How Much Does Air Conditioning Cost? The Ultimate Guide for UK Homeowners

How Much Does Air Conditioning Cost?

Air conditioning can cost from £250 for a portable unit which requires no installation, up to around £14,500 for a whole home fitted with a ducted system.

Without installation costs, air conditioning units alone can cost from £600 for a wall mounted (split) system, up to £3,500 for a ducted system.

To make the outlay more palatable, monthly payment options are available.

If you are considering installing air conditioning in your home, you’ll need to understand the associated costs and factors involved in both set-up and maintenance. 

This guide sets out all these expenses, recommends system types and gives tips for choosing the right air conditioner for you and your home.

The Benefits of Air Conditioning

Air conditioning units allow homeowners to set the temperature of a room, allowing for more comfortable sleeping, relaxing and working from home conditions. Many air conditioning units offer air purification systems for allergy sufferers and the ability to produce heat, making them useful all year round.

Britain is well known for its low temperatures, so air conditioning units that omit heat are a great choice for the winter snap, however over the past three decades, Britain has become 0.9C warmer, whilst the summer of 2022 saw the UK record its highest temperature of 40.3C. As a result, air conditioning units have gone from being a luxury to a necessity in British homes to help combat the heat. 

Air Conditioning Types And Costs

The cost of air conditioning installation varies significantly depending on the type of system. We’ve summarised some of the most common types of air conditioning options available.

1. Portable Air Conditioners 

• Cost: £250–£650 
• Installation: No professional help required, just plug in and switch on
• Pros: Budget-friendly, portable and easy to store during off-seasons 
• Cons: Less effective for larger rooms, have higher running costs and create excess noise 

2. Wall-Mounted (Split) Systems 

• Cost of Unit: £600–£1,500 (per unit, depending on British Thermal Unit (BTU) size) 
• Installation: £900–£1,500 per unit 
• Best for: Individual rooms, such as bedrooms or living spaces 
• Pros: Cost-effective for single-room use and efficient cooling 
• Cons: Outdoor fan unit required, which affects aesthetics and requires professional installation 

3. Multi-Split Systems 

• Cost of Unit: £1,200 per indoor unit (up to 10 units per outdoor unit) 
• Installation: £6,000–£10,000 for an entire property 
• Best for: Multiple rooms or whole-house cooling 
• Pros: Independent room controls, discreet indoor units 
• Cons: Indoor units cannot heat and cool simultaneously 

4. Ducted Systems 

• Cost of Unit: £3,500 or more (for one room) 
• Installation: £10,000–£14,500 for a whole house 
• Best for: Larger homes or new-build properties
• Pros: Quiet, concealed ducts and seamless integration 
• Cons: Extensive installation process and higher upfront costs

Additional Costs to Consider 

• Electrical Work: £400–£700 (if upgrading your electrical system is necessary) 
• Plaster Repairs: £150–£300 (to tidy up after installation work) 
• Annual Servicing: £70–£120 per unit 

Running Costs of Air Conditioning in the UK

Understanding running costs is just as important as the upfront investment. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay when running an air conditioner:

• Average Running Costs (per hour):
  • Small unit (~2.5kWh): £0.37/hour 
  • Large unit (~6kWh): £0.49/hour 
• Factors that influence running costs:
  • Efficiency of the unit (check for higher Seasonal Coefficient of Performance, SCOP values)
  • Insulation of the home (draught-proof doors and windows to retain cool air)
  • Duration of use (turn off units in unoccupied rooms to save money)

Placement and Installation Factors

Air conditioning units can be installed into any area of your home. However, they are most commonly installed in bedrooms to improve sleep, kitchens to mitigate heat from cooking appliances and loft conversions which commonly hold heat due to higher levels of insulation.

Does Air Conditioning Installation Require Planning Permission?

Planning permission is typically not required for standard air conditioning installations, though you might need it for listed buildings or flats. 

When selecting an installer be sure to check they are FGas certified and registered to self-certify in compliance with Building Regulations. 

How Long Does It Take To Install Air Conditioning?

Typically, a single air conditioning unit can take one day to install, while multi-room systems may require up to a week in larger homes. 

Tips for Choosing the Right Air Conditioning System

With so many options out there, how do you select the right air conditioning unit for your home? 

1. Measure the Room Size: 

• Air conditioners are categorised by BTU, which dictates their cooling capacity 
• Measuring your room will help you understand what BTU level your unit should be
• For example, a small room (up to 18m²) requires a unit of around 7,000 BTU, while larger rooms (35–40m²) typically need an 18,000 BTU unit

2. Focus on Energy Efficiency: 

• Check for units rated with at least an A+ energy efficiency rating 
• Look for features such as a timer, eco-mode and smart controls to help you maximise usage 

3. Consider a Dual Function Unit: 

• Many air conditioners can double as heaters during colder months. This is ideal for year-round use

4. Ask for Professional Advice: 

• Consult qualified installers to calculate your home’s cooling and heating needs based on square metres and insulation quality 

5. Match Aesthetics with Functionality: 

• Wall-mounted units now come in stylish colours and finishes, so be sure to find an option that matches your decor 

Does Air Conditioning add value to your home?

Yes, in fact a survey by the mortgage broker Haysto found that a home with air conditioning professionally installed adds an average of £6,250 to the asking price. Getting all the benefits of air conditioning whilst living in your property as well as making your property more attractive to buyers and being able to demand more when selling is welcome news.

Weighing Up The Pros And Cons Of An Air Conditioning Unit

Air conditioning units are now fully multipurpose, offering cooling benefits as well as heat and air purification. Being able to use them all year round means they are fast becoming one of the best upgrades to making your home far more comfortable, and with flexible pay monthly options available the decision to have one installed is even easier to make.If you need extra support in finding the right system for your home, be sure to contact us for help and advice on the next steps for installing an air conditioning unit.