The cost of running an air conditioning system is determined by several different factors, not least the type of air conditioning unit, its output and the size and layout of the property. How To Work Out The Costs Of Running An Air Conditioner How much does it cost? The cost ...

The cost of running an <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning">air conditioning system</a> is determined by several different factors, not least the type of air conditioning unit, its output and the size and layout of the property.&nbsp;
<h2>How to work out the cost of running an air conditioner</h2>
How much does it cost?
The cost of running an air conditioning unit will vary exponentially depending on the level of output (wattage) and the size of the room. The most accurate way to know how much it will cost you is to ask a professional for an air conditioning quote before installing air conditioning in your home.
But for a rough idea of how much it might cost per hour, input the wattage of your chosen AC unit and '1' (hour) into this<a href="https://www.sust-it.net/energy-calculator.php"> electricity cost calculator</a>.
On average, however, here&rsquo;s how much, based on the current energy price cap cost (April 2022) some of our most popular <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/samsung-air-conditioning">Samsung air conditioning units</a> and <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/bosch-air-conditioning">Bosch air conditioning units</a> cost to run per hour:
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Air Conditioning Unit
</td>
<td>
Cost to run per hour
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Samsung CEBU 2.5kW
</td>
<td>
&pound;0.70 p/h
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Samsung CEBU 3.5kW
</td>
<td>
&pound;0.98 p/h
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Samsung CEBU 5.0kW
</td>
<td>
&pound;1.40 p/h
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Samsung CEBU 6.5kW
</td>
<td>
&pound;1.82 p/h
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Bosch Climate 3000i 2.6kw
</td>
<td>
&pound;0.73 p/h
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Bosch Climate 3000i 3.5kW
</td>
<td>
&pound;0.98 p/h
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Bosch Climate 3000i 5.3kW
</td>
<td>
&pound;1.48 p/h
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Bosch Climate 3000i 7.0kW
</td>
<td>
&pound;1.96 p/h
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Factors that influence the cost?</h2>
<h3>Type of air conditioning system</h3>
There are different types of home air conditioning units, and which type you choose will affect your electricity bill.
Portable <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow">air conditioning</a> units are a relatively easy option and a good choice for the home. The versatility of portable air conditioners means they can be moved from room to room, floor to floor, hassle-free, so you can feel the benefit where you need it most. There is no installation cost either - just plug in and you&rsquo;re ready to go.
The disadvantage to these types of units is their performance. They won't have full capability to reduce the temperature accurately. They may be used more for taking the edge off and making the room more comfortable.&nbsp;
Portable air conditioners are also among the most expensive AC units to run, and long term use is likely to cause an unwelcome spike in your electricity bills.
Central or 'ducted' air conditioning systems require professional installation and rely on ducts to circulate cool air (or hot air) around a building. The air is dispersed by a central unit and swept through the ducts by a fan system.
This type of air conditioning system usually makes the most sense in smaller commercial spaces. The more the air is required to travel through ducting, the more air is lost, and the more it is required to repeat its efforts. From this perspective, it is not the most energy-efficient unit, and running costs may be high. This is usually the most common in new buildings as the ducting is not something easily retro fit into a building.&nbsp;
Split air conditioning systems rely on wall or ceiling mounted units to control the flow and temperature of the air in different parts of the property. The precise control of this AC unit means you can cool or heat specifically the room(s) required without wasting money directing air to areas not in use.&nbsp;
These are the most popular in a lot of domestic scenarios in the uk and offer easy installation and good levels of control and performance.&nbsp;
If you can manage the initial installation cost, split or multi-split air conditioners are an economical, long term air conditioning solution.&nbsp;
<h3>The age of your AC unit</h3>
The efficiency of air conditioning units depletes over time, and as this occurs, air conditioning running costs are likely to increase as the unit is struggling to maintain maximum output.&nbsp;
<h3>The system output</h3>
A clever way to keep the air conditioning running costs to their minimum is to select the system with the correct output for your needs. The 'output' of an aircon unit determines the power of your climate control system.
If you choose a system with too weak an output, the cost to run will be unnecessarily high because you are forced to leave it on longer to compensate for this reduced power.
Alternatively, if an air conditioner with an overzealous output utilises more energy than you need,&nbsp; it can lead to air conditioning running costs that are above and beyond what you actually use.
<h3>The number of hours you are running your system for</h3>
The more you use it, the more hours' energy you are paying for.
Use the AC to get you through the heat of the day but if you can get away with a fan in the morning or at night, when it is generally cooler, try that.
<h3>Reason for use: heating or cooling</h3>
Generally speaking, it will cost more to use an air conditioning system for heating than for cooling. This is because of the heat energy required to warm up the air inside your home.
<h3>Your system&rsquo;s efficiency</h3>
The efficiency of your air conditioner will impact your electricity costs. The more efficient air conditioners utilise less energy to cool or heat the space, generate less wasted air and, therefore, less wasted energy.
Air conditioning units with limited energy efficiency will have to work harder - generating more energy and costing more money - to achieve the same result. A flaw in any part of the system: a blocked filter or damaged ducting could reduce the efficiency of the whole unit.
Read: <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/energy-efficiency-ratio" rel="follow">Energy Efficiency Ratio in air conditioners</a>
<h3>How well-insulated is your property</h3>
The better insulated your property is, the lower your air conditioning cost is likely to be. This is because the air inside your home can be affected by the temperature outside.
If your property is well-insulated, the external temperature will have less effect, meaning you can maintain the desired internal temperature constant for longer - without tweaking that costly climate control.
A property with less effective insulation will surrender control more quickly. If it is hot outside, the cool air inside will warm up, and the air conditioning system will have to fight against nature to maintain your desired internal temperature.
<h3>Servicing and maintenance</h3>
An air conditioning unit is recommended to be checked once a year to ensure that it is still in good working order. This will also highlight any parts which need to be repaired or replaced, which will save damage to other components and preserve the system as a whole.
It is also good practice to ensure any vents, pipes and <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/air-conditioning-filters" rel="follow">filters</a> are kept clean. Over time these can become blocked, demanding a more significant surge in power from your AC unit, and increasing air conditioning costs.
<h3>System controls</h3>
It is easy to be put off by the initial cost of an air conditioning unit with costly, extra system controls, and some of these seem to have limited use, such as a night light. However, some of these other added extras may reduce running costs and so be worth the additional investment.
Choosing an air conditioning system with timer control will help to ensure that your AC unit is only running when it needs to be or just in time for you to get home at the end of the day. Air conditioning units with maximum zone control will also have a positive, long term impact on the cost to run by enabling you to be precise and avoid cooling a larger area unnecessarily.
Perhaps the most beneficial is a remote control app or a smart thermostat which allows you to control your unit from afar. This is ideal if you forget to switch off your AC unit before you leave or if you decide to stay out longer so as not to run an air conditioner in an empty house accidentally.
<h3>System features</h3>
The more elaborate air conditioning systems include a range of additional features and capabilities, including cooling, heating, dehumidifying, air purifying, and automatic modes.
The more features your air-con offers, the greater the cost to run. However, you are not just paying to run an air conditioner and beat the heat, but also for a warmer home in the winter months and purer, cleaner air all year round.
<h2>How to reduce the cost?</h2>
<h3>Couple the air conditioning unit with solar</h3>

A good idea would be to couple an air conditioning unit with Solar, as they will use electric to function and don't require any connections once installed. This is a cost effective and green way to use your AC unit, ideal for those at home offices in the garden as they can be used for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.
<h3>Seal the windows</h3>
Open windows leak cool air, which means the air conditioning is forced to work harder to replace the lost air. Sealing the windows and checking for cracks will keep the cooled air contained and reduce the strain on the air conditioner.
<h3>Close the vents in any unused rooms</h3>
If vents are blowing air into unused rooms, you pay for energy that is not being used. Close vents in new rooms and focus on climate control in your most-used spaces.
<h3>Invest in a smart thermostat</h3>
A <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/smart-home/guides/smart-thermostat-v-traditional-thermostat">smart thermostat</a> will cut energy usage by controlling the temperature while you are out or asleep. Some of these can be programmed in advance or taught your preferences, whilst others use an app to give you complete control of your air conditioning wherever you are.
<h3>Keep up with the maintenance schedule</h3>
Keeping up to date with the maintenance will save you a lot of grief and expense. The cost to run air conditioning will increase if components are damaged since the unit is forced to work harder.
A reliable air conditioning contractor should check and clean coils, replace damaged ducting, and test connections to prevent wasted energy.
<h3>Clean your air conditioner</h3>
Cleaning or replacing blocked filters is a simple thing you can do yourself, which may reduce the energy consumption of your air conditioner by as much as 15%. The filter should be checked every few months, but they are likely to clog faster if you have long-haired pets.
<h2>How to choose an energy-efficient air conditioner</h2>
This really depends on how much you plan to use it and the size and layout of the space you hope to keep cool. Air conditioning is not great for the environment, and it can work out expensive too. Spending a little more on the most efficient solution for your needs will work out better for your wallet and the planet.&nbsp;
Use our specially designed calculator to receive an <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/find-ac/fa5babec-d045-415b-92a0-7f69a7cddb4c">air conditioning quote</a> for the unit size required.
The main thing to consider is the size of your space, and select an air conditioning unit with the BTU (British Thermal Unit) value to match. An easy way to figure this out is to calculate the square feet of your space and multiply by 25BTU.
Here is a<a href="https://www.calculator.net/btu-calculator.html"> BTU Calculator</a> to help you out.
<h2>FAQs</h2>
<h3>How often should I have my air conditioning serviced?</h3>
You should service your air conditioning at least once a year. If you run your air conditioner every day, you might consider having it serviced two or three times yearly.
<h3>Does turning your AC up during the day save money?</h3>
Investing in a programmable thermostat to increase air conditioning to reach a constant, comfortable level can save money. Turning it off, then arriving home and turning it straight up to maximum for a quick cool-down is neither energy nor cost-efficient.
<h3>Is it cheaper to run AC all the time?</h3>
No. Running air conditioning every day gradually burns through more energy, costing you more money and the planet more of its valuable fossil fuels.
<h3>What type of air conditioning is the most cost-effective?</h3>
A portable air conditioner is the least expensive to buy and a good, quick fix for a short while. However, this will quickly become expensive to run and won't be the best performing unit
A split air conditioner, whilst more expensive to set up, is the most cost-effective option in the long run and one of the better performing. Split air conditioning can save energy by only cooling the air in the desired space and more precisely.
This is increasingly cost-effective when partnered with a programmable thermostat or app, which will let you control your split air AC in advance and from afar, thereby reducing wasted energy and money.&nbsp;
We also have a comprehensive guide on <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/wall-mounted-air-conditioning">Wall Mounted Air Conditioning vs Portable Air Conditioning Units</a> to help you make the right choice.
<h2>Final thoughts</h2>
Air conditioning will cost you money - there is no way around it. But there are ways you can control and even reduce the cost.
Take the time to figure out which unit is the right one for you and your space. Check your insulation, and when you add an AC unit to your family, be sure to keep it clean! Also, keep in mind that air conditioning shouldn't replace a fan; they work better together!

Learn

How much does air conditioning cost to run?

Before investing in an air conditioner, research the unit prices and running costs. This guide breaks down the factors that can influence the overall expense.

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Getting your house fitted with an <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning">air conditioner </a>may sound like a luxury, with hot weather being few and far between in the UK. However, during the summer months, it&rsquo;ll become a necessity when you&rsquo;re struggling to get a good night sleep in the uncomfortable heat. A cooling system is a great addition to a property, making the sporadic heatwaves bearable. You can also use many modern air conditioners to increase the temperature of a room using a heat pump. Before rushing to purchase a unit impulsively, ensure you research the costs involved first to determine whether there&rsquo;s room for it in your budget. As well as the initial price of buying the unit, you have to consider the <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/how-much-does-air-conditioning-cost-to-run" rel="follow">ongoing running costs of the air conditioner</a>. In this guide, <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/">BOXT</a> has broken down the varying expenses associated with air conditioning units and the factors that can influence the overall costs.

<h2>The cost of different air conditioning types </h2>
There are three main air conditioning types in the UK with varying purchase, installation, and running costs.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Portable air conditioners</li>
</ul>
These standalone units are cheaper to purchase, ranging from around &pound;200 to &pound;600 and don&rsquo;t call for professional installation fees as you can just place them on the floor. Although, you may need to fix a window kit to the device so it can remove moisture from the air. Portable air conditioners aren&rsquo;t as effective at cooling as other types, which may encourage you to keep it running for longer and on the highest power setting, which can increase your energy bills. Ideally, these types of air conditioners are for occasional use and are especially convenient to renters.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Split air conditioners&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
These models entail a professional fitting one component inside and the other on the property&rsquo;s exterior. Although the installation process is more complex and expensive than portable units, it&rsquo;s still reasonably straightforward. <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/split-system-air-conditioner">Split air conditioners</a> are also more expensive than portable units to buy and often cost between &pound;1,000 and &pound;2,000 when fully installed, depending on how many units you need. However, they operate more efficiently, with many having climate control features. You can also easily manage the device using a remote control. On top of this, these units usually include built-in functions to personalise the settings, such as night mode and timers.

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Central air conditioning </li>
</ul>
A <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/air-conditioning-ducting" rel="follow">duct</a> is installed throughout existing walls, making them most suitable to new homes or if you&rsquo;re remodelling a property, and includes an outdoor compressor. This type of unit is the most expensive to buy, costing up to &pound;4,000, but is often used to cool an entire property. It also has high energy efficiency ratings.&nbsp;

<h2>Running costs </h2>
The running costs of an air conditioner depend on the unit&rsquo;s size and other quality, but it can reach up to 43p an hour. <a href="https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/experts/article-9697055/How-air-conditioning-set-bills-rise.html">Recent reports</a> estimate that using an air conditioner for eight hours a day would cost over &pound;100 per month.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/0YfSP3sgRfydphbd1iSI" alt="undefined">
<h2>What can affect the cost?&nbsp;</h2>
 There are several ways that you can accidentally end up increasing the running costs of <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow">air conditioning</a>. Still, you can also lower the ongoing expense by modifying your usage and choosing a suitable unit. 
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Air conditioner size</li>
</ul>
Installing an appropriately sized air conditioner based on your room&rsquo;s dimensions will regulate your energy bills. However, if the unit is too small, it will work harder than necessary to try and cool the room down effectively, which would waste energy and fail to achieve the desired results. In contrast, if the air conditioner is too large for the space, it&rsquo;ll cool the room down too quickly and then turn off before having time to remove the moisture from the air. Once the area has increased in temperature again, the unit will turn on again. This constant on-and-off cycle will waste energy. To calculate which size of air conditioner you need, find the floor square footage of the space and multiply the figure by 25 to find the BTU (British Thermal Unit). 
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Efficient usage&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
To use your air conditioner more efficiently to lower your energy bills, follow the below tips:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Close the doors and windows&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Adjust the temperature through seasonal changes</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Clear the area around the unit to avoid blocking the airflow</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Place other heat sources (e.g. lamps, ovens) away from the thermostat and sensors&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Keep the sun out by closing the curtains or blinds on sun-facing windows</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Connect the device to smart technology for more convenient management of your usage.</li>
</ul>
As well as this, only keep the air conditioner on when you need it and are occupying the space, and don&rsquo;t forget to turn it off when you leave the room. 
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Property insulation </li>
</ul>
If the property isn&rsquo;t well-insulated, outside air will seep into your home, and the cool air produced from the air conditioner will escape, rendering the unit ineffective. This result would be similar to opening the windows in winter while your central heating is on, wasting energy and making the home temperature uncomfortable. It&rsquo;ll likely cause you to keep the air conditioner running for longer than is necessary, which would hike up your energy bill without sufficiently cooling down the room. To avoid energy wastage, insulate the roof, ceiling, walls, pipes, and install double-glazed windows too. 
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Air conditioner maintenance</li>
</ul>
Carrying out regular maintenance of the unit will enhance the lifespan and keep it running efficiently. Here are some ways to care for your air conditioner:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Arrange annual services</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Check the vents of ducted air conditioners</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Regularly replacing and cleaning the filters</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Check the evaporator coil annually and clean where necessary</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cover it during winter</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hire an engineer to check and repair any issues immediately</li>
</ul>
Preserving the unit&rsquo;s condition will minimise repair costs and avoid expensive breakdowns, which could cause you to replace it prematurely. Ideally, you should only replace your system every ten years with a more advanced unit to lower your energy usage. 
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/4JfAlKeMSDixqf7che4g" alt="undefined">

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Energy rating</li>
</ul>
When browsing units, compare energy rating labels on the different products and ideally choose an air conditioner with a rating between seven and ten stars. A higher rating shows it will operate more effectively and economically, to avoid wasting energy. An air conditioner would provide huge relief to you through the summer heatwaves, especially if your home doesn&rsquo;t have an outdoor area. Before investing in a cooling system, factor the initial purchase price of the unit and the long-term monthly running costs into your decision process. 

For further advice on the cost of an air conditioning system, speak to a <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/">BOXT</a> engineer on the live chat and use the &lsquo;<a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/find-ac">find an AC</a>&rsquo; online tool to receive a fixed price quote for a suitable unit for your property, including installation.

Have a good night every night with our fixed price air conditioning packages.

Air conditioning costs: Unit prices and cost of running

Trying to budget for your air conditioning? The cost of installing air conditioning depends on the size of your home, as well as the unit.

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If you&rsquo;ve been relying on a fan to keep you cool throughout the British summer, it might be time to consider purchasing a permanent air conditioning unit. Permanent air-con units can offer you much more flexibility and control over the temperature of your home, as well as help you cut down on unexpected monthly costs when a heatwave hits.&nbsp;
<h2>How expensive is it to install air conditioning?</h2>
While the cost of installation depends on the size and type of your air conditioner, we&rsquo;ll always include installation within the price of every one of our <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning">air conditioning unit</a>. This means no hidden fees, and no extra need to search for a last minute engineer once your air conditioning unit has been delivered to your door.&nbsp;
Your air conditioner installation cost depends on a few different factors;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Whether you live in a flat or house</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The size of your house</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Your choice of extra features for your air con unit</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The type of air conditioner you choose to buy</li>
</ul>
Depending on your needs, the type of air conditioning model you choose will have enough power to keep your room cool, and your temperature stable, all day long. You also need to bear in mind the energy output you&rsquo;ll have, as well as how energy efficient your home is. If your windows and doors are fully sealed, for example, you&rsquo;ll need less power to keep your home cool, as the cold air will circulate inside, rather than escaping outdoors.&nbsp;
<h2>Types of air conditioning models&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
There are pros and cons to every air conditioning unit, but each works differently depending on how it&rsquo;s being used. Broadly speaking, there are two types of air con units you can choose; portable plug in units that can be moved around as you use each room in your home, or more permanent fixed units you install in the space you need it most. You can also use our <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/find-ac" rel="follow">Find an Air Conditioner</a> tool
<h3>Split air conditioning&nbsp;</h3>
Rather than a singular system, <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/split-system-air-conditioner">split system air conditioners</a> use both an inside and outside unit to keep the cool air in, and funnel warmer air out. Because of this more complicated system, split air conditioners require engineering support to ensure they&rsquo;re installed correctly. With installation included, split air conditioners are one of the most cost effective air conditioning units you can choose.&nbsp;
<h3>Window air conditioners&nbsp;</h3>
Window air conditioners are less common in new builds and more modern houses but can be a great way to cool down a smaller space. While it&rsquo;s possible to fit a window air conditioner yourself, bear in mind that they&rsquo;re often heavy and difficult to manoeuvre. Here at BOXT, we&rsquo;d always recommend enlisting the help of specialists to help you install air conditioning units. In fact, every one of our air conditioning units includes installation with fixed prices, to make sure you get the&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Portable air conditioning units</h3>
Portable options are often a lot more inexpensive thanks to DIY installation and limited power. If you rely on your air conditioner to keep you cool all summer long, you might find it more cost-effective to choose a fixed unit for your wall or floor.
<h2>Is air conditioning expensive to run?&nbsp;</h2>
After the initial installation cost, you&rsquo;ll need to consider how much money you&rsquo;ll spend keeping your home icy-cold even when it&rsquo;s too hot to step outside your front door. Understanding <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/how-much-does-air-conditioning-cost-to-run" rel="follow">how much an air conditioning unit costs to run</a> is determined by several different factors; the longer you run it and the larger your space is, the higher your bill will be at the end of each month. However, to keep your air-con bills down, you can make sure to run your unit only when windows and doors are fully shut, never leave it running when you&rsquo;re not home, and be sure to get your AC serviced regularly.&nbsp;
<h2>Enjoy your summer with BOXT&nbsp;</h2>
Our friendly team works to keep you at your perfect temperature whether it&rsquo;s sunny or snowing outside. If you&rsquo;re looking for the most effective <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow">air conditioner</a> for your home, <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/how-boxt-works" rel="follow">our unique approach</a>&nbsp;will help you find the best option for you.

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