Cheapest air conditioning units that cost from 2p per hour to run and keep your home cool
WITH temperatures ramping up across the UK in recent weeks, you've probably been pulling out all the stops to try to keep your home cool.
And if you're thinking of scrapping your fan for something more sophisticated this summer, there are multiple air conditioning and air cooler units available right now on the high street and online.
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When it comes to running costs, USwitch estimates that it will set you back around 27p an hour to run a typical portable air conditioning unit.
This would work out at £2.46 a day if you were to leave it on for nine hours.
If you're looking for a cheaper option, an air cooler costs between 2-5p to run per hour on average - or up to 45p per day - according to Air Con Centre.
If you're looking to invest for the summer, we've rounded up the cheapest air con and air cooler units to keep your space cool this summer.
What's the difference between an air conditioner and air cooler?
MANY people are unaware that there's a big difference between air conditioners and an air coolers - so it's important to know exactly what you're paying for.
Air coolers tend to be more affordable than air conditioners, with prices for smaller models starting from as little as £10.
They work by drawing in warm air and sending it through a wet pad, causing the water to evaporate and cooling the air.
Air conditioners, on the other hand, remove heat from the air by using cold coils to cool it down, before recirculating the air with internal fans.
Air coolers don't require any outside ventilation, whereas air conditioners must be vented, normally through an exhaust hose.
While an air cooler will cost you less than an aircon unit, air conditioners can lower the temperature far more compared to an air cooler, according to ProBreeze.
Air coolers
B&Q's Marco Paul Portable Air Cooler - £9.99
At less than £10, B&Q's Marco Paul Portable Air Cooler Unit is a cheaper option than many desktop and standing fans.
The unit comes with three settings so you can adjust the temperature to your preference, and it's compact enough (16 x 17cm) that you can sit it on an office desk or bedside table.
It will run for up to 12 hours and comes with a USB charger, making it perfect for travelling.
There's also a night light function, which provides a relaxing glow after dark.
Watch Dyson's Hot+Cool air-purifying fan in action – including 'sleep' mode
Aldi's Ambiano Air Cooler - £39.99
Budget supermarket Aldi recently added air cooler units to its middle aisle, perfect if you're looking to keep your space cool on a budget.
The Ambiano Air Cooler will set you back just £39.99, and is equipped with three speed levels with a water tank capacity of 5.5 litres.
The retailer says it's suitable for rooms up to 108 square feet, and also features a touch panel and LED display.
It's also easy to move around your home with carrying handles on the sides and four wheels for "easy transportation".
The unit is currently in stores, but you'll have to be quick as it's only available while stocks last.
Curry's Beldray Portable Air Cooler - £59.99
Curry's has recently reduced its Beldray EH3187 6-Litre Portable Air Cooler to under £60, from £84.99.
The device has three speed settings, and it also purifies the air in your space.
The six-litre water tank is easy to refill, either from the drawer or the top, and the wheels and carry handle make it a good portable option.
Air conditioning units
Homebase's HOMCOM 4 in 1 Air Conditioner - £134.00
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The HOMCOM Black 5000BTU 4 in 1 Air Conditioner is currently on sale at Homebase with £65 off.
The cooling unit has been reduced from £199 to £134, and is available both online and in stores.
Homebase says the multi-functional unit can help you stay cool and comfortable all summer long, and is perfect for unpredictable weather.
It features four different modes - cooling, ventilating, dehumidifying, and a sleep mode which gently increases the air temperature overnight for a comfortable sleep.
The portable unit also automatically shuts off when the tank is full, preventing overfilling and damage.
The same unit is also available at other retailers but for a higher price, including Amazon for £189.99, and B&Q for £169.99.
Amazon's Daewoo Portable 3-in-1 Air Conditioning Unit - £149.99
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Amazon has reduced its Daewoo 5000 BTU Portable 3-in-1 Air Conditioning Unit to almost half price.
The portable unit is reduced to £149.99 from £279.99, offering £130 off.
It comes with an LED display and remote control, as well as two fan speed settings, making it perfect for keeping your home or office cool in the hot weather.
As well as a cooling fan, it also operates as a dehumidifier for the perfect room temperature.
Dunelm's Tower 3-in-1 Air Conditioner - £219
The Tower 5000BTU 3-in-1 Air Conditioner offers three different functions - a cooling, fan and dehumidifying function, and is available at Dunelm for £219.
It also features a sleep mode, which will turn the appliance off after six hours, using less energy for a comfortable sleep.
It stands at 70cm in height, 33cm in width and 28cm in depth, while it also has a manufacturer guarantee of two years.
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