Is Air Conditioning Worth It in the UK? What Every Homeowner Needs to Know Before Installing
- Nicole
- May 12
- 3 min read
Is air conditioning worth it in the UK? With the growing interest in residential air conditioning, especially with rising summer temperatures. we hope this post can answer a few questions you may have before making the investment.
What to Ask Before You Buy: A Quick Checklist
Room size -
We can offer an estimated installation cost based off of room sizes you can provide, along with pictures this cost would be subject to full in-depth site survey, this can sometimes help people who are unsure of what cost bracket to budget for.
Noise Level
Noise is an important factor to consider when choosing an air conditioning system for your home—especially for bedrooms or home offices. There’s a wide range of units on the market, but after 40 years in the industry, we’ve seen how some products simply don’t stand the test of time. That’s why we prefer to install Mitsubishi units—both Mitsubishi Electric and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
As accredited installers, we think Mitsubishi are some of the best choice for UK homes not only for their quiet and efficient operation but also for their proven reliability and excellent customer support. Their warranty terms are more generous than many competitors, and when spare parts are needed, their service is fast and responsive. In our experience, paying a little more for a trusted brand like Mitsubishi pays dividends in the long run.
Budget - The cost of Air conditioning in UK homes We understand that every home and customer has different needs, and we always recommend the system that best suits your specific requirements. Factors such as room size, layout, property type, and how the space is used all play a part in what we suggest. More complex installations—such as those requiring longer pipe runs, external scaffolding, or multiple units—can affect the overall cost, as can the type of system proposed (e.g. single vs. multi-split systems).
For those reasons, we suggest that a good starting price point for a straightforward wall-mounted Mitsubishi system installation can fall into the region around £1,600 to £2,500, fully installed. This includes a high-quality unit, professional installation, and peace of mind from a brand known for reliability and excellent aftercare. Factors That Influence the Price:
Unit size (kW rating) – A small bedroom unit (~2.5kW) will be cheaper than a large lounge unit (~5kW)
Pipework length and access – Longer pipe runs or more complex installations (e.g. through thick walls) may increase costs
Location of indoor & outdoor units – Easier access means lower labour costs
Electrical work – Some installs may require a dedicated power supply, adding to the cost
Brand and model – Higher efficiency or premium Mitsubishi models can cost more
Controls – Wi-Fi enabled or smart control systems may increase the cost slightly
Installation logistics
As mentioned above, pipe runs and electrical work can significantly impact how straightforward an installation will be. For example, if the indoor and outdoor units can be mounted on opposite sides of the same wall, the job is typically simpler and more cost-effective. However, longer pipe runs, routing through lofts or walls, or working around structural features can add time and complexity. Additionally, some systems may require a dedicated power supply, which involves extra electrical work. During our survey, we assess all these elements to ensure the installation is efficient, safe, and tailored to your property.
Choosing the Right Installer Matters - Warranty and support
If you decide to go ahead with air conditioning, we always urge homeowners to prioritise certified, reputable contractors over simply choosing the cheapest quote. While we fully appreciate that air conditioning is a significant investment, it’s important to be cautious—especially when warmer weather hits and unqualified installers begin to flood the market with "too good to be true" deals.
We’ve seen far too many cases of poor installations, low-quality products, and lack of aftercare. Many of these cheaper systems are ex-stock models with limited availability of spare parts, and when something goes wrong, the installer is nowhere to be found.
By choosing an accredited, experienced contractor, you gain peace of mind—knowing that your system has been installed correctly, with high-quality components, and that there’s someone on the other end of the phone ready to help if an issue arises.
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