Air Conditioner Installation

Air conditioning installation is a popular home improvement for owners who want to keep cool over the warmer summer months. AC installs are also common in office and commercial buildings, to provide employees with a comfortable and productive working environment.

In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about air conditioners. There is information on prices, types and you can even check how much local air con installation will cost you.

Compare Air Conditioning Installation Prices

Are you looking to install an air conditioning unit, or need an air con repair? We can help you find a great deal by comparing local installation prices. To find out how much AC installation costs in your area, simply use the cost calculator below.

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Cost of Air Con Installation

Installing air conditioning in your home or commercial building is often be cheaper than you might realise, but there are a number of factors that are likely to influence the cost. Below are some of the main pricing factors that will impact on the cost of your air conditioner installation:

•  AC Unit – there are a number of different air conditioning units available, each with differing power levels and features. A commercial unit will cost more than a residential air conditioner, due to the larger cooling power. Similarly, AC units with advanced features, such as a increased air filtering, will cost more than a basic unit.
• Property Size – the area you need to cool will be important in deciding the power output of your air conditioner. If you have a large property, a smaller air conditioner will most likely lack the power to sufficiently cool your house.
• Location – as with almost all home improvements, the cost of air con installation is likely to differ in different parts of the UK. Generally, the most expensive prices are found in London and the South of England. Areas that lack local AC professionals will also result in higher installation costs.

Air Conditioning Installation Prices

The average cost of installing an air conditioner ranges from £1,700 to £2,400, based on a single zone unit. This will provide air conditioning to one room in your property. If you have a larger room, or require a higher specification system, prices are likely to increase. 

The price for installing multi-zone ducted air conditioning throughout an average sized home will typically range from £4,000 to £6,000. A multi-zone system will enable you to independently control the temperature in each room, and will provide a superior cool throughout the property.

An air conditioning installation within a conservatory or converted loft will likely cost between £1,600 to £2,500.

Due to the larger size of most office and shopping spaces, a commercial air conditioner installation will generally cost more than a domestic install. For example, supply and install of a commercial air con unit to cool a 10m x 10m space will typically cost between £5,000 to £7,000.

For more detailed air conditioning installation prices, please refer to the table below.

Types of Air Conditioning Units

Before choosing an installer, it is important to understand the type of air con unit you would like. There are a number of different air conditioning units available, each suited to differing roles. Below we will explore the different types in more detail, including the common uses, and help you decide which is the best air conditioner for your needs.

Wall Unit (Split System) Air Conditioners

The most common domestic air conditioner in the UK, split systems are fast to install and are available in a range of different sizes to suit all rooms. As their name suggests, wall mounted AC units are fixed to your wall, and positioned to deliver the best cooling results for your home.

Pros & Cons:

• • Efficient and Quite
  • Wide range of built in features
  • No internal floor space required for installation
  • Part of the unit will need to be installed on your buildings exterior
  • Not as discreet as ducted AV systems

Split system air conditioners are also used in commercial buildings, but in most cases they are a less popular option compared with ducted and ceiling cassette units.

Low Wall Air Conditioners

A low wall air conditioners are ideal for rooms that require the unit to be mounted at a lower height. They are particularly useful in conservatories and loft conversions. The glass walls of a conservatory and angled walls in a loft conversion mean that traditional wall mounted systems aren’t suitable.

Pros & Cons:

• • Works in rooms that can’t have a traditional unit mounted
  • Spread is not as wide, and can be interfered by nearby objects
  • Limited number of designs and styles

Ducted Air Conditioner

Ducted air conditioning systems are commonly used in commercial buildings to deliver cool air across a large area. They are also popular in homes as outlets can be installed in different rooms and bedrooms, allowing occupants to choose their ideal temperature.

Pros and Cons:

• • Sleek and unobtrusive
  • Ideal for larger homes with many rooms
  • Less features (such as oscillating) and reduced control
  • Large unit installed on the buildings exterior

Ceiling Cassette Air Conditioner

Ceiling cassette air conditioning units are more commonly seen in commercial offices and shops, rather than residential buildings. They work in a similar way to wall mounted units, but are instead mounted in to the ceiling and provide multi-directional air flow.

Pros and Cons:

• • Multi directional air flow
  • Large cooling capacity and non-intrusive
  • Needs an accessible roof cavity to hold the body
  • Often not suitable for home installation

Portable Air Conditioner

Portable air conditioners are a great alternative to in-built systems. They are generally cheaper than larger systems, and also require minimal installation. However, they often lack the same power provided by other air conditioner types, making them less suitable for larger properties. Being portable, they can be easily moved from room to room, but you will need to consider the hot air outlet pipe, which should be directed outside.

Pros and Cons:

• • Minimal installation required
  • Cheaper prices
  • Easily portable for moving between rooms and homes
  • Often require more ongoing maintenance
  • Less effective than other air conditioning types

Whilst they don’t provide the same power of cooling as an air conditioner, an evaporative cooler may be sufficient for your cooling needs. Evaporative air coolers don’t need a hot air exhaust outlet, making them suitable for a wide array of applications.

Air Conditioner Servicing & Maintenance

As with most systems, regular servicing and maintenance is importance to ensure your air conditioner is working at its best. Most installers will also provide ongoing maintenance, and regular servicing will help prevent breakdowns.

A few reasons to regularly carry out air conditioning maintenance include:

• • Better performance and reduced running costs
  • Longer expected lifespan of your air con 
  • Ensures your warranty remains valid
  • Cleaner Air

Do you need air conditioning service or repairs? Compare prices to find a great value deal!

Air Conditioning Service & Repairs

Even if you have your air conditioner serviced on a regular basis, you may need to have problems repaired. An experienced air conditioning service engineer will be able to quickly diagnose and resolve the issue. Below are some of the most common air conditioning problems that will need repairing.

• Poor Airflow – If you are experiencing reduced airflow from your air conditioning unit, it may be a simple case of adjusting your remote or cleaning/replacing your AC filters. However, in other cases the fan motor may need replacement.
• Reduced Performance – A great way to ensure your air con is working at optimal level is to have it regularly serviced. If you experience reduced performance, the cause could be anything from motor failures to built up grime. An air conditioning technician will be able to diagnose the problem.
• Leaking Water – There is nothing you want less than to have water leaking out over your home. The most likely cause of your air conditioner leaking is due to the condensate (water made by the AC unit) pump not working.
• Stale Odours – The condensed water produced when the air conditioning unit is in use can result in bacteria growing on the internal coils. Regular maintenance will help prevent this from happening to your air conditioner.
• AC Freezing – If your air conditioning freezes, this could be due to refrigeration not being able to function properly. In many cases, the air conditioner can be cleaned to fix the issue. In other circumstances, parts may need to be replaced to regain normal function.

Single Zone vs Multi Zone

If you are looking to install a new air conditioner in your home, you have probably come across the terms single zone and multi zone. But, what are they and why are they important? Below we explain the difference, so you can pick the right type for your needs.

Single Zone Air Conditioners

As you might have guessed, a single zone air conditioner is a single unit that will cool the room that it has been installed in. This system is best suited to homes that only require a single air conditioner installed in a central room, such as a lounge room or living area.

Multi Zone Air Conditioners

For more control and greater cooling throughout your home, you will need a multi zone air conditioner. These systems deliver cool air to multiple rooms (either through ducts of additional wall mounted units). Each room can be controlled independently, allowing everyone to be comfortable.

Leading Air Conditioner Brands

Your chosen installer will be best placed to provide advice and suggestions, after assessing your property. Some of the leading air conditioner brands in the UK include Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Samsung, Carrier, LG, Fujitsu, Sharp, Panasonic and Toshiba.

Money Saving Tips

We love helping UK consumers save more on their purchases. To ensure you receive the cheapest supply and fit deals, we have put together some helpful tips and tricks.

Popular Locations

Whilst air conditioning is increasing in popularity throughout the UK, there are certain areas where is it proving to be particularly popular. Some of the most popular areas include:

Air Conditioning Installation in London

Over recent years, there has been a rise in the number of installations taking place in the Capital. Not only do most shops and offices have air conditioning, but many domestic homes in are now having air conditioners installed throughout London.

Air Conditioning Installation in Essex

Essex closely follows London with the increasing trend of domestic air conditioning installations, as well as the already prominent AC found in shops and offices. As well as in-built models, portable air conditioners are also a popular choice.

Air Conditioning Installation in Surrey

Surrey is another popular area for air con installs. Multi-zone systems allow homeowners to control different rooms and segments, ensuring everyone is cool and comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a few questions our visitors regularly ask about air conditioning installations. Our answers below will hopefully help you, but if we have missed anything, please get in touch.

Other Considerations