Running cost depends on the unit's electrical input, how hard it is working, the temperature set point, room heat gain, insulation and electricity tariff. A modern inverter system does not simply run at full power continuously; once the room approaches the target temperature, it can reduce output.
For cooling, setting an unnecessarily low temperature increases energy use. For heating, the unit operates as a heat pump and can deliver more heat energy than the electrical energy it consumes, but actual efficiency varies with outdoor conditions and the system itself.
The best estimate for a Glasgow room comes from selecting the correct capacity first, then using the manufacturer's seasonal efficiency data alongside your electricity rate. Doherty's air-conditioning survey can help avoid oversizing or poor positioning that makes a system work harder than necessary.
