Overview
- Record May temperatures have driven many households to use fans and portable air conditioners for longer periods, raising home electricity demand.
- Using a 60W fan continuously is estimated to cost about £10.81 for a month under the current price-cap rate, with half-time use roughly halving that figure.
- BOXT analysis shows a small portable air conditioner run three hours a day could add about £22–£29 a month, while a larger 3.5kW unit could cost close to £78 for the same use.
- Ofgem's energy price cap remains unchanged until June 30 and will be reset on July 1, and consumer group Which? has warned the new cap could rise by about 12.7%.
- Energy experts advise checking device wattage, using timers, avoiding cooling empty rooms, keeping doors and windows closed when AC is running, and cleaning filters to cut running costs.