How Much Does Air Conditioning Cost To Run in the UK? (May 2025 update)
Alexander BevanIf you’re thinking about buying an air conditioner, one of the biggest questions is: "How much does an air conditioner cost to run per hour in the UK?". Many UK homeowners want to stay cool without the high air con running costs. The answer depends on whether you choose a portable or split (fixed) air conditioner, as well as how efficiently you use it.
In this guide, we’ll break down the operating costs for both types and explain why portable air conditioners (like ours at Morris) can be a smart, cost-effective choice.
Portable vs. Split Air Conditioners: Running Costs Compared
1. Split (Fixed) Air Conditioners
❌ Expensive installation
❌ Permanent fixture – Can’t move rooms
✅ More energy-efficient (but higher upfront cost)
Running Cost Example:
A 9,000 BTU split AC uses around 800W (0.8 kWh).
Cost per hour = 0.8 × 27.03p* = 22p per hour
8 hours/day = £1.73 | Monthly = £52.80
* This is the current standard electricity tariff in the UK (27.03p/kWh) (1 April to 30 June 2025).
2. Portable Air Conditioners
✅ Flexible – Move between rooms
✅ No installation needed – Just plug & play
✅ Lower upfront cost – Cheaper than split systems
Running Cost Example:
Morris 7000 BTU portable AC uses 780W (0.78 kWh).
→ Cost per hour = 0.78 kWh × 27.03p/kWh = 21p per hour
→ Cost for 8 hours/day = 21p × 8 = £1.68 per day
→ Monthly cost (30 days) = £1.68 × 30 = £50.60
Morris 9000 BTU portable AC uses 990W (0.99 kWh).
→ Cost per hour = 0.99 kWh × 27.03p = 27p per hour
→ 8 hours/day = £2.14 | Monthly = £64.22
💡 Tip: Using the timer & sleep mode can cut these costs by 20-30%!
Are split air conditioners cheaper to run than the portable?
● Yes, but only slightly (saves ~2p per hour vs. portable).
● Installation costs take years to recover in energy savings.
Aircon Running Cost Calculator Table (Hr to Month)
| Cost/£ | Day(24 Hours) | Week(7 Days) | Month(30 Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split AC (800W) | £5.18 | £36.32 | £155.69 |
| Portable AC (780W) | £5.06 | £35.42 | £151.80 |
| Portable AC (990W) | £6.42 | £44.95 | £192.66 |
Use the Morris calculator to see your device costs!
Wow! You can easily calculate the electricity running cost of any device using our calculator at the end of this article!
Why Morris Portable ACs Save You Money
When considering "how much does an air conditioner cost to run per hour in the UK", our portable units offer:
✔ No installation hassle – Just wheel it where you need it!
✔ Perfect for renters – No need for landlord approval.
✔ Lower upfront cost – No £500 - £600 initial cost + installation fees.
✔ Take it with you – Move houses? Your AC is on too!
✔ Smart features (Wi-Fi, timers, sleep mode) help save energy.
Customer Review:
"I was worried about the air con running costs, but my Morris 7000 BTU air conditioner only adds about £1.7 to my daily bill in summer. The app helps me control it efficiently!" - Sarah, London ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I compared split ACs, but the portable one was way cheaper upfront. The Wi-Fi control on the MOR-PAC90WIFI is a game-changer!" – Lisa, Leeds ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 Ways to Reduce Your Air Con Running Costs
✅ Use the timer – Set it to turn off when the room is cool.
✅ Close doors & windows – Stops cold air escaping.
✅ Clean the filter monthly – Improves efficiency.
✅ Choose an A-rated model for lower air con running costs – Like our Morris models.
Final Verdict: Is Air Conditioning Expensive to Run?
● Portable ACs cost ~21p-27p per hour to run.
● Split ACs cost ~22p per hour but require expensive installation.
● Portable units are more flexible & budget-friendly long-term.
👉 Browse Our Energy-Efficient Portable ACs
Need help picking the right one?
Read more in our Ultimate BTU Calculator Guide or contact us – we’re happy to help!
More Helpful Guides:
Are Portable Air Conditioners Noisy? 5 Tips to Work More Quietly
Choose the Ideal Air Conditioning Unit for Your Bedroom.
Is Your Portable Air Conditioner Leaking Water? Complete Fix Guide!
Stay cool without breaking the bank with Morris! 😊
Try the Morris electricity calculator
You can quickly determine the electricity costs of any device using our calculator provided at the end of this article!
FAQs
Is air conditioning heating expensive to run?
In heating mode the running costs of the air conditioners are usually slightly different than in cooling:
Heating typically costs more than cooling (about 10-20% more) because:
● Heating requires more energy to warm air than to cool it
● Most AC units are slightly less efficient in heating mode
Example costs (based on 27.03p/kWh):
● Cooling: ~21p-27p per hour (for our portable models)
● Heating: ~25p-35p per hour
Why choose AC heating anyway?
● Still cheaper than electric heaters
● More efficient than most space heaters
● You get both functions in one device
"I use my Morris 7000 BTU for heating in winter and cooling in summer - it's cheaper than buying separate appliances!" - Emma, Bristol ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
View Morris’s Dual-Function ACs
Is air conditioning expensive to run?
Air con running costs depend on factors like the type and size of the AC, the size of the room to be cooled, and the cost of electricity. For example, a 9000 BTU AC using 900 watts of power could cost 0.27p to run for an hour, while a ducted air conditioner using 5000w will cost £1.35 (according to the current standard electricity tariff UK (27.03p/kWh) from 1 April to 30 June 2025. In addition, the bigger the room, the more power and time it takes for an air conditioner to cool that room, which can increase energy bills.
Alexander Bevan
This blog post writer is an expert in indoor climate solutions, with years of experience advising homeowners and businesses on optimising air quality, comfort, and energy efficiency. His well-researched, practical insights—backed by deep technical knowledge—help readers make informed decisions, ensuring trusted guidance for all their needs at Morris.
How much does it cost to run a 5kw air conditioner uk
A 5kW air conditioner (very powerful, for large spaces) costs about:
£1.35 per hour to run (at 27p/kWh).
Example running costs:
● 1 hour = £1.35
● 8 hours/day = £10.80
● Monthly = ~£324
Note:
● Most homes don't need 5kW units (our portable 2-3kW ACs are cheaper to run)
● Commercial spaces/shops might use these
Need cooling? Our portable ACs cost just 21p-35p/hour!
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6 comments
Hello Mark,
Thanks for your question! The cost to run an air conditioner per hour in the UK depends on its power consumption and your electricity rate. Based on the current price cap of 27.03p/kWh, a typical 1kW portable air conditioner would cost around £0.27 per hour to run. Larger rooms or higher-powered units will increase costs, as the system works harder to cool the space. For best efficiency, ensure your unit’s BTU rating matches your room size. If you want, you can find a BTU calculator in the end of this post: https://www.morrisdirect.co.uk/blogs/advice-centre-portable-air-conditioning/the-ultimate-btu-calculator. Let us know if you’d like tips on cutting running costs!
Best,
Alexander
Hi Kev,
Thank you for your positive feedback! Yes, many split AC units come with heat pump functionality, allowing them to also heat a room effectively. This can be a cost-effective solution, especially in milder climates. When considering your options, it’s helpful to know how much an air conditioner costs to run per hour in the UK, as this can impact your overall expenses. If you want, you can share your room dimensions for tailored advice! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
Best,
Alexander
Thanks for the great article. My question is whether the split AC units can also heat a room and if this is a cost effective way?
Hi, I was wondering how much does an air conditioner cost to run per hour. I’ve got a portable unit and my bills seem high, but not sure if it’s normal. Also, does the size of the room effect it? Thanks!
Hello Gareth,
Thanks for your question! When it comes to whether is air conditioning expensive to run, it really depends on the type of unit you choose and how you use it. Portable air conditioners, as mentioned in the article, are generally more cost-effective to run compared to split or ducted systems, especially if you’re only cooling one room at a time. For example, a 9000 BTU portable AC costs around 0.24p per hour to run, which is much lower than a ducted system (£1.24/hour).
Investing in a smart portable AC with Wi-Fi can definitely help save on energy costs in the long run. Features like remote control and scheduling allow you to optimise usage, ensuring the unit only runs when needed. This can reduce unnecessary energy consumption and keep your bills lower.
If you’re looking for an affordable and efficient cooling solution, a portable AC is a great choice—just be mindful of usage patterns to keep costs down. Let me know if you have more questions!
Cheers,
Alexander