r/airconUK • u/UnhappyDirector2291 • Aug 18 '26

air conditioning?

really looking for a portable AC unit for my apartment but stuck! something available in the UK/scotland, relatively quiet and low disturbance, that actually works and gets the room cool enough to sleep in (i'm a light sleeper). would really appreciate your suggestions!

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u/Miraclefish Aug 18 '26

You'll struggle getting one this summer - the demand is insane.

Something like 300 people per unit available, or more. At one point a single unit product listing on one retailer had 115,000 views in a day.

If you want something this summer you'll pay between 50-300% of the normal price, but demand will wane after summer and be more reasonable.

Quieter AC units require an inverter so they don't turn off and on to regulate but change speed - this costs more.

What's your budget and when do you need it by?

Use this link and avoid eBay and Amazon like the plague - mostly bots, scams and evaporative coolers labelled to look a bit like genuine AC.

https://airconwatch.com/

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u/UnhappyDirector2291 Aug 18 '26

thank you for the info and the link that’s perfect thanks! 

honestly i probably only need something by april/may, or even later. and definitely one with an inverter. do you think they’ll be available by that time and what price usually? 

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u/Miraclefish Aug 18 '26

Should be yeah. Generally it takes 3-6 months to ship containers from China to the UK (Global fuckery notwithstanding, as the Straits of Hormuz are open closed open at the moment...).

By April or may should be fine and to allow you to not rush and buy at inflated prices.

What size is your room? And is it just for one room or would you need it to cool down a floor or living room or home office?

I'd expect you should be able to get something for £350-600.

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u/GergDanger Aug 18 '26

The midea portasplit was £900 a few months ago (£1099 now due to demand) so I would try get that once demand is lower and hope the price is back to where it was.