Air conditioning running cost calculator
What air conditioning costs per hour, day and year to cool a room, and how heating with it compares with gas and electric heaters.
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Quote by video 0330 520 2935Why modern air con is cheap to run
Air conditioners move heat instead of making it. In cooling mode an efficient unit delivers about 6 kWh of cooling for every 1 kWh of electricity; in heating mode about 4 kWh of heat.
Inverter units also slow down once the room reaches temperature, so on average they run well below their rated output. The calculator assumes half output on average.
Prices used: 26.3p per kWh for electricity and 8.0p per kWh for gas, the Ofgem price cap from 1 October 2026. Change them to match your bill.
Running cost questions
How much does air conditioning cost to run per hour?
A typical 3.5 kW system costs around 7–8p an hour to cool a room once it is up to temperature, at the October 2026 price cap of 26.32p per kWh.
Is air conditioning cheaper than electric heaters?
Yes, usually three to four times cheaper, because a heat pump moves heat rather than making it.
How can I cut running costs?
Choose an efficient inverter model, keep filters clean, set 24–26°C for cooling and close blinds on hot afternoons.