Michael Race

UK households facing hotter summers are turning to air conditioning, with options including portable units, split systems and ducted setups. Costs vary widely, from a few hundred pounds for portable devices to several thousand for professional installations, with running costs depending on system type. Each option carries trade‑offs in efficiency, installation complexity and price. Planning permission is rarely required, and heat pumps can provide cooling in some cases. Alternatives such as improved airflow, shading, fans, hydration and tepid showers offer lower‑cost ways to stay cool during heatwaves.

Rising UK temperatures have increased demand for home air conditioning, with options ranging from low‑cost portable units to higher‑priced split and ducted systems. Prices vary widely depending on system type, installation needs and energy usage, with portable units cheapest to buy but costlier to run, while split systems offer greater efficiency at higher upfront costs. Ducted systems provide whole‑home cooling but are the most expensive and disruptive to install. Planning permission is generally not required for small home systems, though local authorities may advise. Reversible air‑to‑air heat pumps can also provide cooling. Alternatives to air conditioning include managing airflow, keeping heat out during the day, using fans and maintaining hydration.