Common situation
Casement windows and no drilling allowed: which air conditioning suits?
One room with casement windows, no permanent changes, cooling only for hot spells.
Our planner's best match
Portable air conditioner
Plug-in unit with an exhaust hose to a window
This looks like the best fit because you only expect to use it during hot spells, you want something you can put away when you don't need it and you want to keep it under about £500.
Excellent match. No close second, and nothing important left unknown.
- Indicative cost
- £250–£700 to buy
- our market estimate, not a quotation
- Sensible for occasional use
- No installer needed, and it can be put away out of season
The situation, as the planner sees it
- One room
- bedroom, medium
- Wants something to put away
- Under ~£500
- Casement windows
- Hot spells only
- Cooling only
Also worth considering
| System | Indicative cost | Against the best match | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed monobloc air conditioner | £2,400–£5,100 installed | Quieter indoors · Cheaper to run · More building work | Possible, not our first choice |
| Single-split air-to-air heat pump | £2,500–£5,100 installed | Quieter indoors · Cheaper to run · Needs an outdoor unit | Possible, not our first choice |
Why not the others
- Window air conditioner — it doesn't suit casement or tilt-and-turn windows.
- Multi-split air-to-air heat pump — it's designed for several rooms, not one.
- Ducted air conditioning — it only makes sense for a whole home.
What would change this?
- If you wanted a fixed, installed system instead, and were open to its cost → Single-split air-to-air heat pump £2,500–£5,100 installed
Questions people ask
Which air conditioning suits casement windows and no drilling allowed?
Portable air conditioner. This looks like the best fit because you only expect to use it during hot spells, you want something you can put away when you don't need it and you want to keep it under about £500.
How much does portable air conditioner cost for this?
Indicatively £250–£700 to buy. That is Airva's own market estimate for a decent unit, not a quotation.
What would change the recommendation?
If you wanted a fixed, installed system instead, and were open to its cost, it would be single-split air-to-air heat pump (£2,500–£5,100 installed).