How Much Does Aircon Cost per Hour in the UK?

When considering air conditioning for a home, one of the first questions homeowners ask is how much it costs to run per hour. With energy bills in the spotlight, understanding the real costs is essential. The good news is that air conditioning in the UK is more affordable to run than many people expect, especially when modern inverter systems are installed correctly.

How Air Conditioning Uses Energy

Air conditioning units use electricity to power compressors, fans, and controls. Modern systems are highly efficient thanks to inverter technology, which adjusts the compressor speed to meet demand. Instead of cycling on and off, the system runs steadily, using less energy.

This efficiency means that actual running costs are lower than many assume.

Typical Hourly Costs

Based on an electricity price of 28p per kWh (Ofgem, 2025), here’s what homeowners in Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and Oxfordshire can expect to pay:

• 2.5 kW bedroom unit – Uses about 0.7 kWh per hour = 20p per hour.
• 5 kW living room unit – Uses about 1.5 kWh per hour = 40p per hour.
• 7 kW kitchen diner unit – Uses about 2.2 kWh per hour = 60p per hour.

In real-world use, these figures are often 30–40 percent lower because systems rarely operate at full output continuously.

Daily and Seasonal Examples

To give practical context:

• A bedroom unit running 8 hours overnight: £1.60 per night.
• A family room unit running 5 hours in the evening: £2.00 per day.
• A whole summer season of nightly bedroom cooling: around £120.

In towns like Guildford or Reading, where families often use air conditioning during evening hours, this level of cost is manageable for most households.

Comparison with Other Appliances

Air conditioning costs per hour are comparable to or cheaper than many common household appliances:

• Tumble dryer cycle: £1.40
• Electric oven (2 hours): 84p
• Dishwasher cycle: 70p

For many households in Winchester or Oxford, air conditioning is no more expensive than using appliances they already rely on daily.

Heating Mode Costs

Air conditioning also doubles as heating. In heating mode, modern systems act as heat pumps with a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of around 4. This means 1 kWh of electricity produces 4 kWh of heat.

This makes air conditioning far cheaper to run than electric resistance heating and often competitive with gas central heating for zoned use, such as heating a home office in Basingstoke or a bedroom in Abingdon.

Factors That Influence Running Costs

Several factors affect what you pay per hour:

• Room size and insulation: Better insulated homes require less energy.
• System design and zoning: Correctly sized units avoid wasted power.
• Temperature settings: Every degree lower in summer or higher in winter adds to energy use.
• Usage habits: Short bursts of targeted use are cheaper than running systems all day.

Reducing Costs Further

Homeowners across Surrey and Berkshire can reduce running costs by:

• Using shading and blinds to block direct sunlight.
• Keeping doors and windows closed when the system is running.
• Regularly cleaning filters to maintain airflow.
• Choosing energy-efficient units with high SEER and SCOP ratings.
• Working with an installer like ClimateWorks to ensure correct system sizing and installation.

Balancing Cost and Value

When looked at in isolation, paying 40–60p per hour for cooling might feel like an extra expense. But when balanced against the benefits — improved sleep, year-round comfort, efficient heating, and healthier air — the value becomes clear.

In towns such as Reading, Winchester, and Guildford, homeowners who have installed air conditioning often report the comfort it brings outweighs the modest running cost.

References

• Ofgem, Energy Price Data 2025 – Ofgem
• Energy Saving Trust, Domestic Energy Consumption – Energy Saving Trust
• UK Government, Energy Performance Regulations – GOV.UK
• Mitsubishi Electric, Air Conditioning Running Costs – 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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