Here in the UK, summers are growing warmer, making air conditioning (AC) less of a luxury and an increasing necessity.
The good news is that the latest air conditioning equipment designed in Britain by companies like Worcester Bosch is designed to operate more energy efficiently, saving users substantial money on bills. Additionally, a range of finance options with flexible terms allow home and business owners to install aircon and pay for it over time. Below, we look at the cost of installing and operating AC in the UK, including whether council approval is required, and compare the price of different system types.
How much does it cost to install AC in the UK?
The exact cost of installing AC in the UK will always depend on the scale of the project and the complexity of the system. It’s understood that adding a small aircon unit to a single house room will always cost less than adding an outsized system designed to cool multiple areas on a commercial site. Extensive preparatory work can also push up prices, like modifications to current wiring and ceilings. Prices will also vary between installation services depending on labour rates. It’s worth noting that AC systems should only be installed by gas-registered engineers.
Is air conditioning expensive to run in the UK?
Running costs for air conditioning in the UK are impacted by many factors. These include system type and age, as well as design efficiency. Additionally, how long AC is active and how well a property is insulated also contribute to costs. Changing energy prices can also affect annual bills. Fortunately, there are many steps to reduce running costs like keeping cool air in with sealed windows, smart thermostats, eco-friendly energy-efficient systems and proactive maintenance.
Does aircon use a lot of electricity?
How much electricity AC uses is directly impacted by system size, the model selected, the temperature set on thermostats and usage. To achieve lower temperatures more energy is needed and running systems non-stop can also increase how much electricity you use. Smaller units won’t use the same amount of electricity as larger systems, but equipment design is also key, as some models are designed for energy efficiency and offer long-term savings on annual bills.
What is the cheapest air conditioning system to install?
The cheapest air conditioning systems to fit in the UK are portable AC units, followed by window-mounted AC, sometimes called a window unit. However, this equipment doesn’t deliver the like-for-like performance as split system AC and ducted AC.
What is the most expensive air conditioning system to install?
A ducted air conditioning system is the most expensive solution, but can cool a whole house or building. Installations are far more complex, increasing set-up costs considerably. Furthermore, not every property has enough ceiling space to fit equipment.
Ducted systems are more discreet than other types of installations and offer improved aesthetics. This makes them popular for high-value properties and at business premises. They are also the quietest type of AC.
What is a split aircon system?
A less expensive option than ducted air conditioning but pricier than window units, split AC systems balance cooling performance and costs. As a result, they are considered the most popular form of air conditioning in UK homes. With a multi-split set-up, this AC type can cool a single room or many as required.
Do you need council approval to install air conditioning?
Council permission isn’t typically required for a small, standard AC unit in a privately owned home. However, if the system is oversized or will be fitted in a conservation area or a Grade Listed building, council approval may be needed. Adding AC to a commercial property sometimes requires planning permission, and consulting the local authority is advised before arranging an installation.
Are you ready to start using air conditioning?
As expert engineers, we are skilled at all aspects of installing air conditioning equipment and can work with a wide range of different system types. A service partner of leading UK manufacturer, Worcester Bosch, we fit high-quality solutions like Bosch Climate RAC 5000, SCAC & Multi Split air conditioning systems and the Bosch 3000i air conditioning units.
Our team of registered, in-house experts can safely and legally install, maintain and repair air conditioning systems for domestic and commercial customers. Installing air conditioning doesn’t have to involve paying with a lump sum.
Xgas offers competitive finance deals that allow customers to immediately benefit from a far cooler property and spread the cost into manageable monthly repayments. Request a no-obligation-to-buy quote today.
