Cooling without AC
Real cost of air conditioning per month: the complete calculation
Published on ·2 min read
The sticker price of an AC unit is an illusion. Installation, running costs and servicing turn a one-off purchase into a subscription. This guide details every cost line with real 2026 market figures.
Purchase and installation cost
A 2,500 W split AC for a 20-25 m² room costs €500-1,200 depending on brand and COP. Budget models achieve COP 3-3.5; premium inverter models reach 5-6, reducing running costs but increasing purchase price.
Installation is regulated, a certified refrigeration technician must handle the refrigerant circuit. Budget €400-800 for standard installation: cabling, duct routing, commissioning and leak test. High-floor flats may add €200-400 for access equipment. Total: €1,000-2,400.
Monthly running cost: the kWh calculation
A 2,500 W split at COP 3.5 draws approximately 714 W in real operation. At 8 hours/day for 60 summer days: 0.714 kW × 8 h × 60 days = 342 kWh. At €0.25/kWh (2026 standard rate), that is €85 over the summer season, about €21/month over four months.
Intensive use (12-16 h/day during prolonged heatwaves) pushes the seasonal bill to €130-170. Multiple rooms multiply proportionally. The outdoor unit also draws 5-10 W on standby year-round, an additional €11-22/year.
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Mandatory servicing: the often-forgotten cost line
French regulation mandates biennial inspection for systems containing more than 2 kg of refrigerant. Cost: €80-150 per visit including leak check, filter cleaning and pressure verification. Over 10 years, servicing totals €600-1,200.
- ·Biennial mandatory inspection: €80-150
- ·Annual condensate tray descaling: €50-80
- ·DIY filter cleaning: free to €30
- ·10-year servicing estimate: €600-1,200
Total 10-year cost vs ceiling fan
10-year total for a standard split in one 25 m² room: purchase + installation (€1,200) + energy (€850) + servicing (€800) = approximately €2,850.
Same room, DC ceiling fan: purchase + installation (€350) + energy (€20) + servicing (€0) = approximately €370. Difference: ~€2,500 over 10 years, per room. And the fan also reduces heating costs by 5-15% in winter.
The real monthly cost of air conditioning over 10 years is roughly 7-8 times higher than the in-store sticker price suggests. In most situations, a DC ceiling fan delivers better comfort per euro, and that is not an opinion, it is arithmetic.
Frequently asked questions
How much does air conditioning cost per month in summer?+
At 8 h/day, a 2,500 W split at COP 3.5 consumes about 85 kWh per month, approximately €21 at the 2026 EDF base rate. Intensive use (12 h/day) reaches €32-42/month. Amortised annual servicing adds another €10-15/month.
How much does AC installation cost?+
Standard installation by a certified technician costs €400-600. Access constraints (high floor, thick walls) can add €200-400. Professional installation is legally required for refrigerant-based systems.
Is AC servicing mandatory?+
Yes. Systems containing more than 2 kg of refrigerant require biennial inspection under French environmental law. Cost is €80-150 per visit. Neglecting it voids the manufacturer warranty and risks fines.
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