The true cost of running a portable air conditioner
With heatwaves becoming more frequent across the UK, many households are turning to portable air conditioners as a way to stay comfortable indoors. But while they offer quick relief from rising temperatures, they can also add a noticeable increase to your electricity bill.
At a time when average energy bills remain significantly higher than pre-crisis levels and are expected to rise again in July, understanding the true running cost of cooling your home has never been more important.
How much does a portable air conditioner cost to run?
Portable air conditioners are convenient, but they are also one of the more energy-intensive household appliances.
As a general guide, running a portable unit typically costs between 20p and 60p per hour, depending on the model and electricity tariff.
Energy expert Alex Peters from Checkatrade explains that several factors influence the final cost:
• the size and efficiency of the unit
• how long it is used each day
• the temperature setting
• the insulation of the home
He notes that these variables mean running costs can vary significantly from one household to another.
Energy specialist Ben Gallizzi from Uswitch estimates that most portable air conditioning units use around 1kW of electricity, which equates to roughly 25p per hour under current pricing conditions.
Over a full day of use, this can quickly add up. Running a unit for 8 hours could cost around £2, while continuous use during a prolonged heatwave could add tens of pounds to a monthly bill.
Built-in air conditioning costs even more
While portable units are the most accessible option, fixed or split-system air conditioners tend to be more powerful and more expensive to run.
According to Gallizzi, a typical 2.7kW built-in system could cost around 67p per hour when operating at full power.
Although these systems are often more efficient at cooling larger spaces, they can still lead to noticeable increases in electricity consumption, particularly during extended hot spells.
Why cooling costs are becoming more relevant in the UK
Unlike countries such as the United States or southern Europe, air conditioning has not traditionally been a standard feature in UK homes. The historically mild climate meant most properties were designed to retain heat rather than manage extreme cooling.
However, this is changing.
Energy experts estimate that around four million UK households now use some form of air conditioning, and adoption is increasing each year as summers become hotter and heatwaves more intense.
As temperatures rise, demand for cooling is expected to grow, adding a new layer of pressure to household energy budgets already affected by volatile prices.
How to reduce running costs
While air conditioning can significantly improve comfort and sleep quality during hot weather, there are ways to reduce its impact on your bill:
• Use fans alongside air conditioning to circulate cool air more efficiently
• Keep doors and windows closed while the unit is running
• Set the thermostat to a moderate temperature rather than maximum cooling
• Run the unit in short, controlled bursts rather than continuously
• Use blackout blinds or curtains to reduce heat entering the home
Small adjustments can make a noticeable difference over time, especially during extended periods of hot weather.
Thinking about your energy use more broadly
Cooling your home is just one part of a wider energy picture. With electricity costs still sensitive to global market conditions, understanding when and how you use energy can help reduce unnecessary spending.
Tools like SmartGen analyse your smart meter data to show exactly how much electricity your appliances are using, including high-demand devices like air conditioners. By identifying usage patterns and peak-cost periods, it becomes easier to make informed decisions that reduce waste and lower bills.
If you want to take control of your energy use and better understand what is driving your electricity costs, download SmartGen on the App Store.
