When comparing the running costs of an air conditioning (AC) unit to gas central heating, it’s important to consider both energy efficiency and the versatility that AC systems offer. Here's why modern AC units, particularly those with heat pump technology, can be a highly efficient and cost-effective option for both heating and cooling your home.

1. Electricity vs Gas Costs:

• Electricity Costs: While electricity in the UK is generally more expensive per unit than gas (around 30p per kWh for electricity vs. 10p per kWh for gas), air conditioning systems with heat pump technology are incredibly efficient, often offsetting the higher electricity cost.
• Gas Costs: Gas is cheaper per unit of energy, but traditional gas boilers lose a portion of that energy during the heating process, making them less efficient overall compared to modern AC units.

2. Efficiency of Systems:

• AC Units (for Heating and Cooling): Modern air conditioning units with heat pump technology can achieve 300-400% efficiency, meaning for every unit of electricity they use, they can produce 3 to 4 units of heat. This makes them much more efficient than gas boilers, which lose energy through combustion.
• Gas Central Heating: Even high-efficiency gas boilers only reach around 90% efficiency, meaning 10% of the energy is wasted, reducing overall cost-effectiveness over time.

3. Year-Round Benefits:

• Air Conditioning (Heating & Cooling): One of the major advantages of AC units is their ability to provide year-round comfort by heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. You can use the same system to maintain a comfortable home in all seasons, something gas central heating cannot offer.
• Gas Central Heating: While effective for heating during the colder months, gas systems offer no cooling capability, meaning you may need additional appliances during hot weather, increasing overall costs.

4. Running Costs for Heating:

• Air Conditioning (Heating Mode): In heating mode, a split AC unit typically costs around 10p to 15p per hour to run. Thanks to their efficiency, they can be more economical than gas heating for smaller rooms or zonal heating, particularly in well-insulated homes or during mild winters.
• Gas Central Heating: While gas heating costs around 5p to 10p per hour per radiator, the overall cost can increase if you’re heating the entire home, even in rooms that aren't being used.

5. Running Costs for Cooling:

• Air Conditioning (Cooling Mode): AC units offer a cooling solution, which gas central heating lacks. Cooling a room with an AC unit typically costs 10p to 30p per hour, providing an all-in-one solution for year-round comfort. In hot weather, gas heating systems offer no alternative, meaning additional cooling units may be necessary, adding to energy bills.

6. Flexibility and Control:

• Smart Controls and Zonal Heating: Modern AC units often come with smart controls and can be integrated with home automation systems like Alexa or Google Home. This allows for precise control over individual rooms, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and offering more flexibility than traditional gas central heating systems.

Summary:

• AC Units (Heating & Cooling): With highly efficient heat pump technology, modern AC units are a cost-effective solution for both heating and cooling your home. They are particularly well-suited for targeted heating and cooling, and their efficiency can rival or even outperform gas central heating when used correctly.
• Gas Central Heating: While still cheaper for whole-home heating during cold winters, gas central heating lacks the versatility of AC systems and can lead to higher costs during hot months when separate cooling solutions are needed.

Conclusion: Modern AC units with heat pump technology are highly efficient, making them an excellent choice for both heating and cooling. Their ability to provide year-round comfort, coupled with their high efficiency (especially in smaller areas or homes with good insulation), makes them a more versatile and potentially cost-saving option compared to traditional gas central heating, which only offers heating and comes with lower efficiency. For homeowners looking for a flexible, efficient, and future-proof solution, AC systems are worth serious consideration.