How much more does your portable AC cost to run after the price cap hike?
We've calculated the impact of energy price increases on household appliances.
1Energy price cap change
The UK energy price cap increased by 13% on 1 July. This means significant bill rises for consumers not on fixed tariffs. Portable AC units, essential during summer months, are among the appliances affected by this change.
2Portable AC cost analysis
A 1350W portable AC now costs 2p more per hour to run, increasing from £0.33 to £0.35/hour. Similar increases apply to washing machines, dishwashers and other essential household appliances during this heatwave period.
3Other appliances' new costs
Washing machine cycles cost 2p more, dishwashers 1p more, while tumble dryers show a 7p increase per cycle. Ovens and air fryers also demonstrate 1-2p hourly usage cost increases under the new pricing structure.
4Personalized calculation tool
The article features a new calculator allowing users to input their appliances' wattage for accurate cost estimates. It automatically applies July 2026 price cap rates or lets users input the previous £0.2467/kWh rate for comparison.
5Energy-saving recommendations
Switching to fixed tariffs, using price comparison sites, and operating appliances in eco-modes can reduce bills. Completely turning off 'vampire' energy-draining devices also provides significant savings for energy-conscious households.
6Cumulative impact warning
While individual small increases seem negligible, combined costs from multiple frequently used appliances create substantial monthly bill impacts. Consumers are advised to review their energy consumption habits during this period of elevated prices.