When a heatwave struck the UK this week, Jon Connorton, a software developer, began monitoring temperatures inside his east Hampshire terrace house. With some rooms reaching close to 40C, he and his wife deployed their portable air conditioner, a unit they wheel out in emergencies. "We were having trouble sleeping," he said.
Portable air conditioners, which plug in and vent hot air outside via a hose, are becoming more common as summers grow hotter. However, Connorton only runs his unit occasionally, and when his solar panels can cover its power needs. He still questions the technology's environmental impact. "You feel it's a luxury and that you're being bad for the environment," he said.
According to Energy Saving Trust figures for Great Britain (as of May 2026, based on an electricity price of 24.7p/kWh and a gas price of 5.7p/kWh), running such units can be expensive. For those considering central air conditioning, similar energy considerations apply, though central systems may be more efficient for whole-house cooling.
Whether air conditioning—central or portable—is worth it in the UK depends on heatwave frequency, environmental concerns, and budget. As temperatures rise, the question becomes increasingly relevant for British households.
