YOU might be tempted to turn on your air con unit as warmer weather hits the UK - but how much does it cost?

Households will be doing what they can to keep cool while in bed over the new few days.

But if you're thinking about blasting on the air con, you should factor in the impact it can have on your energy bills.

Here's everything you need to know.

How much does it cost to run an air conditioner?

Uswitch says the cost will vary depending on whether you are using a built-in or portable unit.

The price comparison site says a built-in model uses 2.7kilowatts of power an hour - this works out to £42.14 a week based on nine hours of use a day.

Meanwhile, a portable unit uses 1kilowatt of power an hour - or £15.61 a week based on nine hours of use a day.

Of course, you might not use air con every night or week, but the costs can add up quickly.

If you want to keep cool for less, it's probably worth using a fan instead.

Uswitch says a desktop model costs just 55p to run for a week based on nine hours of use a day.

That's £41.59 cheaper than a built-in air con unit over seven days.

You can add a bowl of ice cubes in front of the fan which will blow cooler air around the room too.

How else can I keep cool in the heat?

There are other ways to keep cool in the heat beyond air con units and fans.

DIY website Family Handyman has said you should spray a sheet with cold water covering a window opening.

The breeze then hits the sheet and passes through the cool, damp fabric, which can help bring the temperature down in your home.

The site also suggested trying insulated window films that you can stick to your window.

The cheap to purchase alternative can help cut energy costs as well as offer privacy.

We found some on Amazon for just £10.