Common situation
A rented flat where nothing permanent can be installed: which air conditioning suits?
Cooling one bedroom in a rented flat, no drilling or outdoor unit allowed, used through the summer.
Our planner's best match
Window air conditioner
Self-contained unit fitted in a suitable window opening
This looks like the best fit because you're cooling one room, a separate outdoor unit isn't an option and you can't make permanent changes.
Excellent match. A clear lead over the next option — the answer you weren't sure of doesn't change it.
- Indicative cost
- £300–£900 to buy
- our market estimate, not a quotation
- Well suited to a single room
- No separate outdoor condenser
- No drilling or permanent changes
The situation, as the planner sees it
- One room
- bedroom, medium
- Fixed or removable
- Up to ~£1,500
- No permanent changes
- No outdoor unit
- Not sure of window type
- Regular summer use
- Cooling only
Also worth considering
| System | Indicative cost | Against the best match | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable air conditioner | £250–£700 to buy | Louder indoors · Dearer to run · Less building work | A good alternative |
Why not the others
- Fixed monobloc air conditioner — it needs permanent changes to the property.
- Single-split air-to-air heat pump — it needs permanent changes to the property.
- Multi-split air-to-air heat pump — it needs permanent changes to the property.
- Ducted air conditioning — it needs permanent changes to the property.
To confirm with an installer
- Whether your window suits a window unit
Questions people ask
Which air conditioning suits a rented flat where nothing permanent can be installed?
Window air conditioner. This looks like the best fit because you're cooling one room, a separate outdoor unit isn't an option and you can't make permanent changes.
How much does window air conditioner cost for this?
Indicatively £300–£900 to buy. That is Airva's own market estimate for a decent unit, not a quotation.