The UK heatwave is not only set to disrupt sleep and make it harder to work or exercise this week, but it could also have a significant impact on household finances. According to Uswitch, the cost of running an air conditioning unit through this week's extreme temperatures could exceed £100 if operated continuously.
Cost of running air conditioning during the heatwave
Uswitch figures show that using a built-in air conditioning unit, which runs at 2.7kW, costs £111.90 if run for 24 hours a day for seven days. A portable air conditioning unit would cost £41.45 on average over the same period, the same as a typical heat pump set to cooling mode.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com, said: "As the biggest heatwave of the year hits, we’re seeing shops selling out of air conditioning units, delayed delivery dates and other stores hiking their prices. Four million UK households already have air conditioning, but every time summer temperatures soar, there’s a growing clamour for cooling."
Energy consumption and costs explained
Gallizzi added: "Portable air conditioning units typically use 1kW of power, which means they will cost you almost 25p an hour in electricity. Built-in units can be even more energy-intensive, with a 2.7kW unit costing you 67p an hour when it’s running at full power."
Air conditioning can make life more comfortable and potentially improve sleep quality during heatwaves. However, installation costs for fixed systems can be expensive, and electricity costs can quickly add up during hotter periods.
Alternative cooling options
For those seeking a short-term fix during a heatwave, a desktop fan is far less energy hungry – using about 1p an hour in electricity – and can be bought for as little as £10, according to Uswitch.
This week, the Met Office has predicted 40°C heat with a red warning for extreme temperatures, and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued advice on how to deal with its heat health alerts. Many major retailers are selling out of air conditioning units as households snap up appliances to try to keep cool.
