The British weather is famously unpredictable, with fluctuations in temperature across the year. We can go from sub-zero to heatwave within a matter of days, making heating or ventilating your home a constant challenge. Staying comfortable during those extended heat waves and icy blasts isn’t always straightforward. No matter how well you ventilate your home when it’s warm or turn up the heating when it’s cold, achieving the right temperature is not always straightforward.
Domestic air conditioning can change all that. Less common in the UK than in some countries overseas, it’s growing in popularity as more people start to appreciate the benefits it can bring to a home.
While domestic air conditioning is growing in popularity there remains some confusion about which might be the most suitable. The variety in air conditioning options reflects the very different conditions that are present in different homes. From rambling old properties to well-insulated new builds, all are regularly fitted with air conditioning units.
Let’s begin by taking a look at what domestic air conditioning is and what it does.
What is domestic air conditioning?
Domestic air conditioning, often referred to as AC or A/C, is a system that’s used to cool down the temperature in a room or an inside space. It does this by removing the existing heat and moisture from the room. This is done by taking warm air into the system and then dispersing cold air back into the room. An air conditioning system regulates the temperature, humidity and air quality in an indoor space.
Why do we use air conditioning systems in our homes?
Air conditioning systems help to create a pleasant environment in our homes. Until fairly recently they have been less common in UK homes than in other parts of the world. That’s beginning to change, with the average UK temperature rising year on year as a result of climate change. With long, hot summers likely to become the norm, air conditioning will play a vital role in not only keeping us comfortable, but also helping us stay healthy.
How much does it cost to put air conditioning in a house?
As with any domestic appliance, the cost of air conditioning will depend on a number of factors. This includes the size of your home as well as the brand and model of air conditioning system you choose. In addition to the cost of the unit itself, you will also need to consider the cost of installation. Air conditioning systems in the UK must be installed and maintained by a registered gas engineer. Installation costs are around £1,000 per indoor unit on average. This means that a single room unit can be installed for around £1,000, and a four-room multi-unit split will cost around £6,000. The ultimate cost will be determined by the complexity of the particular installation.
What are the different types of air conditioning units available for the home?
Wall-mounted units
These are compact, tidy and out of way whilst still managing to heat or cool the whole room evenly due to the position.
Floor standing units
These units can be placed in a discrete and out-of-the-way position. They can replace radiators or other heating appliances as they are able to offer both heating and cooling options. Sometimes referred to as portable units, they can be a cost-effective, simple and practical option for a wide variety of domestic settings.
Through window/wall-mounted system
This type of unit is installed into a room window and is designed to cool that specific room. An evaporator coil is used to cool the interior and a condenser coil releases the hot air outside. Window air conditioning works by removing both the heat and the humidity. No external pipework through the building is needed for this type of unit.
Ceiling cassettes
Ceiling cassettes are another neat and tidy, out-of-the-way form of air conditioning unit that can be used in a variety of different settings. Their ceiling mounted position means they are effective at evenly spreading temperatures.
Ducted units
Ducted units allow for the installation of comfortable and inconspicuous air outlets at the ceiling. Because they’re inconspicuous they are ideal for various room arrangements, no matter their shape or size. Because they can be concealed they make little impact on the overall look of the room. They’re also effective at evenly distributing the cooling and heating load.
How to choose air conditioning for your home?
What factors should you consider when deciding on an air conditioning unit for your home?
The size of your room
The most important factor when choosing an AC unit is the size of your room. If you choose an air conditioner that’s too small for your room then you won’t feel much difference. If it’s too large, your system will be energy hungry and wasteful as it continually turns on and off attempting to regulate your temperature.
Speed settings
Your air conditioning system should contain a fan with an adjustable speed to enable you to control the flow of clean air around the room. If you find your room is particularly hot and stuffy, a higher setting will allow you to quickly cool your room. There should also be a quieter, gentler setting if it’s being used at night, particularly in a bedroom.
How to select an air conditioner for different rooms in your house
Living room
The living room needs to be comfortable and pleasant with a temperature that allows you to relax. Your air conditioning unit should be discreet, reasonably quiet and shouldn’t distract from the overall look of the room.
Bedroom
Ensuring you have the right temperature to sleep at night is key. As a bedroom aircon will mostly be required at night, it needs to be both powerful enough to have an impact on stuffy nighttime temperatures at the same time as being quiet enough not to disturb you.
Kitchen
Kitchens have big fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels, and the air conditioning system in a kitchen needs to be able to cope with these. It should be able to comfortably cope with the fluctuations in temperature without being wasteful of energy. As with every other room, attention needs to be paid to the size of the room in which it’s being installed if it’s to run efficiently.
What type of home cooling unit is the most efficient?
The efficiency of any type of cooling unit in your home will largely depend on how well it’s suited to the size of your room and the overall conditions. All units will have an energy efficiency ratio and will provide a range of information to help you make an informed decision. If you’re struggling to decide which type of unit might be best for you then it may be helpful to talk to an air conditioning specialist.
The friendly and knowledgeable team at Enviro Chill are always happy to answer any questions and offer advice. Why not contact us today to find out more?
What is the most reliable domestic air conditioning brand?
There are a number of excellent brands of air conditioning units on the market. At Enviro Chill, we only work with the very best. These include:
- Toshiba Air Conditioning
- LG
- Fujitsu
- Daikin
- Mitsubishi Electric
All of these brands offer high levels of reliability and efficiency.
Enviro Chill is the number one choice for domestic air conditioning in North West of England
If you’re looking for domestic air conditioning supply, installation, and maintenance in Liverpool, Skelmersdale, Warrington, Chester, St Helens, and across the North West, then Enviro Chill can help.
Our team of experienced air conditioning engineers offers expert advice, with a free, no-obligation quote for any work you may require. We can also arrange an on-site survey to better understand your specific requirements and to answer any questions you might have.
Call us on 0151 285 1818 or use our online contact form to find out more.