Think air con’s just for Marbella villas and swanky hotels? Think again. With UK summers now regularly pushing past 30°C - and 2024 topping out at a scorching 34°C in some spots - air conditioning is quickly moving from a luxury to a lifeline.
But before you picture yourself lounging in a perfectly chilled living room, let’s talk brass tacks. Air con isn’t cheap, and the costs don’t stop at the unit itself.
So, how much does it really cost to get air conditioning installed in the UK?
Let’s break it down…
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Installation costs £2,000–£4,500 on average, depending on the system and your home.
Running costs are between 10p and 50p per hour, based on energy efficiency and electricity rates.
Split systems are pricier upfront than portable units but cheaper to run long-term.
F-Gas certification - Installation must be done by a certified engineer.
Some homes will need electrical upgrades or wall drilling.
Heat pumps may be a smarter choice if you need heating, too.
How Much Does Air Conditioning Cost in the UK?
Air con in the UK isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither are the prices. The cost depends on the type of system you choose, the number of rooms you’re cooling, and the complexity of the installation.
Here’s the lowdown on your main options:
Split Systems
Split systems are by far the most popular choice for UK homes - and for good reason.
You’ll get one indoor unit (typically wall-mounted, though ceiling-mounted options exist) paired with one outdoor unit, linked via refrigerant pipes and electrical cabling.
They’re ideal for cooling individual rooms like bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices - especially in homes without existing ductwork.
The indoor unit quietly circulates cool air, while the outdoor unit handles the heavy lifting, making them both quiet and energy-efficient.
💷 Typical cost:
£2,000–£3,500 for a single-room setup.
This includes:
The unit itself (indoor + outdoor)
All necessary pipework and electrical connections
Installation by an F-Gas-certified engineer
Multi-Split Systems
Want more than one room feeling like a chilled retreat? Multi-split systems are your go-to.
They work just like standard split systems, but with a twist - you can connect multiple indoor units (in different rooms) to a single outdoor unit.
Each indoor unit operates independently, meaning you can set different temperatures in different rooms - handy if one person runs hot and another’s always freezing.
💷 Typical cost:
£3,500–£6,000, depending on the number of rooms and complexity of the install.
Each additional indoor unit typically adds:
£800–£1,200 per room (depending on pipe run length, wall access, and unit type)
Portable Units
Need a quick fix for a hot bedroom or home office? Portable air con units are the no-fuss, plug-and-play option - no installation required, just plug them in, stick the exhaust hose out the window, and you’re off.
They’re ideal for renters, budget-conscious homeowners, or anyone who only needs occasional cooling during heat waves.
💷 Typical cost:
£300–£1,000, depending on size, brand, and features.
You’ll usually get:
A mobile unit on wheels
A flexible hose for venting hot air out of a window
Basic controls (some models now include remote or app control)
⚠️ Cheaper upfront, but louder and less efficient. Best for small spaces or light use.
🔧 Ducted Systems
Think of ducted systems as the Rolls-Royce of air con - sleek, silent, and built to cool (or heat) your entire home from behind the scenes.
They push air through a network of hidden ducts in your ceiling or walls, leaving just discreet vents in each room.
The result? No bulky units on your walls, whisper-quiet operation, and complete climate control at the touch of a button.
💷 Typical cost:
£5,000 to £10,000+, depending on property size, layout, and how complex the ductwork needs to be.
You’re paying for:
The indoor and outdoor unit
Extensive ducting and grilles throughout the home
Labour-intensive installation (especially in finished homes)
Advanced zoning and smart control options
“Forget the Spanish villa cliché - air con’s becoming a must-have right here in the UK, and demand’s rising as fast as the temperatures.” - Patrick Garner, Heatable Engineer
What Affects the Cost of Air Con Installation?
There’s no flat rate for air con installs; your final price depends on a mix of factors, from the size of the space to how tricky the setup is.
Here’s what can drive the cost up (or keep it down):
📏 Room Size & Cooling Power
The bigger the room, the beefier the unit you’ll need.
A small bedroom (~20m²)? You’re looking at a 2.5kW unit.
A spacious lounge (~40m²)? More like 5kW.
More power = higher cost. And don’t guess - too big or too small, and the system won’t work properly. A pro survey keeps things efficient.
➕ Number of Units
When it comes to air con, more rooms means more indoor units - and that means more cost.
Each additional unit needs its own mounting, pipework, cabling, and setup time.
Even though multi-split systems share a single outdoor unit, every room you add still ramps up the price.
💷 Typical cost per extra unit:
£800–£1,200, depending on:
Unit size (larger rooms need more powerful units)
Pipe run length
Installation complexity (tight corners, wall types, etc.)
🧱 Installation Complexity
Not all air con installs are created equal. Some are a breeze - others? Not so much.
If your setup’s straightforward - say, a ground-floor room with the outdoor unit just outside and a short, direct pipe run - you’ll keep costs down.
But the more awkward the layout, the higher the bill.
💷 Labour cost range:
£500 to £1,500, depending on the job’s complexity and duration.
⚡ Electrical Work
Air con units don’t just need cold air - they need proper power, too.
Most modern systems require a dedicated electrical circuit, especially if they’re higher-capacity or part of a multi-split setup.
If your home’s wiring isn’t up to scratch - which is common in older properties - you may need upgrades before installation can go ahead.
💷 Typical cost:
£200 to £1,000, depending on what needs doing.
🏘️ Property Type
Your home’s layout, status, and structure can all affect how simple or stressful your air con install will be.
Some properties make it easy. Others?
Let’s just say you’ll want a good installer, a bit of patience, and maybe a chat with the council.
🏷️ Brand & Features
When it comes to air con, Bosch hits a sweet spot between performance, design, and long-term value.
While not the cheapest on the market, Bosch units are known for:
Reliable German engineering
Quiet operation (great for bedrooms and home offices)
Solid energy efficiency - helping cut running costs over time
Bosch’s split and multi-split models typically include:
Wi-Fi control as standard
Smart sensors that optimise airflow based on room use
Sleek, minimal designs that blend into most UK homes
💷 Extras & upgrades:
Add-ons like enhanced filtration, air purification, or advanced smart controls can increase costs by £100–£500 per unit - but these features can make a real difference in comfort, especially for allergy sufferers or tech-savvy homeowners.
🔧 Heads-up: If your home’s old or awkwardly laid out, expect higher costs. A site survey by an F-Gas-certified engineer isn’t just helpful - it’s essential.
How Much Does It Cost to Run Air Conditioning?
Air conditioning can be a lifesaver in summer, but what about the impact on your energy bill?
It all depends on three key factors:
System Efficiency (SEER/EER rating)
Usage Duration
Electricity Unit Cost
⚡ UK Electricity Prices (2025)
As of April–June 2025, Ofgem’s energy price cap puts the average electricity rate at 27 p per kWh, dropping slightly to 25.7 p/kWh from July–September 2025.
For simplicity, we’ll use approx. 26 p/kWh.
💨 Standard Split Systems
A typical 2.5 kW unit draws 2.5 kWh per hour if running at full power.
That equates to around 65 p/hour (2.5 kWh × 26p).
However, efficient models with a SEER rating of ~8 will cycle on/off, averaging 0.3–0.5 kWh/hr.
That works out to just 8p–13p/hour.
✅ Takeaway:
Go for a high-SEER split system and you could slash hourly costs from 65p to as low as 8p.
📦 Portable Units
These are less efficient, often drawing 0.8–1 kWh/hr.
That comes to 21p–26p per hour (0.8×26p–1×26p) .
Portable units can cost 2–3x more per hour compared to efficient split systems.
Air Con Running Costs Summary
AC Type | Power Use (kWh/hr) | Cost Per Hour | Annual Summer Cost |
High SEER Split | 0.3–0.5 | 8p–13p | £19–£31 |
Standard Portable | 0.8–1.0 | 21p–26p | £62–£78 |
Multi-room Split (3 units) | ~1.5 | ~39p | £119 |
†Assumes 4h/day over 60 days at 26 p/kWh.
💡 Pro Tips to Keep Costs Down:
Set the thermostat to 24–26°C - cool enough, but energy-smart.
Use timers and sleep modes to avoid unnecessary runtime.
Clean filters monthly to keep the unit running efficiently.
Choose high-SEER models from trusted brands like Bosch.
Could a Heat Pump Be a Better Option?
If you’re considering air conditioning for cooling but also need heating, an air-source heat pump is worth exploring.
These systems work as air conditioners in summer and heaters in winter, often with superior efficiency (Coefficient of Performance, or COP, of 3-5).
Installation costs are comparable to split systems-£2,500 to £8,000-but running costs are often lower due to their efficiency.
Heat pumps may also qualify for government grants, like the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which supports low-carbon heating.
If you’re replacing an old gas boiler and want year-round climate control, a heat pump could save money and simplify your setup. However, they’re less common for cooling-only needs, so weigh your priorities.
Types of Air Conditioning Systems
Beyond the main categories, let’s explore specific options within each:
Type | Description | Best For |
Split Systems | Indoor unit (evaporator + fan) and outdoor unit (compressor + condenser). Quiet and efficient. | Cooling single rooms |
Multi-Split Systems | One outdoor unit connected to multiple indoor units. | Cooling several rooms efficiently |
Portable Air Conditioners | Compact, moveable units with a hose to vent heat out of the window. Less efficient. | Renters or small, temporary spaces |
Ducted Systems | Centralised system using ducts to cool the whole home. Rare in the UK and expensive. | Larger homes with more cooling needs |
Each type suits different needs. For small flats, a portable unit might suffice. For larger homes or long-term use, split or multi-split systems are the gold standard.
Unsure which fits your home? Check our guide on what size air conditioner you need or get a tailored air conditioning quote.
Is Air Conditioning Worth It in the UK?
With UK summers getting hotter - 2024 was among the warmest on record - air conditioning is increasingly appealing.
Here’s a balanced look at whether it’s worth it:
Pros
Air con tackles heatwaves, improving sleep and productivity. It’s a lifesaver for homes with poor ventilation.
Professionally installed systems can boost resale value, especially in urban areas.
Modern units filter dust and allergens, improving air quality.
High-SEER split systems keep running costs reasonable.
Cons
£2,000–£6,000 for installation isn’t pocket change.
Daily use adds £9–£100/month to bills, depending on setup.
Outdoor units need space, which can be tricky in flats or terraced homes.
Annual servicing (£100–£200) is needed to maintain efficiency and comply with F-Gas regulations.
The Final Word
Air conditioning in the UK costs £2,000–£4,500 to install and 10p–50p/hour to run, with multi-room or ducted systems pushing costs higher.
With summers getting hotter, it’s a worthwhile investment for comfort, especially in poorly ventilated homes.
Split systems offer the best balance of efficiency and performance, while heat pumps are a smart dual-purpose option if you need heating too.
Always hire F-Gas certified engineers and get a site survey to avoid surprises. For occasional heat, fans or insulation might suffice, but for long-term relief, air conditioning is hard to beat.
Next Steps For Your AC Journey:
When planning to install air conditioning for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:
To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos.
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