The benefits that come from installing an air conditioning system in the UK are numerous. While we may not experience consistently hot days throughout the year, we can still benefit from control over the temperature in certain rooms, improved air quality and improved work performance. More and more households are choosing to have air conditioning units installed in their homes and businesses. But, what does it actually cost to keep them running? Let’s take a look at this today.
Initial Costs
When you first start researching air conditioning units, you need to take into account the initial purchase of your chosen unit and the installation fees. While these are one-off payments, there are financial considerations you should make when considering whether this is the right choice for you. Depending on the type of unit you choose, you could spend anywhere from a couple of hundred pounds up to over £8-10,000 on a large-scale and complex model. Installation fees are normally in the region of £1,000 to £4,000 depending on the scope of the project. And, while these fees will certainly generate a return over the years, you should consider them as part of the fees associated with air conditioning.
Running Costs
The exact running costs of your air conditioning unit will depend on factors such as its size and the demand placed on it. If you’re working on a listed or older building with poor ventilation, your unit may be running more constantly than if, for example, you have one fitted in your home office to reduce residual heat from your devices.
On average, estimates reckon that an air conditioning unit costs within the region of 8 – 14 pence per hour it is running. If you run your unit every single day for a month, for 6 hours a day, you’ll spend £25 a month and £300 a year. Additionally, if you have a multi-split system with several outlets or a larger scale and more complex model, you’re looking at prices in the £100+ per month running range.
Reducing Running Costs
There are a number of ways to reduce the running costs of your unit including:
- Using a timer to automatically turn your unit on and off, as needed.
- Utilising manual forms of shade to control the temperature as well.
- Ensuring you have a consistent maintenance and servicing schedule set up for your air conditioning unit.
Here at Controlled Climate, we have over 25 years of experience in air conditioners and heat pump systems. If you’re concerned about cost or would like to speak to a member of our team to understand if one of these units is right for you, please do get in contact with us here today.