How Much Is Air Conditioning?
Air conditioning was once a home feature that couldn’t be attained by most households, and it was reserved only for luxury homes and businesses, providing comfort during hot weather and improving the overall air quality in a home or building.
However, due to massive developments in the market, air conditioning is now incredibly affordable, and with so many new ways to integrate it into a home, it has never been easier to take advantage of it.
The cost of installing air conditioning can vary quite widely based on the grade of air conditioning you wish to install, along with many other factors such as the size of the system, the size of the property and the complexity of the installation.
On average, homeowners in the UK can expect to pay anywhere between £1,500 and £4,000, with further price variations generated from unit size, brand and added features.
Air Conditioning Prices
| AC System | Unit Cost Only Low Range | Unit Cost Only High Range | Installation Cost Low Range | Installation Cost High Range | Average Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Air System | £2,000 | £3,500 | £1,000 | £2,500 | £4,250 |
| Split System | £800 | £2,000 | £700 | £1,500 | £2,250 |
| Ductless Mini-Split | £500 | £1,800 | £600 | £1,200 | £2,000 |
| Portable Air Conditioner | £200 | £800 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
- What Are the Supply Costs for Air Conditioning Installation?
- What Are the Additional Costs of Installing Air Conditioning?
- Tradesmen Costs for Installing Air Conditioning
- How Long Does It Take to Install Air Conditioning?
- Types of Air Conditioning Systems
- How Much Does It Cost to Remove an Air Conditioning Unit?
- FAQs
- Sources
What Are the Supply Costs for Air Conditioning Installation?
When breaking down the cost of installing air conditioning in your home, we must first look at the supply-only costs - these are the costs of the units themselves without the cost of installation.
Now, these costs vary based on a wide variety of factors, mostly their cooling capacity and energy efficiency, along with the different types of air conditioning units as detailed above.
Central air systems are designed for whole-home cooling, i.e. cooling every or most rooms in the home.
The cost of these units ranges from £2,000 to £3,500 and typically includes an outdoor compressor unit, an indoor coil and an air handler, which in total offers an incredibly high cooling capacity of around 24,000 BTU (British Thermal Unit) or more.
Split systems, which are typically more popular for individual rooms as opposed to a full house system, cost between £800 and £2,000 but have a much smaller capacity than central systems.
Ductless mini-split systems are renowned for their flexibility and efficiency and also have a wider price variation, costing between £500 and £1,800 per unit. The price tends to increase alongside the cooling capacity, so the cheaper options will be around 9,000 BTU and the more expensive units around 24,000 BTU.
Portable air conditioners are ideal for temporary cooling in single rooms, as they are plug-in standalone units. They range in cost between £150 and £600, with smaller units being more compact and larger units being more powerful but less agile and flexible for small spaces.
There are several cost-impacting factors to consider when selecting an air conditioning unit and system. Firstly, energy efficiency ratings play a significant role in the cost of a unit, with higher rated units costing 20-40% more upfront cost, but over time, they will work out much more cost-effectively due to reduced energy consumption.
Next, the cooling capacity plays a huge role in the cost of the product, with units with a high BTU costing more than lower-rated models.
The BTU will generally correlate with its cooling power depending on the size of the room or building you are cooling. Specification is key here, as well as selecting a unit that is appropriate for the space you are cooling.
Advanced features on the air conditioning unit will impact the cost, with features like smart controls, WiFi, dehumidifiers and air purifiers attracting higher costs. The actual cost will vary from brand to brand, and premium brands like Daikin and Fujitsu will naturally charge a higher price on their products as they are so in demand and advanced.
For example, a small unit with a capacity of 7,000 BTU will cost between £200 and £600 for a standard model or £300 to £800 for energy-efficient versions.
Opting for a mid-range unit with a capacity of around 15,000 BTU will cost between £600 to £1,200, while energy-efficient models in this range cost £800 to £1,500. Larger systems with capacities of 24,000 BTU or more are priced at £1,000 to £2,500, with energy-efficient options reaching up to £3,000.
Additional expenses for accessories like mounting brackets, piping, and insulation materials can add £100 to £300 to the total supply cost.
What Are the Additional Costs of Installing Air Conditioning?
Beyond the cost of the installation and actual unit costs, there are actually several other potential expenses to consider. Now, these costs can vary depending on the specific requirements of your home and the type of system that you have selected, but below is a breakdown of some common additional costs.
Ductwork Modifications
If you are installing a central air system, the existing ductwork may need repair or modification. If you have never had a central system before, you will need this ductwork installed from scratch.
To repair or seal an older duct, you will likely pay anywhere from £300 to £700, depending on the scale of the ductwork. If you require the installation of brand-new ductwork, the job is much more intensive, meaning it will cost anywhere between £1,000 and £5,000, depending on the size of the system.
If new ductwork is required, this will likely represent a very big portion of your overall cost.
Electrical Upgrades
Most air conditioning systems will require a dedicated circuit to handle the energy requirements of the system. If your home’s electrical circuits need to be upgraded or expanded, this can add anywhere between £500 and £1,500.
For older properties, rewiring or installing new outlets may also be necessary, costing an additional £100 to £500 per outlet.
Wall Mounting and Structural Work
For ductless systems, wall-mounted indoor units and outdoor condensers will often be required. These mounting brackets and the actual labour for proper installation may add £100 to £300 to the total cost. If your property requires any structural reinforcements for the outdoor unit, this will likely increase costs further.
Removal of Old Systems
If you have an existing and outdated air conditioning system that you are replacing, the removal and disposal of the old unit can cost between £50 and £200. The price will depend on the size and type of the system being removed and any local disposal regulations.
Accessory Costs
Additional materials like insulation for pipes, refrigerant lines, and weatherproofing can add £50 to £300 to the overall cost. Optional features such as smart thermostats, costing £100 to £300, may also be included to enhance system functionality.
Tradesmen Costs for Installing Air Conditioning
Hiring a true professional to install your air conditioning system is crucial to the overall success of the project, not just for efficient operation but also for cost and value. Labour costs do vary quite substantially based on the type of system and the complexity of the installation, but they also differ based on regions.
Typically, air conditioning professionals will provide a price by job, but others may just charge an hourly or daily rate. Hourly rates typically range from around £30 to £60, while daily rates fall between £250 and £400, depending on the tradesperson’s experience and location.
For an idea of the time it takes to install an air conditioning system, smaller jobs, such as installing a single split system, usually take between 4–6 hours, while more complex projects like central air systems can take between 1–3 days or in some cases even longer, which leads to higher labour costs overall.
As stated, most installers will provide a fixed fee for complete installations. For example, installing a ductless mini-split system usually costs somewhere between £700 and £1,500, but this is dependent on the number of indoor units and their placement around the home.
For central air systems, there is usually a requirement for ductwork installation or repair/seal, so these types of installation tend to have a higher labour cost, ranging from £1,500 to £3,000. For portable units, professional help is rarely needed, but if required, basic setup costs are minimal, averaging £50 to £200 for a simple handyman to assist.
There are several different factors that will impact the overall cost of labour, starting with the type of system. Central air systems are much more labour-intensive than ductless mini-split systems, so they naturally require more labour.
This isn’t to say that there aren't fairly high costs for a ductless system, as there is a lot of mounting and the running of refrigerant lines, which adds time and complexity - it is this complexity that will add more cost to the project.
For homes without existing ductwork, limited access to walls, ceilings and lofts and any other issue that will slow down the process, there will be additional costs for labour factored into the price.
The size of the property will impact the labour costs, with larger homes requiring much more installation time. Of course, this will also impact the size of the system you require, which will attract higher unit costs, which have been covered in a previous section.
Urban areas generally attract a higher labour cost due to the increased demand, so if you live in a highly populated area, bear this in mind when you are looking for quotes.
On average, small installations, such as a single split system, will cost between £700 and £1,000 for labour only. Slightly larger projects, like multi-zone ductless systems, will range from £1,000 to £2,000, while much larger installations, such as central air systems with new ductwork, will cost between £2,500and £5,000.
When hiring a tradesperson, it’s really important to request detailed quotes, verify their credentials, and confirm whether the price includes additional services like old system removal or warranty coverage. You should also seek out multiple quotes to make sure you’re receiving a fair price for your area and the system you are installing.
How Long Does It Take to Install Air Conditioning?
As you can imagine, the time it takes to install an air conditioning unit varies significantly based on the type of the system, the size of the property and the overall complexity of the installation process.
Portable air conditioning installations take hardly any time at all, and only some simple plug-and-play options are available. However, ducted and central systems take significantly longer.
Split system air conditioning usually requires between 4 and 8 hours to install, depending on the size of your home. This includes connecting the indoor and outdoor units and running the refrigerant lines.
However, ductless mini-split systems that offer multi-room capabilities will take longer, between 1-2 days. This is due to the additional indoor units and, therefore, refrigerant lines.
Central air conditioning systems tend to have the longest overall installation times, but usually, a lot of this time is spent on preparation tasks like ductwork installations and modifications. The overall time varies depending on the size of the property and system, but it will be no quicker than two days, with some taking almost 5 days.
Planning ahead and maintaining clear communication with your professional installer about your goals and expectations can ensure that the installation is completed as efficiently as possible while minimizing disruption to your home or property.
Types of Air Conditioning Systems
Selecting the right type of air conditioning unit is crucial to ensure that it suits the size of your property, your budget and your cooling requirements. As we have mentioned throughout, there are a few options available to you, and we’ve provided more information on each below:
Split Systems
These types of air conditioning systems are the most popular option in the UK. They consist of two main components - an indoor unit and an outdoor compressor, which are connected via refrigerant lines.
These systems are versatile, efficient and ideal for cooling individual rooms within a property. Split systems are a great choice for homes that don't have existing central ductwork and don’t want to pay the additional expense to install it.
These systems cost between £800-£2,000 (unit cost) + installation costs (around £700-£1,500).
Pros
- Perfect for installing into homes without existing ductwork
- Provides cooling for different rooms at once
- Low maintenance when compared to full duct systems
Cons
- Installation can be costly if refrigerant line access is limited
- It is not as effective as central systems for whole-house cooling
Ductless Mini-Splits
Ductless mini-splits are incredibly similar to split systems. However, they do not rely on ductwork for cooling distribution; instead, they use individual units per room.
Ductless mini-splits are effective for homes that require cooling in specific rooms, as you can control the temperature in different rooms independently.
These units cost £500-£1,800 (per indoor unit) + installation costs of £1,000-£2,000.
Pros
- Flexible multi-room functionality
- It can be very energy-efficient when properly installed
- Generate minimal disruption to the structure during installation
Cons
- Costs can increase depending on how many individual units are required
- Some people don't like the aesthetics of air conditioning units in multiple rooms
Central Air Conditioning
Central air conditioning systems are purpose-designed to cool entire homes by distributing cool air through a network of ducts. These types of systems are undoubtedly the most effective way of cooling large spaces and are the most efficient at keeping the same comfortable temperature.
The systems are perfect for larger properties or homes that can take advantage of existing ductwork. They operate by pulling air from each room into the system, cooling it, and then redistributing it through the air ducts.
These units cost between £2,000-£5,000 (unit cost) + installation costs ranging from £1,500-£3,500.
Pros
- Very effective at cooling entire homes
- Provides consistent cooling across all rooms in the house
Cons
- Potentially high initial costs due to ductwork installation and unit costs
- Installation can be complex and time-consuming for properties without pre-existing ducts
Portable Units
Portable air conditioning units are plug-and-play, standalone systems that can be moved from one room to another. They are great for smaller homes or as temporary solutions in the warm summer months.
Portable units do not require permanent installation, making them easy to set up and use as needed.
These units cost between £200-£800.
Pros
- Affordable, upfront costs
- Easy to move from room to room
- No installation required
Cons
- Less efficient compared to permanent systems
- Limited to single-room use
- Can be noisy
How Much Does It Cost to Remove an Air Conditioning Unit?
Of course, if you have a new air conditioning unit installed and you already have a system in place, you will need to have this removed. The costs involved in removing an air conditioning system are typically weighted toward labour expenses and waste disposal fees.
As with any project, labour costs depend on the complexity of the removal, such as the type of system and whether there are any additional challenges, such as the need to disconnect refrigerant lines safely.
Air conditioning units must be disposed of in compliance with environmental laws due to the fact they contain refrigerants, which will be factored into the cost, too.
On average, homeowners can expect to pay between £100 and £500 for labour when removing a single air conditioning unit. The cost can rise if the system is particularly large, such as central air conditioning units, or if additional work like electrical disconnects is required.
Waste disposal fees are generally between £50 and £200, depending on the location and the recycling options available.
FAQs
Q: What is the best type of air conditioning system for my home?
A: The best type of air conditioning unit will depend on the requirements of your home. If you require whole-house cooling and you have existing ductwork, central systems may be the best solution. However, if you only require cooling in a few rooms and you don’t want the expense of installing new ductwork, you may opt for a ductless or even portable solution.
Q: How often should I service my air conditioning unit?
A: The recommendation is to service your unit once a year, and usually before heavy use in the summer. This servicing generally includes checking and cleaning filters, checking refrigerant levels, and cleaning any ducts. This maintenance reduces the likelihood of costly breakdowns.
What is the average lifespan of an air conditioning system?
This depends on the type of system and how well it has been maintained. Central systems tend to last between 12 and 15 years, but with good maintenance, they can last up to 20. Split and ductless have a lifespan of between 12-18 years, and portable last somewhere between the 5 and 10-year marks.
How energy-efficient are modern air conditioning units?
Modern air conditioning units are significantly more energy efficient than older models, thanks to the developments and innovation of the industry over the past decade. Under SEER (Seasonal energy efficiency ratio) ratings, modern systems are between 30-50% more efficient than older models.
What type of refrigerant is used in UK air conditioning systems?
In the UK, the most common types of refrigerants used in air conditioning systems are R32, R410A, and R22 (though R22 is being phased out). The choice of refrigerant depends on the system's age, efficiency, and environmental considerations.
Sources
