As the summers in the UK continue to get hotter year after year, home air conditioning has become a necessity for many households. A reliable and efficient air conditioning system not only provides comfort during those scorching hot days but also improves indoor air quality and promotes a healthy living environment.
So when it comes to home air conditioning installation, what are your options and what should you keep in mind when choosing your AC system?
There are several types of air conditioning systems available for domestic use. Here’s a closer look at each one:
Split air conditioning system: a split air conditioning system consists of an indoor unit installed inside the room and an outdoor unit installed outside the building.
The indoor unit blows cool air into the room, while the outdoor unit houses the compressor and condenser that cools the refrigerant. These units are connected by refrigerant lines, electrical wires and drainage pipes.
Split air conditioners are the most common type of AC system used in homes due to their easy installation, energy efficiency and quiet operation.
Multi-split air conditioning system: similar to a split system, a multi-split air conditioner consists of an outdoor unit and multiple indoor units. However, unlike a split system - where each indoor unit is connected to a separate outdoor unit - multiple indoor units are connected to a single outdoor unit.
This makes multi-split systems more cost effective and suitable for cooling multiple rooms or zones in a home.
Ducted air conditioning system: a ducted air conditioning system is designed to provide central cooling to an entire home.
The system consists of a central indoor unit installed in the roof or under the floor, and a network of ducts that distribute cool air to various rooms through vents or diffusers.
Ducted systems are concealed, making them aesthetically pleasing, and they offer the advantage of cooling the entire home with a single system. However, installation can be more complex and costly compared to other types of systems.
Window air conditioning system: window air conditioning systems are self-contained units typically installed in a window or a hole in the wall.
These systems are suitable for cooling a single room or a small space and are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of systems. However, they can be noisy, obstruct the view from the window, and may not be as energy efficient as other options.
When it comes to choosing the right air conditioning system for your home, there are several factors to consider.
The size of the room or space you want to cool is an important factor in determining the right air conditioning system. AC systems are rated in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour, and the higher the BTU rating, the more cooling capacity the system has.
A system with too low a BTU rating will struggle to cool a large room, while a system with too high a BTU rating will cycle on and off frequently, leading to inefficient operation. It's important to choose a system with the right BTU rating for the size of the room or space to ensure optimal cooling performance.
Different types of air conditioning systems have different installation requirements.
For example, split systems and multi-split systems require indoor units to be mounted on walls or ceilings and refrigerant lines and electrical wiring to be installed between indoor and outdoor units. Ducted systems on the other hand require ductwork to be installed throughout the home.
Consider the installation requirements of the system you choose and make sure they are feasible for your property.
Energy efficiency is a crucial factor to consider when choosing an air conditioning system for your home.
Look for systems with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating- higher SEER ratings indicate more energy efficient systems, which can save you money on your energy bills in the long run. In the UK, a SEER rating of 14 or higher is considered energy efficient. Additionally, look for systems with features like variable speed compressors, energy saving modes and smart thermostat compatibility.
The noise level of an air conditioning system can significantly impact your comfort level at home, especially if you plan to use it in bedrooms or living spaces.
Look for systems with low noise levels, typically around 25-50 decibels (dB) for indoor units and 50-60 dB for outdoor units. Keep in mind that the noise level may vary depending on the system's size, brand, and location of installation.
Regular maintenance is essential for the optimal performance and longevity of your air conditioning system. Consider the maintenance requirements of the system you choose, such as cleaning or replacing filters and scheduling a regular domestic AC service.
Some systems may have more complex maintenance requirements than others, so factor in the time and cost of maintenance when choosing the right system for your home.
Air conditioning systems come in a wide range of prices, so it's important to set a budget before making a decision. Keep in mind that the initial cost of the system is not the only cost to consider. You should also factor in installation costs, maintenance costs, and energy costs over the lifetime of the system.
While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a higher quality, more energy efficient system is likely to save you money in the long run by reducing energy bills and maintenance costs.
Choose a reputable brand that has a good track record in the industry and offers reliable customer support. Look for systems with warranties that cover both parts and labour for a significant period of time.
A warranty can provide you with peace of mind and protection against potential issues with the system. Reputable manufacturers of home air conditioning systems include Daikin, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Electric, LG and Carrier.
At Loughborough Air Conditioning, we’ve been installing home AC systems for over 20 years, delivering first class services to customers across the East Midlands.
Whatever your requirements, we’ll source, supply and professionally install equipment from leading manufacturers, independent of any ties.
We’re members of the Fujitsu Partner Programme, giving us access to some of the most reasonably priced, reliable and effective equipment on the market, as well as extended manufacturer training and technical support.
Our domestic air conditioning services are also covered by the Government endorsed TrustMark scheme. As the only such scheme in the UK, the TrustMark badge provides assurance that our work undergoes regular inspection and that we meet required standards in terms of trading practices, quality and customer service.
