What Are the Average Air Conditioning Running Costs?
During the cost of living crisis, it’s more important now than ever to save money where you can, but should your health suffer for it? Which begs the question, what are the average air conditioning running costs?
While aircon can be expensive to run, your overall monthly cost can be reduced with the right model and wattage. Not only should you consider the space you want to cool and heat, but what your energy budget is.
In this article, we will cover:
– How much does an air conditioner cost to run per hour in the UK?
– What is the average cost of split AC units?
– What is the average cost of ducted AC units?
– Is air conditioning cheaper than gas central heating in the UK?
– So, is air conditioning expensive to run?
– How can I make my air conditioning costs cheaper?
How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost to Run Per Hour in the UK?
Air conditioners typically cost 24.5p per kilowatt hour (kWh), which has the potential to increase in the coming months.
However, it’s difficult to state an inclusive price point for the hourly cost of running aircon. It largely depends on the model, wattage and the standard electricity tariff (from April to June 2024).
Split units are the most common in households, whereas ducted units are popular for businesses. Below are the average hourly costs for each type:
Split AC Units
Power consumption: 480 watts = 0.48 kW
Energy used per hour: 0.48 kW x 1 hour = 0.48 kWh
Cost per hour: 0.48 kWh x £0.245 = £0.117
But what if you left it running for…
- 6 hours: 70p
- 12 hours: £1
- 24 hours: £3
- 1 week: £20
- 1 month: £86
Ducted AC Units:
Power consumption: 5,000 watts = 5 kW
Energy used per hour: 5 kW x 1 hour = 5 kWh
Cost per hour: 5 kWh x £0.245 = £1.22
But what if you left it running for…
- 6 hours: £7
- 12 hours: £14
- 24 hours: £29
- 1 week: £205
- 1 month: £894
Is Air Conditioning Cheaper Than Gas Central Heating in the UK?
Yes, air conditioning is much more affordable than gas central heating.
The UK is known for its temperamental weather, which means it can be cold in summer and warm in winter. And while aircon is typically cheaper during winter, it doesn’t stop gas companies from hiking up their prices.
That being said, using aircon to both cool and warm your property is more cost-effective than using gas central heating. It can even save you up to a third of your heating bills!
So, Is Air Conditioning Expensive to Run?
No, air conditioning is not expensive to run so long as you control your electricity usage. While it’s likely to cost more for a large business than a smaller one, or a house compared to a flat, you can tailor your usage and cost to your needs.
Many modern models allow you to remotely change the temperature and on-off period using an app. As such, this is an efficient and cost-effective way of controlling your unit.
How Can I Make My Air Conditioning Costs Cheaper?
If your air conditioning running costs look a little high, you may be doing the following things:
- Choosing the wrong settings
- Keeping it continuously on
- Lacking sufficient units
- Operating when damaged or unclean
- Using the wrong model
- Using a unit with low wattage
Reduce Your Air Conditioning Running Costs with D-Mec Services
Ultimately, your air conditioning running costs depend on the model of your unit, its wattage, how often you use it, and the national electricity fees. We must note, the prices shown are simply estimates and not approximations for all types of air conditioning.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective, yet efficient unit, we recommend opting for help from D-Mec Services. Whether you require a new installation at your retail store or a large medical centre, you can trust our 25 years of experience. Contact us to get started