Beat the Heat: Cool Your Home with Air Conditioning Without Breaking the Bank!

As the UK faces hotter summers and more frequent heatwaves, many people are searching for ways to keep their homes cool. Air conditioning is becoming more popular, but it is still not common in most British homes. There are several types of air conditioning systems, and each has its own benefits and costs.

The most basic type is the portable air conditioner. These are small, standalone units that you can move from room to room. You simply plug them into a power socket, and they work by taking in warm air, cooling it, and sending the hot air outside through a pipe in the window. Portable air conditioners are the cheapest option, usually costing between £350 and £650, but sometimes you can find them for as little as £149 during sales. They are easy to set up and do not require professional installation, making them a good choice for renters or people who cannot make big changes to their homes. However, they are not as energy efficient as other types and can be more expensive to run.

Another popular option is the split system. This type has two parts: one inside the house and one outside, connected by a pipe. The outside unit gets rid of the heat, while the inside unit cools the room. Split systems are more effective at cooling and are quieter than portable units. They cost more, with each unit priced between £750 and £1,100, and installation can bring the total cost to between £2,000 and £3,500. If you want to cool more than one room, the price can go up to £6,000. Split systems are more energy efficient, so they cost less to run over time, but you need a professional to install them.

The most advanced and expensive option is ducted air conditioning. This system cools the entire house by pushing cool air through a network of ducts and vents in each room. The equipment alone costs between £990 and £1,750, but installation can bring the total to between £5,000 and £10,000, depending on the size and layout of your home. Ducted systems are the least visible because the vents are hidden, but they are also the hardest to install, especially in older homes.

The size of the air conditioning unit you need depends on the size of the room or house. This is measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units. The bigger the room, the higher the BTU needed, and the more expensive the unit will be. After installation, the cost of running air conditioning depends on the type of system. For example, a portable air conditioner can add about 25p to 40p an hour to your electricity bill.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to having air conditioning. The main benefit is that it keeps your home cool during hot weather, making it easier to sleep, work, and relax. However, air conditioning uses a lot of electricity, which can make your energy bills higher. Some people are also concerned about the impact on the environment, because air conditioners use chemicals and energy that can contribute to pollution.

Portable air conditioners are easy to use and move, but they are less efficient and more expensive to run. Split systems are better at cooling and use less energy, but they cost more and need professional installation. Ducted systems are the best for cooling the whole house, but they are the most expensive and require major work to install.

You usually do not need planning permission for portable units. For other types, you do not need permission if the system does not change the outside look of your house, but it is always best to check with your local council.

Some heat pumps can also work as air conditioners. Air-to-air heat pumps can heat your home in winter and cool it in summer by reversing how they move heat.

If you cannot afford air conditioning, there are other ways to stay cool. Open windows on opposite sides of your house to let cool air in, but only when it is cooler outside. During the day, keep windows and curtains closed to keep the heat out. Use fans to move the air, drink plenty of water, wear loose clothes, and take cool showers. The NHS recommends drinking six to eight glasses of water a day, or more if it is very hot.