The pros and cons of installing air conditioning

With this year’s hot summer many owners have installed air conditioning in their homes to try and stay cool.

According to the UK Green Building Council, 55 per cent of British homes have overheated this year and using air conditioning has increased over the past two years. But still only around only 5 per cent of English homes have a cooling unit.

However, the government’s Climate Change Committee is recommending fitting these devices in hospitals and care homes within 10 years, and schools in 25 years.

So, what are the pros and cons of putting air conditioning. Midlands green energy expert Ron Fox looks at the advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages:

• It is worth it if your UK home traps heat easily, you struggle to sleep during summer heatwaves, or you work from home in a hot space like a loft or a south-facing room.
• Maintains a reliable and comfortable, stable indoor temperature during extreme summer heat.
• High-density filters extract both large and fine dust particles, fibres, and animal hairs, as well as helping to reduce viruses, bacteria, and allergens, so better for your health.
• Reduces excess moisture preventing dampness and mould in the home.
• You can use your home air con unit to heat the room in winter and avoid turning on the central heating so saving money on your energy bills.
• Modern units are quiet, meaning you won’t be disturbed when you’re working or trying to sleep.
• The system starts and stops when it has reached the desired temperature so saving money.
• You can control it from your smart phone, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn it off.
• Regular servicing and changing your air filters help to save energy while removing dust particles can prevent damage to your unit.
• Closing blinds or pulling curtains can have a huge impact on lessening how hard your air conditioning unit works, saving you energy and money.
• Adjust the temperature at night when you’re sleeping. Even opening a few windows when the air is already cooler, will stop your unit from working when it doesn’t need to be.
• Remember insulation does more than keep the cold out; it also helps to keep the cool in. Seal gaps in windows and doors or consider a more permanent solution of cavity wall insulation, loft insulation or energy-efficient windows.
• Portable air con units work best in rooms that are 775 sq. ft. in size or smaller, meaning they’re perfect for use in bedrooms and suitable for all but the largest open-plan home.
• Over time, the unit will pay for itself.

The disadvantages:

• High upfront installation costs and rising energy prices mean it is not suitable for every household.
• Buying a single air con unit is likely to cost between £1,250 to £2,700. This will depend on whether you go for a budget or premium product
• Cooling a home in summer takes a lot of electricity, which can raise monthly power bills.
• Running your air con can cost anywhere between 14p and 30p per hour. This works out at roughly £25 – £36 per month based on 6 hours of usage per day for a single unit.
• If filters are dirty, the machine blows dust and mould into your room, which can hurt people with allergies. Also cold, dry air removes moisture from your body, which may cause itchy skin or sore eyes.
• Old units or leaking chemicals can affect the earth’s atmosphere and add to global warming.
• The outdoor compressor can create some noise and have a visual impact on the outside of your property.
• Residents must comply with British laws, such as F-Gas Regulations which ensure systems using fluorinated gases are installed and maintained safely. Only certified engineers can handle refrigerants.
• Units need regular filter cleaning and periodic professional servicing to stay efficient.

“Whatever your decision,” said Ron, of Noreus Ltd on the University of Keele Science Innovation Park, “it is vital you get professional advice and use a reliable company if you decide to have air conditioning.”

This article raises some interesting questions, he added. Do you have air conditioning in your home and what persuaded you to do this? Or are you thinking of having it installed and what more information do you need? What should the Government be doing to encourage people to have air conditioning? Send your views to Ron Fox at [email protected]

Ron added: “If you want any advice on air conditioning, call me on 0845 474 6641 or contact me here ”

Caption: A cool idea – installing air conditioning during a hot summer. Picture: Ron Fox