AIR CONDITIONING RUNNING COSTS
Many people think that running air conditioning units is very expensive, but this is not the case. Here’s our guide to air conditioning running costs to help you decide on the best system for your home or business.
The cost of running an air conditioning unit is determined by a number of factors, including the size of unit, its output, and the layout and size of your property.
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How much does air conditioning cost to run?
On average, one of our standard market-leading Mitsubishi aircon units costs 15p per hour to run. However, the exact AC running cost will depend on a number of factors:
Insulation – Whilst insultation is important for keeping heat in during the winter, it also helps to keep the summer heat out of your property! With a well-insulated property, you will find that your air conditioning unit does not need to run constantly, and it will be easier to keep your room at a constant temperature.
Servicing & Maintenance – Keeping your air conditioning unit regularly serviced and maintained will help to increase its lifespan and efficiency, whilst reducing running costs and energy bills. Generally speaking, a domestic unit requires a service visit once a year, whilst a commercial unit requires maintenance twice a year.
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Installation costs vs running costs – It can be tempting to install a cheap air conditioner to save on installation costs, but cheaper units are often less efficient and therefore more expensive to run.
Aircon unit size – It’s important to have the correct size unit for the area that you wish to cool or heat. A unit that’s too small will use more energy trying to heat or cool the room, whilst an oversized unit will be more expensive to run or repair.
Control systems – Many aircon units now come with WIFI enabled energy saving features, allowing you to control the temperature via your mobile phone. You can also customise heating and cooling settings, check your consumption and ensure that the aircon is only being used when it is needed.
Choose the right unit – There are a number of different air conditioning systems to choose from, so it’s important to select the right one for you. We will talk you through the options and help you to choose the most efficient and cost-effective solution for your needs.
Review your energy supply – It is always worth shopping around and making sure that you are getting the best deal on your energy supply.
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portable air conditioner
vs
fixed unit
Portable Air Conditioner vs Fixed Unit
Portable air conditioning units have become popular in recent years, as a cheap option to provide cooling in a room. They are, however, not always the most efficient or cost-effective system.
Are portable air conditioners expensive to run?
On average, a portable air conditioner costs 27p-38p an hour to run, depending on the size of the unit. However, as portable units are less efficient than fixed ones, you may find that you need to buy and run additional units. A wall mounted aircon unit costs around 10p an hour when cooling and 15p an hour for heating.
What’s the difference between a portable air conditioner and a fixed one?
A portable air conditioner does not require permanent installation, whereas ceiling suspended, wall fixed, or central air conditioning units do. Portable units usually have wheels for manoeuvrability and are generally 75cm to 125cm tall.
Both types of conditioners have their benefits, but also have considerable differences:
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Pros and cons of a wall-mounted air conditioning unit
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Pros and cons of a portable air conditioning unit
RUNNING COST FAQ’S
How can I reduce the running cost of my air conditioner?
This question has been answered in more detail in the above article but key considerations are: check that your building is insulated, carry out regular service and maintenance, upgrade to an more energy efficient system, check that unit is correct size and ensure unit is controlled effectively.
How can I monitor the running costs of my air conditioning system?
By connecting your air conditioner to your home wifi network, it is easy to remotely control your thermostat, set temperature schedules, and keep a close eye on your energy consumption. Download the app to your smartphone that corresponds to your manufacturer or alternatively use voice control via Alexa or Google Home.
Is air conditioning expensive to run?
This is a difficult question to answer simply because air conditioners can be considerably expensive to run, especially if your house is poorly insulated, your system is incorrectly sized, poorly maintained or your energy tariff is too high. However, an air conditioner can be a highly efficient solution for cooling and heating which doesn’t need to be cost prohibitive.
If you have any questions, or need more advice on air conditioning running costs, get in touch with us.