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Home Air Conditioning Frequently Asked Questions
We answer the most common questions our customers ask during their home air conditioning consultation and design
About Us
Can I install an air conditioning unit myself?
The short answer is yes – a quick search on Google and you’ll find many options to purchase AC units. However, air conditioning systems use fluorinated gases as refrigerants, all work on them must be done by professionals holding valid F-Gas certification. There is a range of different qualifications and certifications that apply. All our engineers are F-Gas certified and fully qualified to install and maintain air conditioning systems. So while you might think you’ll save money by doing it yourself, in the end once you’ve engaged a qualified engineer to gas and commission the system you may well pay more than getting the installers to complete the installation in the first place
Is air conditioning suitable for the UK?
In the UK when it’s cold and wet in the depths of winter, it can be hard to imagine why you might need air conditioning in your home. However, we will all have recognised that UK summers are getting longer and warmer and a hot, stuffy house can be very uncomfortable to live. Cooling down your home and creating a pleasant environment for you and your family has many benefits; from more productivity to a better night's sleep, particularly when it's warm and muggy outside.
Do air conditioning units require lots of maintenance?
While AC units are incredibly robust and reliable like all mechanical and electronic equipment, air conditioning units will need regular maintenance. We recommend and annual service which involves a full check of the efficiency of the system and a cleaning of filters. Regular servicing is necessary to maintain the warranty and will extend the life of the air conditioning system.
Our routine servicing plans include a wide range of tests and checks, some of which can only be carried out by a qualified engineer.
Which air conditioning unit should I get?
There are a multitude of air conditioning units available for you to choose. There are several factors to consider such as deciding which rooms or spaces you would like to cool, working out what cooling capacity of unit you require and then finally selecting the type of units that fit your needs considering factors such as aesthetics, size, functions, loudness and cost before making your final selection. Professional air conditioning companies such as UK Energy Services will be able to advise you of the most suitable system to meet your particular needs and budget.
Pros and Cons Portable vs Split and Multi Split
Split unit air conditioners are systems that are professionally installed and fixed to a wall in your home. The term split is used because they are made up of an outdoor inverter unit and an indoor compressor unit that work together to cool or heat rooms or spaces in your home.
Many people choose split air conditioning systems over portable ones because they’re much quieter, more powerful and more efficient and therefore much better at cooling larger spaces.
However, split unit air conditioners are generally more expensive to install than single portable units. The main reasons for this is that the systems are more complex and costly to build and require professional installation by a qualified and certified F-Gas engineer.
Do I need planning permission?
You can install most air conditioning systems under permitted development rights. This means that you won’t need to apply to the local authority for planning permission. You can install many small air conditioning units in one house under these rights. For larger multi split air conditioning systems, you might need planning permission. This usually depends on the size and location of the condenser unit. You don’t need planning permission as long as:
- The external unit is not installed on a pitched roof
- There is no wind turbine at the property
- The external unit is not installed within 1 metre of the edge of a flat roof
- The volume of the external compressor unit is not more than 0.6m³
- The external unit is more than 1 metre away from the boundary of the property
It might be slightly different for listed buildings and conservation areas and if you want to install air conditioning you might need planning permission and listed building consent. However, if the unit is quiet and not visible on the front elevation of the property, you might well not need it. You should check with your local authority, as regulations vary in different areas.
Will investing in air conditioning increase the value of my home?
With summers getting noticeably warmer the UK is becoming more like mainland Europe where investment in air conditioning is commonplace and indeed many home-buyers will not consider a property if it doesn’t have air conditioning. Therefore, a professionally installed air conditioning system will appeal to buyers and like the smell of coffee and freshly baked bread, may well make all the difference and tip the sale in your favour. We believe from talking to estate agents and buyers that you may recoup some, or even all your investment back, if or when you sell your home.
Will air conditioning increase my electricity bills?
Clearly air conditioning like heating, has a cost to run – however, what many people don’t realise, is that an air conditioning unit is a heat pump or a green technology that works in a similar way to your domestic fridge. Surprisingly, air con units actually use comparatively small amounts of electricity to create cooling and heating for your home; it’s all about coefficient of performance, (COP) which measures the energy consumed vs the heat or cooling achieved. Like a fridge, air conditioning is actually incredibly energy efficient and for every 1 kwh of energy used, most quality air conditioners will output 3-4 kwh of cooling or heating. So, for example, a single split AC unit of 2.5kw will often keep a room comfortably cool using between 500 watts and 1kw. The typical cost of domestic energy is around 12-15p a kWh therefore a single unit will have a running cost of under 10p an hour.
In addition, air con is a fantastic option if you have or are considering solar panels, when it’s hot outside the sun is most likely shining, meaning that running costs will be minimal or even free for your air con and other appliances during the day and even during summer evenings.