As summer temperatures in the UK keep reaching new highs, air conditioning is becoming an attractive proposition to many. Here, we’ll explore everything to do with air conditioning companies near you – from how to find the best one to what they tend to charge.
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Your questions answered about HVAC companies near you
What do HVAC contractors near me do?
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning – all elements that fall under climate control.
As such, an HVAC contractor is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing climate control systems. This can include any system that moves hot or cold air through a building – such as air conditioners, heat pumps, refrigeration systems, boilers, and furnaces.
While some HVAC contractors specialise in specific types of HVAC systems – such as air conditioning – others work with many different kinds.
Is air conditioning legal in the UK?
Yes, air conditioning is legal in the UK.
In most cases, air conditioning installation will fall under your permitted development rights, which means you won’t need planning permission.
However, you may need planning permission if you live in a restricted area (such as a conservation area) or if you’re planning to install a large and/or extensive air conditioning system.
There aren’t currently any official air conditioning Building Regulations in place for domestic air conditioning systems in the UK.
That said, you’ll need to be mindful of noise pollution and position your external air conditioning unit at least a metre away from any neighbouring property boundary.
You’ll also need to make sure your air conditioning installation company has the appropriate F-gas certification if, like most modern air conditioning systems, yours uses refrigerants to cool the air in your home.
Is it worth getting air conditioning in the UK?
Absolutely! While air conditioning in the UK has historically been seen as a luxury reserved for the wealthy, temperatures are climbing.
LSE reports that extreme heat events are set to become more frequent and severe in the UK. In fact, climate change could increase the likelihood of reaching 40°C to every three and a half years by 2100.
Not only do summer temperatures affect our sleep, but with more and more of us working from home, they’re likely to affect our productivity too.
With that in mind, you could definitely see air conditioning as a necessity rather than a luxury.
What is the downside of AC?
One of the main downsides of air conditioning is that properties in the UK aren’t typically designed to accommodate it.
In particular, homes in the UK aren’t generally well insulated, especially older properties. This can make air conditioning inefficient. Just like how heat escapes poorly insulated homes in the winter, cool air can escape them in the summer.
For this reason, many homeowners will find themselves needing to pay to have additional work done – such as improving their property’s insulation – before air conditioning can be installed.
Air conditioning units also release hot air back outside, which can make hot spells feel worse.
Plus, it’s worth bearing in mind that staying in air conditioning too much could negatively affect your health. For instance, you could be more likely to become dehydrated, develop headaches, or even suffer from dry, itchy skin.
Is air conditioning expensive to run?
As a rough guide, the running cost of an air conditioner unit can range from 10 pence to 25 pence per hour of operation.
However, there are lots of factors that can affect how expensive it is to run air conditioning in the UK.
Just a few of them include:
- The type of AC unit
- Its age
- How long it’s run for
- Its efficiency
- How well insulated your property is
By coupling your air conditioning unit with other measures – such as sealing your windows to keep cool air in, investing in a smart thermostat, and properly maintaining your air conditioner – you can reduce your running costs.
An air conditioning engineer will usually charge around £30 - £60 per hour to service or regas an air conditioning unit, plus the cost of the refrigerant, which is typically between £35 - £130.
With that in mind, you can generally expect to spend around £70 - £120 per unit on air con servicing costs.
How long does it take to install air conditioning?
How long it takes to install air conditioning will vary depending on the size of your home, the number of air conditioning units, and the type of air conditioning system you’re installing.
For instance, a standard air conditioning system could take as little as 4 – 8 hours to install.
Meanwhile, a new full HVAC system (that provides heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) is likely to take around 3 – 5 days.
Why hire local air conditioning companies?
Unless you’re a registered professional, air conditioning installation isn’t something you’ll be able to complete as a DIY project.
Not only is it a difficult task that needs proper training, but you also have to be licensed to work with refrigerants.
Here are some of the main reasons why you should hire an experienced local air conditioning company near you.
1. Safety
Air conditioning systems involve water, refrigerants, and high-pressure gases. So, installing them can be dangerous without the right training.
Hiring an experienced professional is the best way to make sure your system is installed safely.
2. Quality
An expert who specialises in air conditioning installation will be able to make sure your system is installed to the highest standards.
This will ensure it works efficiently. It will also give you the best chance of avoiding costly repairs in the future.
3. Expertise
Local air conditioning companies will be able to advise you on all aspects of air con installation – from the most appropriate system for your needs to maintenance tips.
Lean on your professional to offer advice as well as to install your air conditioning system.
4. Convenience
Air conditioning companies near you will have all the tools, knowledge, and experience necessary to install your system quickly and efficiently.
So, you can enjoy your newly air-conditioned house as soon as possible.
How much do AC contractors near me charge?
The cost of getting an air conditioning system installed by a professional will vary based on the:
- Type of system
- Number of rooms
- Quality of the unit
- Features available (eg. remote control, sleep mode, app)
That said, the average air conditioner installation cost for a small home office is between £1,750 and £3,000.
On the other hand, for a double bedroom, you’re looking at around £2,250 to £3,000.
Alternatively, it may be worth considering hiring an HVAC contractor near you to install a heat pump. Although heat pumps tend to come with higher installation costs, you’ll be able to use them for both heating and cooling your home.
The typical cost of an air source heat pump is £2,000-£20,000 for both supply and installation – or around £18,000 - £50,000 for a ground source heat pump.
Head over to our guide on heat pump vs air conditioner costs to learn more.
How do I choose the right air conditioning companies near me?
Ready to go ahead and get an air conditioning system installed? Then you’re probably wondering how to find the right local air conditioning company for the job. Here are a few tips.
Read reviews
Always look to see what other homeowners have said about any air conditioning companies near you before hiring one.
That way, you can make sure to choose a company that other homeowners rate.
Get recommendations
If you know anyone who’s had air conditioning installed, ask them if they would recommend the company they used.
Always cross-reference any recommendations against online reviews on Checkatrade!
Get multiple quotes
We always recommend getting at least three quotes from air conditioning companies near you.
That way, you can make sure you’re getting a fair and reasonable price for the work.
Use Checkatrade!
Last, but certainly not least, why not use Checkatrade to find a trusted air conditioning company near you?
Our online search makes it quick and easy to find local professionals who are highly rated by other homeowners.
All our members have to pass at least 12 checks to be listed in our directory. Plus, when you contact a trade through Checkatrade, our guarantee could cover you for up to 12 months. You can claim up to £1,000 (exclusions and T&Cs apply).
Just enter your postcode into the search box below to find reliable air conditioning companies near you.