How Much Does It Cost to Run Air Conditioning in Peterborough?

If you’re thinking about installing air conditioning in your Peterborough home or business, or already have a system in place, you’ve likely asked: how much does it actually cost to run?

With energy prices on everyone’s mind, it’s essential to understand what goes into air conditioning’s running costs. At CSK Group, we want to help you make informed decisions. Here’s a clear, factual breakdown of what affects energy usage, what you can expect to pay, and how to keep those costs down.

 

What Affects the Cost of Running Air Conditioning?

Several factors determine how much your system will cost to operate:

1. Type and Size of the System

Larger systems, such as ducted units or multi-room split systems, will naturally use more electricity than smaller, single-room setups or portable units.

2. Energy Efficiency of the System

Modern systems are far more efficient than older models. Units with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating use significantly less power to achieve the same level of comfort.

3. How Often You Use It

Running your AC all day, every day, will obviously cost more than using it selectively. Smart thermostats and scheduled cooling can make a big difference.

4. Temperature Settings

Setting your system to a very low temperature makes it work harder. Even increasing your target temperature by one degree can lower running costs.

5. Electricity Rates

As of early 2026, the average electricity cost in the UK is around 24.5p per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This figure serves as the basis for most running cost calculations.

 

Estimated Running Costs

To give you a general idea of what you might spend running different types of air conditioning systems in Peterborough, here are some examples based on average usage (around 8 hours per day) and the current energy rate:

Small Split System (e.g. single room):

• Power usage: 0.9 – 1.2 kWh per hour
• Cost per hour: £0.22 – £0.29
• Estimated monthly cost (8 hours/day): £52.80 – £69.60

Large Split System (e.g. open-plan area):

• Power usage: 1.5 – 2.0 kWh per hour
• Cost per hour: £0.37 – £0.49
• Estimated monthly cost (8 hours/day): £88.80 – £117.60

Portable Unit:

• Power usage: 1.0 – 1.5 kWh per hour
• Cost per hour: £0.24 – £0.37
• Estimated monthly cost (8 hours/day): £57.60 – £88.80

Ducted System (whole-house):

• Power usage: 2.5 – 3.5 kWh per hour
• Cost per hour: £0.61 – £0.86
• Estimated monthly cost (8 hours/day): £146.40 – £206.40

These figures are estimates and will vary depending on your property size, insulation, system efficiency, and how it’s used.

 

Tips for Reducing Your Air Conditioning Costs

Want to enjoy cool air without the high bills? Here’s how to keep your system efficient:

• Invest in an energy-efficient system
• Use smart thermostats
• Keep windows and doors closed
• Block direct sunlight
• Clean or replace filters regularly

At CSK Group, we help Peterborough homeowners and business owners choose air conditioning systems that balance comfort and cost-effectiveness. Whether you need a single-room setup or a full commercial installation, we’ll help you understand the running costs and select a solution that suits your space, usage, and budget.

If you’d like help choosing the most efficient system for your property, or want to reduce your current AC running costs, get in touch with CSK Group today.