How much does an air conditioner cost to run in the UK?
How to estimate air conditioning running costs using your unit's wattage and the current electricity unit rate, with a worked example for a UK home.
Updated 29 May 2026
Air conditioning buying guides
New to air conditioning? Start here. These guides explain how to size a unit, what it will cost to run, and the practical things to check before you spend — written for UK homes and kept up to date. Pair them with our free calculators to get numbers for your own room.
Portable vs split air conditioning — which should I choose?
How portable and fixed split air conditioners differ on installation, cost, performance and the rules that may apply, so you can pick the right type for your home.
Updated 29 May 2026
Air conditioner buying checklist
A practical pre-purchase checklist for UK buyers, covering BTU sizing, single vs dual hose, noise, energy rating, drainage, window fit and useful extra modes.
Updated 29 May 2026
What size air conditioner do I need?
A plain-English guide to sizing an air conditioner for UK homes, including the BTU rule of thumb and the factors that change the number.
Updated 29 May 2026