How much does it cost to install and run air conditioning? Everything you need to know
TEMPERATURES are climbing higher and higher as the UK steps into summer.
Air conditioning is one option which you'd think would be a great way to stay cool, especially when sleeping at night.
But how expensive is it to install it, and are the energy bill knock-on effects worth it?
The most recent research from price comparison site Uswitch found adding air conditioning to just one room in your home starts from roughly £1,000.
And it's not just the installation costs to worry about - air conditioners also have high running costs.
The cost of running an air con unit depends on whether it's portable or built-in, according to Uswitch.
read more in warm weather
The price comparison website said a built-in model uses 2.7kilowatts of power an hour - this works out to £56.76 a week based on nine hours of use a day.
Meanwhile, a portable unit uses 1kilowatt of power an hour - or £21.02 a week based on nine hours of use a day.
Of course, you might not use the air con every night, and won't use it every week, especially in the winter, but the costs can add up fast.
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As the cost of living crisis sees many households hit with high energy bills, as well as food and fuel costs, it's worth exploring alternatives to air con.
Natalie Mathie, energy expert at , comments: “Energy prices may be falling on July 1, but costs can still add up when trying to stay cool in a heatwave, especially if your air conditioning unit is running around the clock.
“Most people don’t need to rely on energy guzzling gadgets to keep cool as there are a few simple tricks you can use to keep the temperature down inside.
“Keeping your curtains closed during the day will stop sunlight from warming up your home, while filling a hot water bottle with cold water can help keep you cool.”
What are the other alternatives?
If you don't want to pay anything at all, there are some simple tricks you can employ to keep cool.
Here are just some of the ways you can keep from sweltering in the heat.
Close the blinds
Keeping your blinds or curtains closed throughout the day will prevent the sun shining inside and keep your property cooler.
If you've got the budget, the NHS website recommends using shades or reflective material outside your windows as well.
If this isn't possible, you should use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed to keep your home cool.
And where possible, try not to use metallic blinds or dark curtains as this will make the room hotter.
Take out those chargers
Plugged in chargers can emit heat, and while it may not make a massive difference to the overall temperature of the room by taking them out of your sockets, you're better off charging anything outside your bedroom to prevent creating extra heat.
The same goes for other electrics - so save on your energy bills and keep cooler all in one move.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Wear pyjamas
It might feel like the complete opposite of what you should do by putting on clothes when going to bed, but experts say it can actually make you cooler.
If you think it's too hot at your place of work or are concerned about your children at school, we previously explained your rights.