Thinking about getting an air conditioner in the UK? You’re not alone. With average summer temperatures climbing nearly 1°C per decade since the 1970s, demand for air conditioning units has surged - sales in the UK jumped by 35% during the 2022 heatwave alone.
But while the promise of icy-cool comfort sounds tempting, the reality comes with a few caveats.
From upfront costs and running bills to efficiency and environmental impact, we’ll break down the real pros and cons of air conditioning in the UK.
So before you splash the cash and turn your living room into the Arctic, here’s what you need to know…
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🔑 Key Takeaways:
UK summers are getting hotter - 2025 was the warmest on record.
Homes aren’t built for heat, with 80% now reporting overheating.
AC offers comfort, cleaner air, less humidity, and better sleep/productivity.
Downsides include high upfront costs, higher energy bills, and CO₂ impact.
Fans, dehumidifiers, shading, and heat pumps are greener, cheaper options.
AC makes sense for south-facing flats, lofts, and home workers, but less so in cooler regions.
Why AC Is Suddenly a Hot Topic in the UK
The UK’s reputation for mild, drizzly summers is officially out the window.
Summer 2025 was confirmed by the Met Office as the warmest on record, with an average temperature of 16.10 °C across June, July, and August - eclipsing the previous record of 15.76 °C set in 2018. That’s a staggering 1.51 °C above the long-term average.
Human-induced climate change made a summer this hot 70 times more likely than it would have been under a natural climate.
The summer brought four distinct heatwaves, though temperatures peaked at a moderate 35.8 °C in Faversham, Kent.
This spike isn’t about occasional extremes-it’s a trend. British homes, historically built to trap warmth, are catastrophically ill-equipped for sustained heat.
Thick walls, poor ventilation, and limited shading-attributes valued in winter-now make houses unbearable in summer.
In 2011, just 18% of UK households experienced overheating; by 2022, that had soared to 80%
Air-conditioning ownership reflects this shift. AC use in UK homes has surged more than sevenfold over the past decade, reaching 21% of households-although that still trails far behind warmer European countries.
Developers are responding. New builds-especially urban properties and south-facing layouts-are now increasingly fitted with AC systems to meet rising demand for comfort in an ever-warming climate.
The Pros of Air Conditioning
When heat strikes, AC isn’t just a comfort-it’s a game-changer. Here’s why:
Comfort During Heatwaves
There’s no better feeling than stepping into an air-conditioned room after a scorching day.
AC gives you reliable temperature control, meaning you can dodge the miserable indoor heat and reduce the risk of heat-related issues.
While it’s common sense, its impact on overall well-being and safety is undeniable.
Improved Air Quality
Modern AC units often feature filters that trap pollen, dust, and allergens, huge for UK hay fever sufferers.
And it’s not just about allergens: poor indoor air quality significantly dampens productivity, with studies showing cognitive performance declines by up to 6–9% in poorly ventilated offices-figures that air conditioning and better filtration systems can combat.
Further reinforcement comes from Harvard, which found that rising levels of indoor PM₂.₅ and CO₂ impair cognitive function and decision-making.
Dehumidification
UK summers bring not just heat, but humidity - and with it comes mould.
Air conditioning naturally dehumidifies indoor air, lowering the risk of damp and fungal growth. It creates a healthier and more comfortable environment.
Although dehumidifiers don’t kill mould, they’re excellent at suppressing its spread by removing moisture.
Boosts Sleep & Productivity
Heat messes with sleep and brainpower. Studies show productivity drops nearly 9% when office temperatures reach around 30 °C (86 °F), compared to cooler, optimal conditions.
Vox also highlights that cognitive performance dips sharply as temperatures exceed 73–75 °F (about 23–24 °C), with near 9% performance loss at 86 °F.
In classrooms, every 1 °C uptick reduces learning outcomes by around 1%. Proper cooling drastically mitigates this effect.
Increases Property Appeal
In warmer areas and newer developments, air conditioning is no longer a luxury - it’s a draw.
Improved indoor comfort and dehumidification boost both desirability and potential resale value. Enhanced indoor air quality also contributes to this value boost.
The Cons of Air Conditioning
Steep Upfront Expense
Investing in air conditioning doesn’t come cheap.
A basic portable unit costs around £250, but for effective cooling, a professionally installed split system can run between £1,150 and £2,700 - averaging £2,850 in 2025. And if you’re eyeing a whole-home ducted system? Brace yourself for £15,000+.
Running Costs Add Up
You’ll pay around 31.8p per kWh for electricity-and that means about 26–32p/hour for portable units and 51–54p/hour for wall-mounted systems.
Technically efficient, yes-but used frequently, these costs become significant summer charges.
Carbon Footprint Still Matters
Cooling contributes to roughly 10% of global greenhouse emissions, thanks to both power use and potent refrigerants.
And while the UK grid is cleaner than ever, every kilowatt-hour still emits CO₂ - so there’s an environmental price to pay.
Annual Maintenance Costs
To keep your AC running efficiently - and avoid premature wear - you’ll need yearly servicing, typically £150–£200, plus routine upkeep like filter changes.
Neglect it, and you pay more in energy and repairs.
Underused in a Cooler Climate
In the UK, summers are fleeting.
You might invest heavily, only to use it sporadically.
Think: is occasional comfort worth the long-term investment?
4. Alternatives to Consider (Cooler, Cleaner & Often Cheaper)
Fans & Portable Coolers
Fans are by far the most energy-efficient way to cool a space.
A typical ceiling fan consumes just 20–75 watts, compared with 1,000–2,500 watts for an air conditioner - that’s between ten and one hundred times more power (IEA).
In real terms, a fan uses only about 0.05 kWh per hour, meaning even a 120-watt model costs just a few pence an hour to run at current UK electricity prices (Ofgem).
For quick relief, some people even place ice packs in front of a fan to mimic the cooling effect of AC.
Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers are another smart option for the UK’s humid climate.
They don’t lower temperatures as much as air conditioning, but they reduce moisture levels, helping prevent damp and mould while improving indoor comfort at a fraction of the energy cost (UKHSA).
Energy-Efficient Building Enhancements
Energy-efficient building upgrades also play a big role.
External shading, such as awnings, can cut solar heat gain through windows by up to 77% (US DOE), while reflective window films, light-coloured surfaces, and simple design features like cross-ventilation or opening a loft hatch can all help manage indoor heat.
Research from CIBSE shows that thoughtful passive design can substantially reduce overheating risk without the need for high-energy cooling systems.
Heat Pumps (Air Source)
For those seeking a bigger solution, air-source heat pumps are emerging as a serious alternative to traditional AC.
These systems deliver three to four units of heating or cooling for every unit of electricity used, making them far more efficient than gas or resistive systems (Carbon Trust).
They also provide year-round comfort by switching between heating in winter and cooling in summer.
Installation costs range from £4,000 to £15,000, but government grants through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can cover up to £7,500 in England and Wales, with higher support in Scotland.
On top of this, replacing a gas boiler with a heat pump can cut household emissions by as much as 2,900 kg of CO₂ annually (BEIS).
Passive & Low-Energy Design Features
Finally, passive and low-energy design features remain one of the most sustainable long-term approaches.
Green infrastructure, such as tree planting, can cool local areas by as much as 12 °C in summer (Forestry Commission), while cool roofs, reflective paints, and advanced radiative coatings can reduce cooling energy demand in buildings by 25–45% (Nature Energy).
So, Is AC Worth It in the UK?
The honest answer: it depends on your lifestyle, your home, and your tolerance for summer heat.
When it makes sense: If you’re in a south-facing flat, a loft conversion, or an urban property prone to overheating, air conditioning can feel like a lifesaver.
Households with allergy sufferers also benefit from cleaner, filtered air. And if you work from home, the productivity and sleep gains during heatwaves can easily justify the running costs.
When it doesn’t: In cooler northern regions or in homes that already have good shading and insulation, the case for AC is weaker.
The high upfront costs, ongoing energy bills, and maintenance can outweigh the limited usage.
The Smarter First Step
Before diving into a £3,000+ installation, consider a phased approach:
Fans and ventilation for immediate relief
Dehumidifiers to cut dampness and improve comfort
Passive upgrades (better insulation, shading, and loft ventilation) to keep homes naturally cooler in summer and warmer in winter
These strategies not only cost less but also tackle both sides of the UK’s climate coin: hot summers and cold winters.
Bottom Line
If heatwaves disrupt your life every year, investing in AC is a solid move.
But if you’re only uncomfortable for a handful of days, start with lower-cost, energy-efficient upgrades first.
You’ll save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and make your home more resilient for whatever the British weather throws at you.
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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