The benefits of 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 precise temperature control, improved air quality, and better work performance. Increasingly, households and businesses are opting to have systems installed, particularly in warmer regions such as Bristol and the South West. If you’re considering an air conditioning installation for your home or workplace, it’s important to understand what it actually costs to keep your units running.
Initial Costs
When you first start researching air conditioning units, you’ll need to take into account both the initial purchase of your chosen unit and the installation fees. These are one-off payments, but they are still a key part of the overall investment.
For homes, a typical installation will usually involve choosing between wall-mounted, floor-mounted, or ducted systems, depending on room layout and aesthetics. For commercial premises, such as offices, shops, or leisure facilities, a more complex system may be required to cover multiple rooms or zones.
Depending on the type of system you choose, you could spend anywhere from a few hundred pounds on a basic unit up to £8,000-£10,000 or more on a large-scale, multi-room system. Installation fees are normally in the region of £1,000 to £4,000, depending on the scope of the project, access, and any additional electrical or building work needed. Although these upfront costs will generally deliver a return in comfort, productivity, and potential energy savings over the years, they should still be factored in when working out the true cost of owning an air conditioning system.
Running Costs
The exact running costs of your air conditioning unit will depend on several factors, including the size of the system, how well-insulated the space is, and how intensively the unit is used. For example, if you’re working with a listed or older building that has poor ventilation, your unit may need to run for longer periods than in a modern, well-insulated home office.
On average, estimates suggest that an air conditioning unit costs in the region of 8-14 pence per hour while it is running. If you run your unit every single day for a month, for 6 hours a day, you’ll spend around £25 a month and approximately £300 a year. If you have a multi-split system with several indoor units, or a larger and more complex commercial installation, it’s realistic to see running costs rise into the £100+ per month range during peak use.
Getting the right capacity is also crucial. An undersized unit will have to work harder (and therefore use more energy) to cool the space, while an oversized unit can short-cycle and operate inefficiently. Our guide on what size air conditioning unit you need explains how professionals calculate the correct output for your room or building.
Reducing Running Costs
There are a number of simple ways to keep your running costs under control without sacrificing comfort:
- Use a timer or programmable controls so your unit only operates when needed.
- Make the most of shading and insulation by closing blinds or curtains on sunny days and draught-proofing where possible.
- Keep up with regular servicing so your system can run efficiently and reliably. Booking annual air conditioning service and maintenance helps to reduce energy use and extend the lifespan of your equipment.
If you use your air conditioning for heating as well as cooling, choosing an efficient heat pump system and running it correctly can provide very cost-effective year-round comfort.
Here at Controlled Climate, we have over 25 years of experience in designing, installing, and maintaining air conditioning and heat pump systems across Bristol and the South West. If you’re concerned about running costs or would like tailored advice on whether a system is right for your property, you can get in touch with our team for clear, practical guidance and a detailed quotation.