost £1.60. A whole day of running a large unit in a family space might cost £9 to £14. But because of inverter technology, the compressor rarely runs at full load for long, meaning real costs are often 30 to 40 percent lower.

Comparing with Other Appliances

To put these numbers in perspective:

• A tumble dryer cycle costs about £1.40.
• An electric oven running for two hours can cost 84p.
• A dishwasher cycle costs around 70p.

Air conditioning is therefore not disproportionately expensive compared to other normal household energy use.

How Households Use Air Conditioning

Homeowners in Winchester or Oxford rarely run systems 24/7. Instead, they use them during peak heat periods or at night for comfortable sleep. Even in a hot month, this limited usage keeps bills manageable.

For example, a family in Wokingham using two units for 3 hours each evening might add less than £50 to their electricity bill for an entire month.

The Additional Value

Air conditioning does more than cool a room. It filters air, reduces humidity, and doubles as a heating system in winter. In heat pump mode, air conditioning is often cheaper than electric panel heaters and more efficient than older boilers in mild weather.

This makes the cost comparison more favourable. Instead of only considering summer running costs, homeowners can look at year-round value.

Practical Ways to Reduce Costs

• Set realistic temperatures: 22°C is usually comfortable and efficient.
• Use zoning: Condition only the rooms you need.
• Keep filters clean: Ensures smooth airflow and efficient operation.
• Improve insulation and shading: Reduces the load on the system.

Installers like ClimateWorks in Basingstoke, Guildford, and Petersfield design systems with these practices in mind, ensuring comfort without unnecessary expense.

The Verdict

Air conditioning in the UK is not expensive to run when compared with the value it delivers. While fans remain cheaper per hour, they do not lower temperature or improve air quality. For homeowners across Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and Oxfordshire, air conditioning offers a balance of affordability, comfort, and health benefits.

References

• Ofgem, Electricity Prices UK 2025 – Ofgem
• Energy Saving Trust, Household Appliance Energy Costs – Energy Saving Trust
• Mitsubishi Electric UK, Residential Air Conditioning – Mitsubishi Electric

About the Author

Dr. Julian Carter – Technical & Compliance Director, ClimateWorks

Dr. Julian Carter is a recognised specialist in building services engineering with over 25 years of experience in ventilation, refrigeration, and air conditioning. As Technical & Compliance Director at ClimateWorks, he advises on best practice for system design, installation, and maintenance across residential and commercial projects in Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and Oxfordshire. He also lectures part-time at a leading UK university, sharing his expertise with the next generation of engineers.

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