What will it cost to run?
There isn't one hourly cost that fits every home. Your electricity tariff, the system, the weather, the room and how you use it all matter. Cooling a bedroom for part of the evening is different from keeping a sunny garden office comfortable throughout a working day.
When we discuss a system with you, tell us when you'll use it and whether you want heating in winter too. We can talk through what affects its electricity use and explain the assumptions behind any estimate.
Get to know the numbers
Your electricity bill charges for energy in kilowatt-hours, or kWh. To work out the electricity cost over a period, multiply the kWh used by the price per kWh on your tariff. The cooling capacity shown on a unit isn't the same as the electricity it draws, so multiplying that rating by the hours it's switched on won't give you a reliable bill.
Many modern systems adjust their output as the room reaches the temperature you've chosen. Usage can change during the day. If your system has an energy display or app, we'll explain what it shows and whether the figures are estimates.
Set it for comfort
Choose a temperature that feels comfortable and give the room time to settle. You don't need to keep turning it down to the lowest setting. We'll show you the cooling, heating and fan controls your model offers, and help you adjust the airflow around where you sit or sleep.
Make timers work around your day
A garden office and a bedroom have very different routines. If your system has timers or scheduling, we'll help you set them around when you actually use the room. Review them when your working hours change or you go away, so an old schedule isn't running unnoticed.
Give the room a helping hand
Shading sunny windows can reduce heat coming in. While cooling, avoid leaving windows and outside doors wide open. Keep up your home's normal ventilation, though: most home split systems recirculate indoor air and don't bring fresh air in.
Keep furniture and curtains clear of the indoor unit's airflow, and leave the space around the outdoor unit clear too. We'll point out the clearances your installation needs.
A little care makes a difference
We'll show you which filters you can clean and how to follow your model's instructions. Don't remove covers or reach into the equipment to investigate a fault. If there's a new noise, a leak or a change in how well it cools, tell us and we can help.
Our servicing and maintenance team can help you plan the professional care your system needs, taking account of the manufacturer's guidance and how often you use it.
Thinking about heating with it too?
Many air conditioning systems can also heat a room. Whether that reduces your heating costs depends on what you're using now, your tariffs and your home. The Energy Saving Trust explains why savings vary. We'll talk through your plans rather than promise the same saving for everyone.
If you're still choosing, read our guides to finding the right system and installation costs. Already have one and need a hand? Get in touch and tell us what's puzzling you.
For more on settings, airflow and filter care, see Daikin's guide to using an air-to-air heat pump efficiently. Always follow the instructions for your own model.