How much does it cost to install air conditioning?
Before making a final decision, it’s important to explore air conditioning installation cost.
However, answering the question how much does it cost to install air conditioning in the UK is not easy, as it’s based on several varying factors:
- Size: This involves both the unit’s physical dimensions as well as its heating/cooling capacity. It’s advised to invest in air conditioning that’s proportionate to the space where it will be installed. The cost of fitting air conditioning can increase with an oversized unit, as it will include higher equipment costs.
- First installation vs. replacement: Installing an air conditioning unit for the first time will cost more, because it involves installing pipework and electrical connection for the first time. This infrastructure is already in place if a unit is being replaced like for like.
- Ductwork: Installing air conditioning requires the evaluation, and possible installation or upgrade of new or existing ductwork, tailored to the size and layout of the space. The materials used, labour required, and complexity of the ductwork can affect the air conditioning installation cost.
- Zones and controls: For larger installations with multiple areas and zones, a central controller may be necessary. However, these are more expensive.
Is air conditioning expensive to run?
Another consideration before installing an air conditioning unit is how expensive it will be to run. This will largely depend on how often you’re likely to use your unit.
How much air conditioning is in the UK will vary between energy suppliers.
Furthermore, the type of air conditioning unit can also play a role in the cost of air conditioning.
If the unit is undersized for the space, it will have to run longer in order to keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
However, there are methods to reduce the cost.
Installing or repairing the insulation of a building will ensure that rising or falling temperatures outside won’t affect the temperature inside. This, alongside sealing windows and doors, will all help efficiency and performance.
Is air conditioning more expensive than central heating?
With summer fast approaching, many will consider the cost of fitting air conditioning as an investment against upcoming heat waves or high temperatures in general.
However, air conditioning is not just a tool for cooling, as modern units have heat settings, too.
Air conditioning can therefore be cheaper than central heating as it serves a purpose year-round.
Although the upfront installation costs may be higher than that of central heating, when researching how much to install air conditioning for the UK, consider spreading the costs throughout the year as both a heating and cooling appliance.
Furthermore, because some air conditioning systems include eco settings and are available in energy-efficient models, running them may prove to be cheaper over the long-term.
Is it worth installing air conditioning?
In light of global warming, installing air conditioning is becoming a necessity to ensure comfort within our homes or offices.
There are also several industries that depend on temperature regulation, especially cooling features.
In the pharmaceutical industry, controlling temperature and humidity is crucial for producing medication, as well as conducting laboratory testing.
The same factors apply to food and beverage manufacturing, where managing temperature and air quality are necessary for food preservation or preventing food spoilage.
The tech industry also requires air conditioning as the equipment is prone to overheating.
These are only a few of the industries that require air conditioning in order to effectively carry out their work.
Therefore, you have to evaluate the personal and professional value of installing air conditioning to determine its worth.