As the UK continues to experience a prolonged heatwave, many households are turning to air coolers to keep their homes cool. These portable devices are a cost-effective alternative to air conditioners, but how much does it cost to leave one running overnight?
The cost of running an air cooler overnight varies depending on the device and usage. A typical air cooler can cost around 20p to £1 per hour to run, with some devices being more energy-efficient than others.
According to the UK's energy regulator, Ofgem, the average cost of electricity in the UK is around 34p per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Using this rate, a typical air cooler that consumes 100 watts of power would cost around 20p per hour to run.
However, some air coolers can be more energy-intensive, with some devices consuming up to 200 watts of power. These devices would cost around £1 per hour to run, making them a more expensive option.
To give you a better idea of the costs involved, the UK's leading energy provider, British Gas, estimates that running an air cooler for 8 hours a day would cost around £1.60 per day, or £57.60 per month.
While this may seem like a significant cost, it's worth noting that air coolers are generally much cheaper to run than air conditioners, which can cost upwards of £10 per day to run.