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What to consider before installing home air conditioning

Ask anyone with home air conditioning if they wished they’d installed it sooner, and they’ll say yes.

Home air conditioning keeps the indoor temperature perfect and the air clean all year round. It is quiet, efficient and can be controlled in the home or remotely – more on that later.

Like any home improvement, it’s good to plan ahead and think about your needs. So, if you’re thinking about installing air conditioning in your home, let’s start with the basics.

Air conditioning systems, otherwise known as heat pumps, are highly energy efficient, quick to install, and will add value to your property. And because they are classed as renewable technology, there’s no VAT to pay on the equipment.

So, there’s no time like the present to start preparing for installing home air conditioning.

Which rooms in the home need air conditioning?

Unless you only have one room that requires air conditioning such as a conservatory or home office, you might think that every room in the home needs it.

Air conditioning should be installed in rooms that will give the most benefit to occupants. Bedrooms are top of the list as units provide quiet comfort, cooling and heating, and they remove dust particles and allergens.

Living areas and rooms that are south-facing will particularly benefit from cooling, as will the kitchen which can be hot and humid.

Start by choosing the rooms and then taking a rough measurement of each room to indicate room sizes for your initial enquiry. The air conditioning engineer will calculate the size of the system required to adequately heat or cool the rooms before providing a quotation.

Air conditioning is commonly installed in:

Bedrooms
Loft rooms
Living rooms
Dining rooms
Kitchens
Conservatory
Home office/Insulated garden room

Open plan spaces may require more than one indoor unit, depending on the size and height of the space.

What style of conditioning is best for your home?

On our website, you’ll find information about different types of home air conditioning systems – our engineers will be able to provide you with further information on any system.

Wall-mounted units are commonly installed in homes with plenty of wall space for the unit and air distribution. They come in a variety of different styles, colours and finishes to match your interior.

Alternatively, floor-standing units are just as efficient as wall units and include features such as floor-level heat boost – lovely for rapid warming of feet and hands.

Concealed air conditioning is great if you have sufficient space above the ceilings in your property to install the ducted unit and ducting. It’s also easier to install a ducted system in new builds, renovations, and extensions because the system can be integrated with the build.

Choose essential air conditioning features

All air conditioning units will provide efficient cooling and heating, and many come with a range of features as standard or as options, including:

Air purification – removes allergens, dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses, house and pet odours
Dehumidification – removes moisture from the air
Low noise – ideal for when sleeping
Control the entire system via wired, remote, voice control, and mobile devices
Sensor technology to detect movement to save energy
Temperature management and locking features.

Property considerations when installing home air conditioning

Planning permission

A common question we are asked is whether planning permission is required to install air conditioning. In most cases, the answer is no. Domestic air conditioning falls under permitted development rules, but if you live in an apartment block, a listed building, or a conservation area, you should contact your planning office for reassurance.

Placement of outdoor units

Outdoor units for most domestic installations are small and can be installed discreetly. Pipework will also be hidden, and outdoor units can also be disguised in many ways. It is also important that outdoor units can be installed and easily accessed for routine maintenance, so it’s worth checking that there is sufficient clear wall space for the unit(s).

Building insulation

Air conditioning systems are designed to be highly efficient and low-cost to run. However, their efficiency will be affected if your property is poorly insulated or if windows and doors are not airtight or left open while systems are running.

Service and maintenance of home air conditioning

Looking after your new home air conditioning system couldn’t be easier. Your installer will provide you with your system information, warranty and a free quotation for routine servicing.

New air conditioning systems come with a manufacturers warranty – up to 5 years, and they require just a routine annual service.

Cleaning your indoor units is easy. The filters can be easily removed and cleaned and the outer case can be wiped down.

If there’s a fault with any mechanical part during the term of the warranty, parts and labour are usually covered. However, it’s worth noting that some warranties are only valid if routine maintenance is carried out. Chat with your installer to confirm the terms of your warranty.

Choosing a home air conditioning installer

Loop Air Conditioning has been installing air conditioning systems in homes and businesses for over 20 years. Our engineers are fully qualified to install all types of domestic air conditioning, and we are happy to provide references.

For more help with choosing an installer, read our blog ‘Questions to ask an air conditioning installer’.

We hope the above helps you to go ahead and install home air conditioning, and we hope that you will choose Loop Air Conditioning – we promise that you won’t regret it!

Our qualified engineers install air conditioning systems all over Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire so ask us for a FREE quotation today.

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