How much does air conditioning cost?
Home air conditioning is priced per indoor unit plus the outdoor condenser. Get an indicative fitted figure below.
What AC installation involves
- 1Indoor and outdoor units
A wall-mounted indoor unit connects to an external condenser via refrigerant pipework — the pipe run affects cost.
- 2Multi-split for several rooms
One larger condenser can serve several indoor units, which is cheaper per room than separate systems.
- 3F-Gas certification
Refrigerant work must be done by an F-Gas registered installer. Many units run in reverse to provide efficient heating too.
Fixed air conditioning is still a premium feature in UK homes, most relevant on higher-value or south-facing properties and loft rooms that overheat. Because modern units also heat, they can double as efficient room heating — worth framing that way to a buyer.
Air conditioning costs (indicative, fitted)
| Scope | Description | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single room (split) | 1 indoor + condenser | £1,800 – £3,000 |
| Two rooms (multi-split) | 2 indoor, 1 condenser | £3,000 – £5,000 |
| Whole house (several rooms) | multi-split | £5,000 – £12,000 |
| Portable unit (no install) | plug-in | £300 – £700 |
Fixed AC needs an F-Gas registered installer. Many modern units also provide heating (air-to-air heat pump).
Frequently asked questions
How much does air conditioning cost for a house?+
A single-room split system costs £1,800–£3,000 fitted; a multi-split covering several rooms £5,000–£12,000. Portable plug-in units are much cheaper but less effective and not permanent.
Can air conditioning also heat a room?+
Yes — most modern split systems are air-to-air heat pumps that provide efficient heating as well as cooling, which improves the year-round value of the install.
Related tools & guides
Want to know how these figures are calculated? See our cost methodology.
Cost figures shown are indicative estimates, not quotations. You are responsible for verifying all costs (obtain contractor quotes) and any figures submitted to a lender. ScopeWise is a documentation tool, not financial, tax, structural or planning advice. HMO compliance prompts are guidance only — confirm requirements with your local council, as standards and licensing vary by authority.