Here we’ll take a look at some of the most common problems that can occur with air conditioning.

Refrigerant leak

Air conditioning units contain a refrigerant that is responsible for cooling the air within your air conditioning system. In fact, it’s the means by which the AC unit cools the air in the home. Sometimes, however, the refrigerant may leak and reduce the efficiency of the air conditioner.

Some of the problems associated with refrigerant leaks include low efficiency, high power consumption, coil freezing, a damaged compressor and uneven cooling. It can also be damaging to the immediate environment. For this reason it’s important to regularly check your AC unit for any refrigerant leaks.

Dirty filter

An air conditioner filter helps to keep the airflow free from pollutants and dust. If the air filter is clogged then airflow will be restricted. This will, in turn, decrease the operating efficiency of your air conditioning system. A clogged air filter will also reduce the ability of the system to cool the air effectively.

Frozen evaporator coil

An air conditioning system may stop working because of a frozen evaporator coil. This can occur when an air conditioner doesn’t receive enough air for the system to function properly. Over time, sheets of ice can begin to accumulate over time, ultimately leading the coil to become completely encased with ice. This can prevent the refrigerant coil from absorbing latent heat.

If an evaporator coil freezes it may well cause an air conditioning unit to stop working. An indication that it is beginning to freeze is that air conditioning is uneven. To fix this problem, disconnect the power and don’t use the AC unit for around 24 hours.

Fan failure

A fan located in the outdoor component transfers heat from indoors to outdoor. If the fan outside isn’t performing efficiently, then heat transfer won’t take place as it should. This can lead to other issues arising, such as the air conditioner’s compressor overheating.

In worst case scenarios, it may lead to significant internal damage to the compressor, and in some instances it might lead to the air conditioner needing to be replaced. The fan stopping might be an issue with the wiring of your system or a loose component. In some cases, the problem may be identified by removing the outer casing to visually inspect the problem.

Regular servicing and maintenance

Regular servicing and maintenance can protect your air conditioning system from breakdowns. Enviro Chill can provide regular air conditioning servicing for your unit and effective and speedy breakdown cover should the worst happen.

Call 0151 285 1818 or contact us online.

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Close your windows and doors

A very simple means by which to improve the efficiency of your air conditioning unit is to close your windows and doors. Conditioned air can easily escape from your home when the windows and doors are open. If you need to introduce outside air into your home by opening your windows and doors, you should turn off your air conditioning unit.

Plug leaks

If your home has places where air can escape, such as in the attic or around window frames and underneath doors, then they will result in reduced efficiency for your air conditioning unit. An AC unit will operate best in a well-insulated home that isn’t prone to drafts. If you can plug the leaks and fix the drafts you’ll find that your air conditioning operates much more efficiently.

Leave the thermostat

You should set or program your thermostat and then leave your air conditioning system to get on with its work. Constantly adjusting your thermostat can make it run for longer than is necessary. This will result in more frequent on and off cycles, that will lead to reduced comfort and increased running costs overall.

Ensure that the thermostat is set to a reasonable temperature. Setting it to a cooler temperature doesn’t necessarily result in the air being cooled any quicker. Instead, it’s likely to keep the unit running for longer, driving up running costs.

Keep your air conditioner shaded

A condenser that’s kept shaded will have a more efficient operation, lowering cooling costs. This is because shading the air conditioner condenser cools down the air around it. As a result, it doesn’t have to work as hard to cool the air before blowing it into your house.

Maximise airflow around your air conditioner

While shading your condenser can help to improve the efficiency of your air conditioner, it’s important to bear in mind that air flow should be maximised around the unit. Remove obstructions that could impede airflow around the air condenser.

Keep your air conditioner serviced

The easiest way in which to keep your domestic air conditioning or commercial air conditioning operating efficiently is to keep it serviced.

At Enviro Chill ,we offer a range of servicing and maintenance packages that can reduce the risks of breakdowns and ensure that your system operates efficiently.

Call 0151 2851818 or contact us online to find out more.

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Will running AC in cold weather damage it?

Running an air conditioner in cold weather, perhaps during a British winter, is never a good idea. Air conditioners that contain condensing units are not designed to be run in cold weather at all. The units contain heavy grade oil that lubricates the compressor. This oil works best in warm conditions and during cold weather it becomes thicker. This means that it won’t be lubricating the compressors properly.

If an AC compressor contained a lighter grade oil, then it would work more efficiently in the winter but would present problems during the summer when it could heat up to the point where it wouldn’t provide enough lubrication.

Another potential problem with using an air conditioner in very cold weather is that if condensation forms on the cooling coil, it may then freeze causing damage to the unit.

What temperature is too cold for air conditioning?

As a general rule of thumb, HVAC manufacturers usually recommend that users don’t operate units for prolonged periods of time if the temperature is below 16-18 degrees Celsius. If you wish to test your unit then you should wait until the temperature has reached 16c for a few days beforehand. This allows the oil to warm up and should ensure that there’s no ice built-up on the condenser.

Most modern units will be fitted with a sensor that prevents the system from running in the cold, but older units often do not. With this in mind, it can be advisable to test, maintain and carry out any repairs of your unit once the risk of very cold weather has passed.

Setting the air conditioner temperature

If you’re setting your air conditioner in cooling mode, doing so at lower than 21C will normally be regarded as too cold to have much impact and is generally wasteful of electricity. Likewise, if you’re attempting to heat a room that’s already at 24C, this too is an inefficient and costly use of an air conditioning system.

Generally speaking, most people set their central heating thermostat at around 22C, so setting your air conditioner to the same temperature is sensible.

A regular servicing and maintenance service

Regular servicing and maintenance of your air conditioning unit can extend its life and improve its performance. At Enviro Chill, we offer affordable maintenance packages for both domestic and commercial installations.

Call 0151 2851818 or contact us online.

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Is there any truth in it?

The idea that air conditioning units are prohibitively noisy and can cause a nuisance reflects an experience of older units. In the past, old air conditioning units could be noisy, and if they were poorly installed and maintained, or installed somewhere inappropriate, then they could become a nuisance.

Over the years the operation of air conditioning units has become considerably more efficient and user friendly, ironing out some of the issues that prevented many people from considering them as an option for their home. One of these factors is noise, and today a properly installed and maintained modern domestic air conditioning unit operates efficiently with the minimum of noise intrusion.

What if my air conditioning unit is making a noise?

Aside from general operational noise, there are other noises that a unit might make which you should pay attention to.

If your unit is making a banging noise, either regularly or intermittently, it suggests that there may be an issue with one of the parts. A connecting rod, piston pin or crankshaft inside the compressor may be loose or broken. Alternatively, the indoor blower may be unbalanced. It could also indicate that the compressor needs to be replaced.

If the unit is making a clanking sound this could also indicate that a part is out of balance, or that parts inside the sealed unit have failed. The compressor itself might have become loose and may need replacing. The sound might also mean that the outdoor fan or indoor blower and its blades are hitting other parts of the system. These kinds of problems need to be addressed and will only cause more issues if they’re left.

Clicking is not uncommon at startup and shutdown, but if it becomes constant then it could be a sign of a defective control or an issue with the thermostat. It might suggest an electrical issue that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible before it becomes a bigger problem.

Loud buzzing noises can have a number of causes. It might suggest that there is debris in either the indoor or outdoor unit, with the outdoor fan motor coming loose or perhaps about to fail. Fan blades may be out of balance, or the copper lines from outside are rubbing against something. Alternatively, there could be a refrigerant leak or the condenser coil needs to be cleaned.

Minimise noise and other problems with regular servicing

The easiest way to ensure the efficient operation of your air conditioning system and to avoid problems is by having your system is regularly serviced and maintained.

At Enviro Chill, we provide affordable, comprehensive and flexible maintenance, servicing and breakdown services.

Call 0151 2851818 or use our online contact form to find out more.

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Domestic air conditioners break down into two different types:

• Portable air conditioners – these are also known as single-unit air conditioners, standalone air conditioners and monoblock air conditioners. These are plugged into a mains socket and then the hose is placed out of the window or door.
• Split-unit air conditioners – these are also known as fixed air conditioners. These have an indoor and outdoor unit. The indoor unit is fixed to the inside of an interior wall, and the outdoor unit is fixed on the other side of the wall or installed on the ground inside.

What’s the best portable air conditioner?

The best portable air conditioner for you is the one that does the job you need it to do consistently and for the lowest ongoing running costs. Portable air conditioners (PACs) are rated in British Thermal Units (BTU). A higher BTU number means a larger room can be cooled. A 9,000 BTU air conditioner will cool a room of 45 cubic metres. The higher the BTUs, the pricier it will be to buy and more costly it will be to run. So, it makes sense to ensure you don’t purchase a more powerful machine than you need.

Some of the best-regarded portable air conditioners include the De’Longhi PAC AN112 Silent Air Conditioner (£729.99), the Honeywell MN 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner (£698.95) and the De’Longhi PAC AN98 ECO Real Feel Portable Air Conditioner (£528.95).

Prices ranges vary greatly, so it’s important to shop around.

What is the best cheap air conditioner?

The cheapest air conditioners are incredibly affordable and can give adequate air conditioning power for most homes. It’s important to look at the capabilities of the unit you’re considering, particularly the BTU rating. It’s worth considering too, whether or not it might be worthwhile to spend a little more on an air conditioner that’s likely to last longer. It could work out more cost-effective over time. A popular cheap air conditioner is the Challenger 5K Air Conditioning Unit, slightly more expensive is the Comfee By Midea 9000 BTU Portable Air Conditioning Unit. Both are available for under £400.

Which air conditioner is best for the home?

The best air conditioner for your home is the one that does the job you want for it at a cost-effective price. Ideally, you won’t want a system with a high carbon footprint either. This is why it’s incredibly important to shop around. If you have a larger home, it may be worthwhile considering a split-unit air conditioner. Installing a domestic air conditioning system can add value to your home and make it more appealing to buyers.

Which is the best air conditioner to buy?

Before you consider purchasing an air conditioner for your home, it might be worthwhile talking to air conditioning experts for some professional advice. An air conditioning system is a considerable investment, and it pays to make sure you make the right choice.

Enviro Chill is the North West of England’s leading supplier of domestic air conditioning systems. Our team of experienced air conditioning engineers offer 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.

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Let’s take a quick look at how they work.

What is a split wall-mounted air conditioner?

Split wall-mounted air conditioners are one of the most efficient ways to cool a room. They consist of an indoor wall mounted unit that’s connected by copper pipes to an outdoor wall mounted unit.

How do wall-mounted air conditioners work?

Air conditioners use certain chemicals that can change their form from a gas to liquid. Split wall-mounted units work by a refrigerant being fed into the system’s compressor. This refrigerant will start off as a low-pressure gas. This gas then gets condensed into a liquid as the gas heats up and is pressurised. The liquid can then travel through the condenser tubes and, in the process, becomes a gas again. As the gas loses pressure, it also releases heat and becomes cooler because of the refrigerant. The gas passes back into the compressor and the process repeats itself.

Air from the room is pulled into the air conditioning unit during this whole cycle. It travels over the evaporator coils, which cools the air and pushes it into the room through the indoor air conditioning vents. The air will continue to circulate around until the required temperature is reached. This temperature is controlled by the user.

How much do wall-mounted air conditioners cost?

Prices for wall-mounted air conditioners differ widely depending on the model, the BTU rating and its range of features. Cheaper units begin at around £400 and more expensive units cost around £2000. There are also the installation costs to consider.

Best wall-mounted air conditioners

There are a wide range of different wall-mounted air conditioners to choose from. Many of the world’s top electrical goods manufacturers produce an air conditioning range, including Mitsubishi, Daikin, and Fujitsu, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Whatever the size of the room you require your unit for and whatever your budget, there’s likely to be a quality model for your needs.

The choice is so wide that it makes sense to talk to air conditioning specialists before making a decision. They will make a site visit and then make a considered recommendation.

How to install a wall-mounted air conditioner

The installation of a wall-mounted air conditioner should always be carried out by an experienced professional engineer. At Enviro Chill, we’re one of the leading suppliers and installers of domestic air conditioning systems in the North West of England. We’re more than happy to provide professional advice and answer any questions you might have. We will ensure you are supplied with the most efficient air conditioning unit for your needs. We can also handle the installation and keep it maintained, giving you complete peace of mind.

Why not call us on 0151 285 1818 or contact us online to find out how efficient air conditioning can transform your home?

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Here we take a quick look at BTU, what it is, how you calculate it and how it impacts on your choice of air conditioning system.

What is BTU?

BTU stands for British Thermal Units and it’s used to measure thermal energy. It was developed in the late 1800s and, over the decades, it has become the most widely used unit of measurement in both heating and cooling appliances.

As it was developed before decimalisation, it used imperial measurements. For instance, 150 British Thermal Units is equal to the amount of energy used to raise the temperature of a room by 1 degree Fahrenheit. You will often see BTU used in conjunction with radiators. The higher the BTU of the radiator, the more heat that radiator can output into the room.

What about air conditioning?

If BTU is used to measure thermal energy and is generally seen in relation to heating products such as radiators, how does it apply to air conditioning units? It’s actually quite simple and the calculation merely works in reverse. With an air conditioning system that’s required to remove heat from the room, the measurement is expressed in terms of how many BTUs per hour the product can remove from the room.

Why the BTU is important

A common mistake people make is to presume that a higher BTU is always better when it comes to air conditioning systems. Using an air conditioning unit with a BTU level that’s higher than you actually need can cause the unit to cool too quickly. It will then cycle off and then to maintain the desired temperature it will have to cycle on again soon after. This pattern of cycling on and off again repeatedly will cause the air conditioning unit’s air compressor to overwork itself. If this frequently happens it will shorten the lifespan of your unit.

By contrast, a unit with too low a BTU will struggle to reach your comfortable temperature level. The heat load could end up overloading the unit, causing it to run continuously without reaching the required temperature. It’s also likely to reduce the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.

How do you measure the BTU of a room?

Measuring the BTU of a room can seem like quite a complex process, but in actual fact it’s relatively straightforward. All you need to do is take a few measurements.

Firstly, you will need to measure your room to find out its square footage. To do this you will need to measure the width of the room by its length, and then multiply these together. So, if for instance the width of your room was 10ft and its length was 12ft, the square footage of the room would be 120ft.

This is relatively simple if your room is a regular shape such as a square or a rectangle. But what if your room is irregular? If that’s the case, you will need to divide your irregular room into as few regular shapes as you can find. If you have an older property, it might be that quirky room shapes and dimensions make this more difficult. It doesn’t have to be an exact science, getting as close to the accurate BTU as possible should be your aim.

Calculating the BTU

To find the BTU of a room take that square foot calculation and multiply it by 25. For example:

• Room size 150sq ft x 25 = 3750 BTU

Therefore, a room of 150sq ft will require an air conditioning unit with a minimum cooling capacity of 3750 BTUs.

So, is that it?

Other factors that will determine the BTU of a room

While you can get a rough estimate of the BTU of a room by working out its square footage, for more accurate results you’ll need to take account of the following:

• Room dimensions, including the ceiling height
• The size and number of windows in a room
• The type of glazing at your windows/patio doors. Is it single or double-glazed?
• The outside wall material
• What’s above and below the room

Once you have a BTU figure based on the square footage of the room you should then consider some of the above factors and adjust the figure accordingly.

If, for instance, a room has lots of windows that let in sunlight, then you may need a greater cooling capacity during the summer months.

Domestic Air Conditioning that’s ideal for your home

There’s a huge range of domestic air conditioning options available so it shouldn’t be difficult to find one that’s ideal for your home. If you’re in any doubt about the BTU rating of the rooms in your home, it might be advisable to talk to experienced air conditioning supply and maintenance professionals.

Here at Enviro Chill, we have a wide range of domestic and commercial air conditioning clients often with very different requirements. Our team of experienced and qualified engineers can install the perfect air conditioning system for your home in no time at all. As well as installing the perfect air conditioning system for your premises, we can take care of its ongoing maintenance.

Why not contact us to find out more?

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How do you choose an air conditioning brand and what kind of issues should you consider before making a decision?

How to choose the best air conditioner for your home

As air conditioning for our homes isn’t something that most Brits will have considered before, we might not know what to look for in an air conditioning unit.

Here are a few factors to consider before you make your choice.

Type

What type of air conditioning unit would be the most appropriate? In most situations, the most efficient choices will be a wall-mounted split air conditioning unit or central air conditioning, rather than a portable standalone unit. Neither of these cost any more to run than a standalone unit and are likely to be more effective, efficient, and durable over time.

Other factors you’ll need to consider are the British Thermal Unit (BTU) measurement of the unit and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). The BTU will tell you how efficient the unit will be at cooling down the room, and the EER indicates how efficient it is.

Air Conditioning Brands

Let’s take a look at some of the leading air conditioning brands, their particular strengths and what they can offer.

Toshiba

A Toshiba air conditioner can offer you real innovations that reduce the amount of energy required to run them. As a result, they’re cheaper and better for the environment. Their units are well-regarded by installers and are known for their reliability, energy-saving design, efficiency, and attractive looks. They offer cost savings that don’t compromise on quality and durability.

With an eye to the future, Toshiba is working hard to reduce the carbon footprint of their operation, as well as the carbon emissions of their air conditioning units. In 2012, Toshiba Air Conditioning achieved Carbon Neutral status for its UK division.

Samsung

Samsung makes air conditioning units that are quiet to run, reliable and energy-efficient. Incorporating their world-famous attention to detail and engineering excellence into everything they do, a Samsung air conditioner is a reliable choice.

Samsung entered the air conditioning market in 1980, and over recent years they have stepped up their operation. Samsung is now a leader in technology and efficient air conditioning systems for domestic and commercial applications.

Daikin

Daikin has developed a range of air conditioning systems that make intelligent use of space and are quiet, making them ideal for domestic installations. Their units are classified with the highest energy efficiency ratings on the market.

Control systems allow for individual rooms to be managed in terms of temperature when standby settings and comfort settings are activated, and fresh air is introduced into the building. This contributes to the wellbeing of occupants and a sense of being in a fresh and healthy environment. A Daikin air conditioner offers straightforward installation and ongoing maintenance.

Fujitsu

Fujitsu is a world-class brand, known for its innovation and high-quality, affordable products. Their air conditioning units are no exception. A Fujitsu air conditioner benefits from a programme of industry-leading research, making them a state-of-the-art option for your home or commercial premises.

The business has recently invested a further £14 million in research & development in the UK as part of an overall £800 million investment. This illustrates how competitive an environment air conditioning manufacturing has become, with some of the world’s top names when it comes to technology, investing huge sums into R&D. In such a marketplace, it’s the consumer who ultimately benefits.

Mitsubishi

Guiding Mitsubishi’s programme of research and development has been a concern to drive down costs for homeowners and commercial operations when it comes to air conditioning. If you purchase a Mitsubishi air conditioner, you’re investing in one of the best on the market. Mitsubishi air conditioning systems are able to provide comfort in winter as well as summer. With a ‘quiet as a mouse’ operation, there’s nothing intrusive about Mitsubishi air conditioning.

LG

LG manufactures a range of high-performance air-con equipment that are attractive as well as efficient. They can be customised with artwork or mirrored finishes that complement your branding in a commercial setting. Their split air conditioners allow you to regulate the temperature in different parts of the building.

Unpredictable weather conditions and seasonal changes can be dealt with by automatic switches which respond to fluctuations with appropriate cooling and heating to keep optimum temperatures whatever you’re doing. An LG air conditioner can provide ‘library quiet’ air conditioning for both commercial and residential settings.

Which is the best air conditioner brand in the UK?

Many world-class companies are competing with each other to drive innovation, push down costs and to create attractive, efficient air conditioning units that meet the requirements of a wide range of settings. Whether you’re looking for a commercial or domestic unit, modern air conditioning units offer space-conscious solutions that are a world apart from older models.

Contemporary air conditioning units offer efficiency, reliability, and quiet operation. They’re well-designed to make intelligent use of space, meaning they’re suitable for a wide range of settings.

With so much research, new innovations and downward pressures on prices currently taking place now is an excellent time to invest in air conditioning.

For advice about air conditioning brands for your home or commercial premises please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of professional engineers. We can answer your questions and advise what might be the best air conditioner for your home or business premises.

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So, what’s the reality of air conditioning installation? How much does it cost? and might it be practical for your home?

This brief guide takes a quick look at some of the key considerations for air conditioning.

How much does air conditioning cost in the UK?

The overall cost of air conditioning differs widely, depending on the brand, type, and size of the air conditioning system your home needs. A standalone air conditioning unit is generally the cheapest, but they are not always the most effective option. Fixed air conditioners start at around £500, but the prices vary depending on the size of your property. Installation costs are around £1000 per indoor unit, and they must be installed and maintained by a registered gas engineer.

A comprehensive, tailored quote can give you an accurate idea of the costs. An experienced air conditioning supply and installation team will be able to visit your premises, assess what might be required and then talk you through your options.

Do you need planning permission for air conditioning?

Many people considering domestic air conditioning installation wonder what the rules and regulations are around planning permission, particularly if they live in a period property. Generally speaking, you won’t require planning permission for smaller domestic air conditioning options. You will, however, need to ensure that your external air conditioning unit follows these regulations:

• It isn’t bigger than 0.6m³
• It’s over a metre away from any property boundaries
• It is more than a metre away from the edge of a flat roof
• It isn’t fitted on a pitched roof

You’ll also need to ensure that there isn’t a wind turbine on the property.

However, there are a number of exceptions to this rule if your property is located in a particular designated area. These include:

• National Parks
• Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• A conservation area
• World Heritage Site

If you live in a listed property, then you will need to seek permission before going ahead with the installation. It’s prudent to contact your local authority planning department for guidance before going ahead with an installation.

Can you install domestic air conditioning units yourself?

While it may be possible to install some air conditioning units yourself, it’s not particularly advisable. Nor is it always the best policy to employ a general tradesperson to fit your air conditioning. You wouldn’t want an air conditioning engineer to install a new kitchen or build a conservatory, so don’t leave the installation of air conditioning to a builder or another tradesperson. Mistakes can be costly to rectify.

Why choose professional domestic air conditioning installers?

A registered engineer will carry out the process professionally and with minimal fuss, ensuring that your air conditioning unit is operating as it should. Safety is a key consideration and registered engineers understand the current regulations. They will ensure that your air conditioning unit is fully compliant.

Having your air conditioning installed by a registered engineer can save you a lot of stress going forward. They will have all the necessary equipment on hand, will have encountered a wide variety of installations and overcome challenges. This experience, knowledge and attention to safety compliance will give you peace of mind about your air conditioning. Often the installation team can take care of the ongoing maintenance, meaning they will be familiar with your system when they visit.

If you’re looking for domestic air conditioning installation UK, then a professional installation team should be your first choice.

Domestic air conditioning installers near me

If you’re looking for experienced air conditioning installers and you live in the North West of England, then you should look no further than Enviro Chill. We’re based in Liverpool and have clients across the North West. Whether you’re in Chester, Skelmersdale, Warrington, St Helens, Birkenhead or elsewhere in the region, we can get your new air conditioning system up and running safely in no time at all.

Available for both domestic and commercial clients, our air conditioning installation services are among the most adaptable in the region. Our team of experienced and qualified engineers can install the perfect air conditioning system for your home in no time at all. Whatever your requirements, we provide an efficient and professional installation service that is tailored to your needs.

For advice about air conditioning for your home and to have your questions answered, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of professional engineers.

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So, just how effective are they, and how exactly do they work?

Air conditioning systems have a long history, dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. During the early years, they were used primarily in commercial settings to help increase productivity. These days, they’re an increasing addition to homes, particularly in temperate climates like the UK.

They work on the same essential principle as they did over a hundred years ago. So, if you’re considering purchasing your first home air conditioner what should you expect?

At its most basic, the air conditioning system contains two actions that occur simultaneously. Warm air is cooled as it blows across a cold cooling coil full of refrigerant. Inside the home, heat is absorbed into the refrigerant as the refrigerant turns from liquid to gas. The cooled air is distributed back to the house. The refrigerant gas is compressed before entering a large coil. Heat is then released outside as the refrigerant turns back to a liquid and a large fan pulls outdoor air through the outdoor coil rejecting the heat absorbed from the house. This process then repeats itself to maintain the required temperature in the room.

How much does air conditioning cost?

The overall cost of fitting air conditioning can differ widely depending on the type, and scale of air conditioning unit you’re looking for. You will obviously pay less for a standalone air conditioning unit, but they may not be as effective. In terms of running costs, both standalone units and split-unit or fixed air conditioners cost the same. Fixed air conditioners start from around £500, but prices vary depending on the size of your home, what you require the unit to do and your choice of an air conditioner. They must be installed and maintained by a registered gas engineer. The domestic air conditioner installation costs are around £1,000 per indoor unit.

Does home insurance cover air conditioners?

Home insurance covers air conditioning to the same extent as the rest of your home is covered. Damage caused by fires, falling trees, vandalism, lightning strikes and sometimes flooding are all covered in standard homeowners policies. On the other hand, normal wear and tear or accidental damage are not. So, if your AC simply breaks after 10 years of use, then you won’t be reimbursed for repair or replacement. However, it is possible to purchase specialist cover for air conditioning.

How are air conditioners serviced?

As a general guide, you should have your air conditioning unit serviced at least once a year, even if you don’t believe it has any noticeable defects. Some of the signs that your unit might need servicing include if it makes more noise than usual, or if it takes longer to cool a room. If your energy costs increase noticeably, this could mean that your air conditioning unit needs attention.

For advice about air conditioning for your home and to have your questions answered, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of professional engineers.

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