Blog>Planning Guides>Adding air conditioning to your home: Everything you need to know
Last updated: 12 July 2024
Adding air conditioning to your home: Everything you need to know
If you’re considering air conditioning at home, we’re here to help you make the right choice for your needs and prepare for the installation of your chosen system.

In this article you'll find:
When it comes to planning for air conditioning in your home, you’re in the perfect place.
In this guide, we look at the various steps for choosing and preparing for the right air con system for your property.
Step 1: Understand your air con needs
Air conditioning has become an important part of modern living for many homeowners in the UK. And it's not just about keeping cool in the summer months.
An air conditioning system can make sure you have a comfortable and healthy indoor environment all year round.
Factors affecting your air conditioning system
To understand what you need from your air conditioning, there are various factors that you’ll need to consider. These include:
The climate of where you live
The size and layout of your home
The number of people who live in your home
The types of windows and insulation you have
How you use your home
Generally speaking, larger homes with more people living in them will require a larger, more powerful air con system.
Want to speak to a local air conditioning expert? Enter your postcode in the box below and browse approved tradespeople in your area.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Step 2: Choose the right air con system
Once you have an understanding of your cooling needs, it’s time to choose your air conditioning system.
In the UK, there are typically four main types of air conditioning systems to choose from:
Portable air conditioning
Split-unit air conditioning
Multi-split air conditioning
Central air conditioning
To achieve optimal temperature control and keep your energy bills under control, it’s important to choose the right type of air conditioning for your home.
1. Portable air conditioner
Otherwise known as a standalone air conditioner, this type of AC system takes in air from your home and pumps out cool air into the room.
Any excess heat is passed out of a waste pipe, which typically hangs out of a door or window.
Summary of portable air conditioners
They’re mobile – They’re easy to set up, use, and move about your home whenever and wherever you need them (as long as you have a plug and door/window nearby)
Cheap setup cost – Portable air conditioners are typically the cheapest option to buy and don’t require professional installation
Expensive running costs – They may be cheap to buy but they’re not very efficient and so the running costs will hike up your energy bills
A good short-term solution – If you want temporary relief from warm conditions a portable air conditioner is ideal, but it’s not the best long-term solution
A solution for restricted properties – If you live in a listed or restricted building you may not get permission to install air conditioning - a portable unit may be your only option

2. Split-unit air conditioners
Split-unit air conditioners are very common and consist of two main units that are linked together: one unit indoors and the other outdoors.
Summary of a split-unit air conditioner
They’re fixed – Both the indoor and outdoor units are fixed into position with their wiring and refrigerant pipes so you can’t move them
Excellent efficiency – Compared to portable units, split-unit air conditioners are much cheaper to run and work much better at cooling
Requires professional installation – Due to the electrics and pipework, a split AC system needs to be installed by an experienced professional
Quieter cooling – In general, split systems make much less noise than portable air conditioners because the compressor is housed in the outdoor unit
Design options available – With various indoor unit designs on offer, you can pick the type that best suits your room
3. Multi-split air conditioners
As the name might suggest, a multi-split air conditioning system is a split system with multiple indoor units that connect to a single outdoor unit.
Summary of a multi-split air conditioner
Perfect for large spaces – If you need to control the temperature in a large area, a multi-split system will have the power to cool (or heat) the space quickly
Suitable for up to five indoor units – For optimal performance, a single outdoor unit should link to no more than five indoor units
Individual controls – You might have up to five indoor units but each one can be controlled independently to achieve the perfect environment for the space
Combine different unit types – With a multi-split air conditioning system you can mix and match indoor unit types to suit the appearance of your home
4. Central air conditioning
With a central air conditioning system, you’ll typically have one central internal unit and one external unit that are connected to a network of ducts and vents.
Conditioned air is then transported from the internal unit to different areas or rooms in your home.
Summary of a central air conditioner
The least noticeable option – Thanks to the vents system, you can install a central air conditioning system that you hardly even notice
One single temperature – A central air conditioner will cool or heat your home to a single temperature, so there’s no flexibility based on the rooms/areas
Better for new homes – Due to taking up a lot of space for the units, ducts, and vents, it can be complicated to retrofit a central air condition in an existing property
Most expensive – You’ll find that central air conditioning is usually a lot more expensive than split systems

Consider energy efficiency
Whichever type of air conditioning system you choose, it’s important to check its energy efficiency so that you:
Save on your energy bills.
Minimise your carbon footprint
Enjoy maximum comfort and minimal humidity
Look out for air conditioners with a high SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and check manufacturer certifications and warranties.
Still not sure which air conditioner is right for you? Speak to local air conditioning specialists for their professional advice and guidance.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
How long does it take to install air conditioning?
With warmer weather becoming more regular in the UK, air conditioning is an increasingly popular feature of homes across the country. If you’re thinking of installing an AC unit in your home, this guide is for you. We take a look at how long it takes to install air conditioning in the UK.
Step 3: Plan for your air con installation
When you know the type of air conditioning system you want to install, you can start thinking about the installation itself.
Here are some of our top tips for planning for your air con installation:
Always hire an experienced and qualified air conditioning installer
Before the installation, think about factors that will affect where your air conditioner goes, such as drainage, electrical requirements, and insulation
If your air conditioning needs ductwork, make sure you plan for where it's going to go
Contact your local planning office to ask if you need any permits or inspections before installing your air conditioning system
Find air conditioning installers near me
With global temperatures rising, air conditioning is becoming more and more appealing to homeowners across the UK. Here, we’ll answer all your questions about air conditioning installers near you – from how to find one to what they tend to charge. Want to get started on finding the best air
Step 4: Plan your budget
One of the most important parts of planning for your new air conditioning system is the budget.
It’s important to include all of the various costs, including:
Costs per unit
Labour costs for installation
Running costs (i.e. the impact on your energy bills)
Ongoing maintenance costs and repairs
For information about prices, take a look at our guide to air conditioning installation costs.

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Checklist for planning your air conditioning
Make sure you understand what you need from your air conditioning system
Do your homework to choose the right type of air conditioner for your home
Make sure you hire the right tradespeople for the job
Understand the costs involved and plan your budget accordingly
The sooner you start planning the better!
Find the best air conditioning installers near you
When it comes to finding the best air conditioning experts in your area, we’re here to help.
To browse the best approved local air conditioning installers near you, enter your postcode to see who comes highly rated in your area.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job