First Appliance
Example Purchase Price—
Electricity for Selected Period—
Installation / Setup—
Estimated Total—
Start with your home's main problem. We'll suggest sensible next steps, then show example electricity costs you can change to match your appliances and tariff.
Step 1 · Understand the Problem
Tell Us About the Room
A few details and your room measurements help us suggest where to start. No information is sent anywhere.
Adjust in half-foot steps or enter feet directly
Adjust in half-foot steps or enter feet directly
Room Size and Indicative Cooling Capacity
An initial reference for selecting an air conditioner — not a substitute for a professional heat-load assessment.
Room Floor Area130 sq ft
Indicative Starting Capacity5,000 BTU/h
Equivalent Cooling Output1.47 kW
This is a preliminary, area-based guide adapted from the ENERGY STAR room-air-conditioner sizing chart (standard ceiling assumption), not a product recommendation. Heat gain from glazing, direct sun, roof exposure, occupancy, insulation and ceiling height can change the requirement. Ask a competent installer or manufacturer to assess suitability. Cooling output (BTU/h or kW cooling) is not the same as electrical power input (watts) used in Step 2.
Your Suggested Starting Points
These are general suggestions, not a property survey or a promise of a particular indoor temperature. In extreme heat, follow official health advice.
Step 2 · Compare the Costs
How Much Could Cooling Cost to Run?
Every appliance below starts with a sample electrical power rating. Change the wattage to match the product label before relying on a comparison.
Sample: GB Oct–Dec 2026
100% = full rated input throughout
Adjust the Wattage to Match Your ApplianceUse the − and + buttons beside each wattage, or click the green-outlined number and type the watts (W) from your appliance label. Your running costs update automatically. The values shown are examples, not product specifications.
Indicative UK Purchase and Installation Costs
Planning examples only. Check actual retailer prices and obtain a detailed installer quote before buying.
| Cooling Option | Illustrative Appliance Price | Installation / Setup Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Desk Fan | £10–£40 | Usually none |
| Tower Fan | £25–£120 | Usually none |
| Pedestal Fan | £20–£80 | Usually none |
| Evaporative Air Cooler | £60–£200 | Usually none; water and upkeep extra |
| Portable Air Conditioner | £300–£650 | Often no professional installation; check exhaust/window kit |
| Single-Room Split Air Conditioner | ~£620–£890 for a 12,000 BTU unit | ~£960–£1,380 typical fitting labour; electrical work may add cost |
Illustrative bands; fan and evaporative-cooler bands are unverified market-planning ranges, not independently sampled prices. AC examples: Checkatrade, 2026. Prices can differ by room, capacity, area, supplier and electrical requirements. Review date: 30 October 2026.
Change the Example Purchase Price
Enter the appliance price and any installation or setup cost separately. All amounts are editable estimates, not live shop or installer quotes. A split system normally needs professional fitting; a portable air conditioner usually needs a suitable window exhaust kit.
| Cooling option | Adjust power (watts) | Example Purchase Price (£) | Per hour | Installation or Setup (£) | Per day | Selected period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desk fanAir movement, not room cooling | — | — | — | |||
| Tower fanAir movement, not room cooling | — | — | — | |||
| Pedestal fanAir movement, not room cooling | — | — | — | |||
| Evaporative air coolerAdds moisture; not refrigerant AC | — | — | — | |||
| Portable air conditionerActively removes heat; needs exhaust | — | — | — | |||
| Installed split air conditionerActively removes heat; installation needed | — | — | — |
Choose any two appliances. Edit the appliance price, fitting cost and wattage in the table above; the comparison updates automatically.
Second Appliance
Example Purchase Price—
Electricity for Selected Period—
Installation / Setup—
Estimated Total—
—Difference in Example Purchase Price
—Difference in Electricity Cost
—Difference in Estimated Total Cost
A cheaper overall cost does not mean equivalent cooling. Fans move air; air conditioning can lower room temperature when correctly installed or exhausted.
Planning estimates only. Totals include editable appliance price, installation/setup and electricity for the chosen period. Delivery, servicing, maintenance, water and replacements remain excluded. Cooling performance varies significantly between types.
Step 3 · Make a Sensible Decision
What Else Should You Consider?
The cheapest appliance to run may not solve the problem. Think about how heat enters and leaves the home.
Keep Sunlight Out First
Shade sun-facing windows during direct sun. External shading can reduce incoming heat, where suitable and permitted.
Ventilate When It Helps
When safe, open windows if outdoors is cooler than indoors. Close them when the outdoor air is hotter.
Understand the Equipment
Fans mainly help people feel cooler. Evaporative coolers add humidity; air conditioning can lower room temperature but requires a suitable installation or exhaust route.
Check the Full Cost
Compare upfront price, electricity, noise, exhaust arrangements, maintenance and permissions. Cooling capacity (BTU/h or kW cooling) is not the same as electrical power input (W).
Heat safety: Some people are particularly vulnerable to overheating. In severe heat, consult current UKHSA and NHS guidance. Do not rely on a fan alone to protect someone from dangerous indoor temperatures.
Further Information
Energy Saving TrustOfgem tariffsUKHSA heat adviceENERGY STAR sizing reference