Air conditioning is much more common than it used to be, and many properties now use it to stay comfortable in warm weather. This guide covers the basics so that you know what to ask before you decide.
The main types
- Portable units stand in the room and vent through a hose. They are easy to set up but are usually noisier and less efficient.
- Split systems have an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. They are the most common fixed choice for a single room or space.
- Multi-split systems connect several indoor units to one outdoor unit, which suits a few rooms.
- Ducted systems hide the equipment and send cool air through vents, which suits larger or open-plan spaces.
Cooling and heating in one
Many split systems can also provide heating, which is worth considering if you want one system to keep a space comfortable all year round.
Getting the size right
A unit that is too small will struggle to cool the room on a hot day. A unit that is too large can switch on and off too often, which wastes energy and can feel less comfortable. The right size depends on the room, how much sun it gets, and how many people and how much equipment are in it.
What installation involves
A split system needs an indoor unit and an outdoor unit joined by pipework, a power supply, and a way to drain away the condensation the system produces. Where these go affects how the finished installation looks and sounds, so it is worth talking it through before any work starts.
What to think about first
- The size of the room and how much heat it gains from sun, equipment and people
- Where the outdoor unit can go, and how noisy it will be for you and your neighbours
- Running costs and how easy the controls are to use
- Whether you need permission, for example from a landlord, freeholder or the council, especially in flats and in listed or protected buildings
Do not forget ventilation
Air conditioning cools the air in a room but does not bring in fresh air. Good ventilation keeps the air healthy and helps control moisture, so the two work best together.
Keeping it running well
- Clean or replace the filters regularly, following the manufacturer's advice
- Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves and clutter
- Have the system checked by a qualified engineer from time to time
Work on the refrigerant side of a system should only be done by a suitably qualified engineer.
Keeping running costs down
- Set a sensible temperature rather than the coldest setting
- Keep doors and windows closed while the system is running
- Use a timer so that the system is not running in an empty room
- Use blinds or shading to keep direct sun out
Want advice?
We supply and install air conditioning and ventilation. See our air conditioning and ventilation service or get in touch to talk about what would suit your space.