As an AC installer, here's what you should know about costs, installation, and my personal setup at home.
In the sweltering summer months, the need for air conditioning in British homes has become increasingly prevalent. This guide provides an overview of the costs associated with purchasing, installing, and running air conditioning units, as well as recommendations for brands and models that promote good sleep quality.
**Installation and Purchase Costs**
Portable air conditioners, which require no installation, range in price from £250 to £650. On the other hand, wall-mounted split air conditioners can cost between £750 and £5,000 for the unit itself, with installation costs averaging £800 to £2,000 for most homes. The cost of installation varies depending on the size of the home, with small homes and offices costing £997.50 to £1,575 for a budget/premium split system, and double bedrooms costing £1,155 to £1,837.50 for a split system. A multi-split system, capable of cooling six rooms, can cost between £6,300 and £9,450.
**Running Costs**
A standard 9,000 BTU portable unit might be suitable for most rooms, but other factors such as sunlight, room height, direction, and insulation should also be considered. Running an air conditioner in a standard-sized bedroom for eight hours will cost about £5. Split air conditioners, with power consumption ranging from 0.5 to 0.8 kWh per hour, cost 13 to 21p per hour to run, potentially saving up to £31 per year compared to portable units.
**Maintenance**
Portable air conditioners are generally low-maintenance, requiring filters to be cleaned or replaced every 2 to 4 weeks. Self-evaporating models reduce the need for tank draining. Split systems, on the other hand, require professional servicing annually and filter cleaning by the owner.
**Brands and Models for Good Sleep Quality**
While specific “sleep quality” models are not universally agreed upon, brands such as Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, and Fujitsu are known for their quiet operation, reliability, and energy efficiency. De’Longhi is popular for its portable units with self-evaporative features. Key features for sleep include low noise, sleep modes, and A-rated energy efficiency.
**Summary Table**
| System Type | Purchase Price | Installation Cost | Running Cost (per hour) | Annual Running Cost* | |---------------------|--------------------|-------------------|------------------------|----------------------| | Portable Unit | £250–£650 | None | 20–26p | £48–£62 | | Split (Wall-Mounted)| £750–£5,000+ | £800–£2,000 | 13–21p | £31–£49 | | Ducted System | Varies (higher) | £2,100–£3,400+ | Varies | Varies |
*Based on 4 hours/day, 60 days/year usage.
For the best sleep quality, prioritize split systems from brands like Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, or Fujitsu with quiet operation and sleep modes. Portable units from De’Longhi are also a solid choice for bedrooms due to their self-evaporative features and ease of use.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts may find it interesting to learn that the latest technology in air conditioning, such as the quiet and energy-efficient units from Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, and Fujitsu, can greatly enhance sleep quality in the bedroom, providing a more comfortable lifestyle.
- Technology advancements have led to a wide range of air conditioning units, including portable and split systems, offering general-news readers diverse options to choose from, considering factors like purchase, installation, running, and maintenance costs, as well as sleep quality features.
