The cost of installing air conditioning in the UK typically ranges from £1,500 to £3,500, depending on the type of system and how complex the job is. This includes both the price of the air conditioning unit and the labour required to install it.
If you’re planning to install air conditioning in your home, it’s important to understand what affects the final cost and what you should expect to pay based on your property and system type. In this guide, we’ll break down the costs by unit type, show you common hidden charges, and explain how to estimate your total using a calculator tool at the end.
Average cost of air conditioning installation in the UK
Today (October 2025) you can expect to pay between £1,300 and £5,000 for air conditioning installation in the UK. The final price depends on the system type, room size, and how complex the installation is.
Below is a summary of average prices for different types of systems, including both equipment and installation:
| System Type | Unit Cost (Approx.) | Installation Cost | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split (wall-mounted) | £600–£900 | £900–£1,400 | £1,500–£2,300 |
| Multi-split (2–3 rooms) | £1,200–£2,000 | £1,300–£2,000 | £2,500–£4,000 |
| Ducted (ceiling) | £1,000–£1,500 | £1,500–£2,500 | £2,500–£5,000+ |
These prices are rough averages based on typical UK properties and standard installation conditions. If your property has limited access, longer pipe runs, or requires electrical upgrades, you may pay more.
Cost of air conditioning installation by type
The cost of installation varies depending on the type of air conditioning system you choose. Below is a breakdown of the most common systems used in UK homes.
Split (wall-mounted) systems
A split air conditioning system typically costs between £1,500 and £2,300 installed. The unit itself usually ranges from £600 to £900, and the installation adds around £900 to £1,400 depending on the setup.
This is the most common type of air conditioning installed in UK homes. It includes an indoor unit mounted on the wall and an outdoor condenser unit. Split systems are ideal for single rooms, such as bedrooms or home offices, but can also be configured as multi-split systems to cool several rooms at once.
If you want to install a 2.5 kW split system, which is suitable for an average-sized bedroom, you can expect a total price of about £1,300–£1,500 based on recent installations. More complex jobs, such as routing pipework through an attic or across the property, can add around £200–£300 to the total.
Split systems are reliable, energy-efficient, and quiet when installed correctly. However, they do require suitable exterior wall space for the outdoor condenser.
Ducted (Concealed Ceiling) Systems
A ducted air conditioning system usually costs between £2,500 and £5,000+ for a full installation. The indoor unit typically costs £1,000 to £1,500, while labour and materials for installation add another £1,500 to £2,500, depending on the layout and ceiling access.
Ducted systems are hidden in the ceiling or loft, with only small vents visible in each room. They are best suited for larger homes or properties with suitable ceiling voids. You can cool several rooms at once, and zoning options allow you to control temperatures independently in each area.
This type of installation is more complex than wall-mounted systems. It often involves ductwork, electrical upgrades, and sometimes structural adjustments.
Although ducted systems are the quietest and most discreet, they are also the most expensive to install and maintain. You’ll also need to check whether your home has enough space in the ceiling or loft for this type of system.
Factors affecting air conditioning installation cost
Your total installation cost depends on more than just the unit type. In most cases, it’s the property-specific factors that push the final price up or down.
Below are the most common factors that affect air conditioning installation cost in the UK:
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System size (BTU/kW rating). Larger rooms need more powerful units. For example, a 2.5 kW system might suit a 12 m² room, but a 5 kW unit may be needed for 25 m² or more.
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Pipe run length and complexity. The longer the distance between the indoor and outdoor unit, the higher the labour time and material cost. Routing pipes through lofts or across floors can add £200–£300 to the job.
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Property type and access. Flats and listed buildings may need special permissions or different unit types. External wall access can also affect labour time.
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Number of indoor units. Multi-room setups (multi-split systems) require extra wall units and longer pipework, which increases both unit and installation costs.
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Electrical work. Some homes need a new fused spur and an IP-rated external switch. This can add between £400 and £700.
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Installer location. Labour costs vary across regions. Installers in London and the South East often charge more than those in the North or Midlands.
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Time of year. You might pay more during heatwaves or summer months when demand is high. Winter installations are often £100–£300 cheaper.
To get an accurate quote, always describe the layout of your property clearly and mention any access limitations or unusual requirements
Hidden or additional costs to watch out for when installing an AC
Besides the standard unit and installation costs, there are several extras that may appear on your final invoice. These are not always included in the initial quote, so it’s important to ask your installer about them upfront. So it is not a guarantee that you will need to pay for it.
Common additional costs include:
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Condensate pumps. In cases where gravity drainage isn’t possible, a condensate pump may be required. These cost between £100 and £200.
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Scaffolding or special access equipment: If the outdoor unit needs to be installed at height, you may be charged extra for access equipment or scaffolding.
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Ductwork and fittings (for ducted systems): These parts are not always priced in. Ductwork can cost £180 per metre, and fittings like bends, tees and dampers can add £200–£300 more.
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Making good internal surfaces: Some installations require drilling or minor internal adjustments. Replastering, painting, or cosmetic repair is usually not included in the installer’s job..
Reviewing the full breakdown before agreeing to any work can help you avoid surprise charges later.
Running and maintenance costs
On average, air conditioning systems in the UK cost 10p to 25p per hour to run, depending on the system type, efficiency, and usage.
Split systems are generally cheaper to run than ducted systems because they cool individual rooms directly. A typical split unit uses around 1–1.5 kWh per hour, while a ducted system may use 3–3.5 kWh per hour. At current electricity rates, that’s roughly 15p–30p per hour for a ducted system and 10p–20p for a split unit.
Portable units are less efficient and often use between 2.9–4.1 kWh per hour, making them more expensive to operate in the long term.
To keep your system working efficiently, you should budget for annual servicing. A one-off service typically costs £70–£120 per unit. This includes checking refrigerant levels, cleaning filters, inspecting pipework, and testing performance.
Is it worth installing air conditioning in the UK?
Yes, air conditioning is becoming a more practical option for UK homes, especially with recent increases in summer temperatures and changing work habits. Many systems can also heat your home, making them useful year-round.
A split system works as a heat pump, meaning it can extract heat from outside air and deliver it indoors efficiently. In heating mode, these systems can be up to 3 times more efficient than standard electric heaters. Several UK homeowners have already replaced or reduced radiator use with AC heating in winter, particularly in bedrooms and home offices.
If you also have solar panels, the cost of running your AC can drop significantly. You can run it during the day at near-zero cost when sunlight is available.
Installing air conditioning may not have been necessary 20 years ago, but for many homes today, it has become a practical investment in both comfort and energy efficiency.
Estimate your air conditioning cost
To get a clearer idea of what your installation will cost, you can use our air conditioning cost calculator. It gives you a quick estimate based on the type of system, room size, and number of rooms you want to cool or heat.
This tool is designed to help you plan your budget before speaking with an installer. It takes into account typical UK prices, including both equipment and labour. Try right now our air conditioning cost calculator. Instant result, no email required.