Air conditioning units are flying off the shelves and selling out online as the UK experiences hotter summers and more regular heatwaves, leaving households grappling with how to keep sweltering homes cool. The technology already features in many modern cars, hotels and other public places, yet historically British homes have been designed to cope with cold weather and to keep heat in. Now, as demand soars, the question arises: is it time for air conditioning to become a permanent feature in most homes?
There are three main types of air con systems for homes. Portable units, the cheapest, can be plugged into a socket and vent heat through a window. Split systems involve an indoor and outdoor unit linked by a pipe, while ducted systems serve the entire home through a network of vents, requiring invasive renovation.
“Air conditioning units are selling out online as UK homes struggle with hotter summers and more frequent heatwaves.”
Costs vary widely. Portable units average £350 to £650, according to Checkatrade, though some retailers like Lidl have sold them for £149. Wall-mounted split units cost between £750 and £1,100 for the unit alone, with installation pushing the total to £2,000–£3,500, says Heatable. For multiple rooms, costs can reach £6,000. Ducted systems are the most expensive: £990–£1,750 without installation, and Heatable estimates £5,000–£10,000 depending on property size and complexity.
