How Much Does a Portable Air Conditioner Cost to Run?
Portable Air Conditioner running cost: about £0.26 per hour, or £191.61 a year with 14 hours a week, at the 26.32p per kWh Ofgem price cap.
| Per day (average) | £0.53 |
|---|---|
| Per week | £3.68 |
| Per month | £15.97 |
| Per year | £191.61 |
| Energy used per year | 728 kWh |
How we worked out the cost
We use a typical figure of 1 kWh per hour for a typical portable unit at around 1 kW. At 26.32p per kWh, that is 1 × 26.32p = £0.26. Over a week of 14 hours it is £3.68, and over a year £191.61.
These are typical estimates rather than lab measurements. Your appliance may use more or less, so adjust the kWh in the calculator for your own.
Portable Air Conditioner cost at different electricity prices
| Electricity price | Per hour | Per year (14 hours a week) |
|---|---|---|
| 20p per kWh | £0.20 | £145.60 |
| 25p per kWh | £0.25 | £182.00 |
| 26.32p per kWh (Ofgem cap) | £0.26 | £191.61 |
| 30p per kWh | £0.30 | £218.40 |
| 35p per kWh | £0.35 | £254.80 |
| 40p per kWh | £0.40 | £291.20 |
How to reduce the cost
- Close the windows and doors, and cool only the room you use.
- Heating is the biggest use of energy in most homes, so draught-proofing and insulation save more than any appliance.
- Heat only the room you are using and use a timer or thermostat.
- Keep hot water tank temperature at about 60°C and use a timer for an immersion heater.
How does it compare?
| Appliance | Cost per use | Typical use | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Heater | £0.53 per hour | 14 hours/week | £383.22 |
| Oil-Filled Radiator | £0.39 per hour | 14 hours/week | £287.41 |
| Electric Blanket | 2.6p per hour | 21 hours/week | £28.74 |
| Dehumidifier | 7.9p per hour | 28 hours/week | £114.97 |
| Immersion Heater | £0.79 per hour | 7 hours/week | £287.41 |
| Electric Shower | £0.34 per 8-minute shower | 14 showers/week | £249.09 |
| Electric Oven | £0.39 per hour of cooking | 7 hours/week | £143.71 |
Based on the Ofgem price cap of 26.32p per kWh for 1 October to 31 December 2026. Ofgem states these figures do not include VAT from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, because the Government has removed VAT from electricity bills for that period. The standing charge is not included. Source: Ofgem.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a portable Air Conditioner cost to run per hour?
At the Ofgem price cap of 26.32p per kWh, a typical portable Air Conditioner costs about £0.26 per hour, using around 1 kWh (a typical portable unit at around 1 kW).
How much does a portable Air Conditioner cost to run for a year?
With 14 hours a week, it costs about £191.61 a year (£15.97 a month), using about 728 kWh. Change the numbers in the calculator above to match how you use yours.
Is the price cap the rate I actually pay?
Not necessarily. The cap is an average limit on default tariffs. Your own rate depends on your supplier, region and tariff, so check your bill and use the calculator to see the cost at your rate. Doubling the rate doubles the cost.
How accurate are these figures?
They are estimates for a typical modern appliance. Age, model, settings and how you use it all change the real cost, so treat them as a guide and check your appliance’s energy label for a precise figure.
← All appliance running costs · Calculate any appliance
Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year from official sources and are estimates for guidance only, not financial or legal advice. Printed from ukanswers.co.uk.