Cooling Your Home and Business: The Cost of Installing and Running Air Conditioning in the UK

The initial cost of installing air conditioning business premises depends on several factors, including the size and layout of the building, the type of air conditioning system chosen, the features that are required, and how much work is needed to install the system.

•    Type of system: The most common types of air conditioning systems for businesses in the UK are split systems and ducted systems. Split systems are less expensive to install, typically ranging from £1,250 for a small office to £5,000-£9,000 for a multi-split system covering an entire building. Ducted systems, on the other hand, are more costly to install, ranging from £3,000 to £10,000, but they offer more efficient cooling and flexibility in zoning different areas of the building.
•    Size of building: The larger the building, the more expensive the air conditioning system will be to install. This is due to the increased amount of ductwork, refrigerant lines, and indoor units required.
•    Features: While features such as remotes, programmable timers and thermostats are commonplace you’ll pay more for air conditioning systems with advanced features such as air direction controls, highly adjustable fan speed and air direction, filtration systems, and movement sensors. 
•    Labour costs: Several factors determine the labour costs for the installation of a commercial air conditioning system from the geographic location to the accessibility of the property and the size and type of the unit being installed.

Home installation costs

The factors that effect home installation costs are broadly the same as installing a system for a business and include the size and layout of the home, the type of air conditioning system you choose, the features and how difficult the installation is. 

•    Type of system: The most common type of air conditioning system installed in homes is known as a split system as it has a fan unit outside and then an indoor air conditioning unit on the inside. A typical home installation for a split system will cost from £1500, but here’s the good news, there is no VAT to pay as part of government green initiatives. 
•    Rooms that need air conditioning: With split systems you can have a single outdoor air conditioning unit and multiple indoor units allowing you to cool multiple rooms in your house. The more units you require, the higher the installation cost. 
•    Features: While features such as remotes, programmable timers and thermostats are commonplace you’ll pay more for air conditioning systems with advanced features such as air direction controls, highly adjustable fan speed and air direction, filtration systems, and movement sensors. 
•    Labour costs: The size and layout of your home as well as how easy it is to access will determine the labour costs for the installation. But thanks to government green initiatives you won’t pay any VAT on your installation which is a massive saving of 20% on all domestic installations.

 

Running costs

The cost of running an air conditioning system depends on the size and efficiency of the system, the price of electricity, running time and frequency of use.

•    Energy efficiency: Air conditioning systems are rated on an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) scale, with higher ratings indicating greater efficiency. A higher EER means the system will use less electricity to achieve the same cooling effect, resulting in lower running costs.
•    Electricity rates: Electricity rates in the UK vary depending on the supplier and the type of tariff. Businesses should consider their electricity provider and tariff options to minimise running costs.
•    Frequency of use: The amount of time the air conditioning system is used will directly impact the running costs. Businesses should consider using timers or zoning controls to optimise usage and reduce energy consumption as well as looking at air conditioning units with features such as motion sensors.

 

Additional considerations

Regular maintenance of the air conditioning system is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and preventing costly breakdowns. Maintenance costs typically range from £50 to £200 per unit per year including servicing. Carrying out regular servicing including cleaning filters, coils, and fins and checking refrigerant levels will help to keep your air conditioning in top running order and reduce costly repairs. 

Conclusion

The cost of installing and running air conditioning for a home or business in the UK can vary significantly depending on several factors. By carefully considering the type of system, size of the building, labour rates, energy efficiency, electricity rates, frequency of use, maintenance requirements, and potential alternatives, you can make informed decisions that balance comfort, cost, and environmental impact.

To find out more about how air conditioning and HVAC systems can help keep you to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter, get in touch with the team at CK Air Conditioning for a free, no-obligation quote.