Temperatures falling. Days shortening. Halloween approaching. And everyone’s thinking about putting the heating back on. Recently though, diesel prices tipped over £2 a litre in many parts of the UK and many are hesitant to fire up the radiators to save money wherever they can. We get it; you want to warm your house without sacrificing comfort. (None of that silly USB heated gilet nonsense). Here are 6 tips you can use today to make your home (not just feel warmer) but actually be warmer this winter.

Our take? Mini split air conditioners in the bedrooms will give you the biggest, long term ROI.

• Rapid warmth
• 15+ year lifespan
• 3.5 times more efficient than boilers
• Use them come winter or summer

See what other people have had to say about getting AC.

1) Window Seals and Door Draught Excluders

Windows and doors whose insulated edges have become degraded over time can leak a lot of heat. The draught can be especially perceptible on cold and windy days. By replacing the cracked rubber seal around a window frame’s edges and installing door draught excluders, you can quickly make a noticeable difference to your living environment. This can be a cheap, fun, and easy to do weekend project. Simply follow the many step-by-step tutorials that are available online.

2) Radiator Foil

Any radiator hung on a single (non-cavity) wall will always lose some heat to the outside. Easily gain 5-10% more heat output without needing to crank up the boiler or fit a larger radiator. The cumulative effect of these adhesive pieces fitted behind every radiator throughout your house can make a huge difference to your comfort.

3) Use your Oven

If you cook with your oven more often and leave the door open afterwards, excess radiant heat will provide warmth at no extra cost. This works out particularly well if you’ve got an open plan kitchen and living area combined. Freshly baked sourdough, cheesy potato gratin, hearty casseroles, spicy Caribbean oxtail soup. The ideas are endless. However, this effect is only temporary (so don’t expect huge changes).

4) Install Air Conditioning (yes, for the winter)

Modern ACs don’t just cool you in the summer; they can also warm your home in the winter. And they do it effortlessly, efficiently, and silently. Built in timer functions can be set to rapidly warm a room in 10 minutes on a frosty winter morning. Air cons also are able to dehumidify the air which will help make your place feel warmer.

Most people don’t think about getting air con until Spring – but that’s when every installer you know also becomes fully booked. Contact our team to explore your options this winter. Our installs start with a free site survey as standard so you can ask us any Q&A to clear the air (pun intended). Install once and use for a lifetime, every summer and every winter.

5) Loft Insulation

So far we’ve boosted your radiators with reflective foil and supplemented them with an air conditioning system providing heat. We’ve also sealed up your doors and windows to stop a chilly draught coming in but heat loss might still be an issue. If so, it’s time to look at loft insulation. Lasting many years, with little to no maintenance, this is a set it and forget kind of option.

6) Get thicker Carpets

Air is a great insulator that can trap heat really well. Heat can escape a room through the ceiling (via an uninsulated loft). Similarly, we can lose heat by setting foot on a cold surface. If you’ve got an older carpet in need of replacement, investing in a thicker one may be the right move. While a carpet doesn’t provide heat, it will definitely give your rooms a more cosy feel.

Six Actionable Steps to start Today

So there you have it. In this article we’ve shown you 6 (hopefully) actionable steps you can take starting today. There are quick and easy fixes and also more extensive options if you still need more warmth. Best to start with the small changes first and work your way along our list if things don’t improve.

If you need our help installing air conditioning in London, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. (You don’t want to hire your best mate’s mechanic’s cousin) Or check out our article on pricing considerations for AC installs.

Don’t wait for the temps to drop below zero. Implement these fixes over the next 6 weeks and you’ll be looking forward to a toasty Xmas. Beat the doom & gloom shown on TV 24/7. Take action and live like a king.

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Get that Air Con – you won’t regret it (part 1)

Posted 11 July 2026

Pop open the trunking of any air conditioning unit and you’ll notice 4 main lines running through. Two insulated copper pipes carrying refrigerant, an electrical power cable, and a condensate hose to remove water. Yes, under normal operation (cooling mode) an AC produces water. In the peak of summer, an air con can generate litres depending on humidity, temperature, duration of use etc. Let’s explore how an air con produces water and how technicians manage this in real life.

Why do Air Conditioners produce Condensation?

Warm air passing over a cold surface causes the dew point to fall and water droplets to form. Its not only basic science, we’ve all seen this in our daily lives.

You can notice condensation when:

• A coke can taken out from the fridge is left on the counter
• The mist of a hot shower fogs up the cooler bathroom mirror
• You exhale outside on a cold winter’s morning

Similarly, when the warm air from your room meets cool refrigerant coils, tiny droplets condense. Droplets get bigger and are collected into a drain pan within the unit before heading into the condensate line – basically a garden hose – through the trunking and are dispelled outside. Condensate lines can drain via gravity or, when trunking goes up into the attic for example, via a condensate pump.

What is a Condensate Pump?

A condensate pump is a compact piece of equipment designed to carry water away from from your air conditioning unit when gravity cannot. They’re housed neatly within in the trunking to provide a tidy finish and are as quiet as an AC unit itself. Condensate pumps are not cheap but are essential for having an aesthetic install. Far better than having unnecessary, additional pipework and trunking running across the walls.

When A/C Starts Leaking Water

If condensate goes unmanaged, water build up will damage electronic components and/or lead to rusting. Sometimes (rarely) things can go wrong. Stagnant water at room temperature becomes a breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria and fungi which isn’t the best thing for your health. If enough water builds up and leaks out, you may find a puddle on the floor and even moisture damage to your wall.

Air conditioners can leak water due to either a clogged drain pipe, faulty condensate pump, drain pan issues, or any other problem.

Air Conditioning Water Leak Repair

It’s difficult to know the cause of the leak right away. It could simply be that your drain lines need flushing (easy to do). Or upon further inspection, water might have damaged some internal parts (necessitating a costly repair).

Fortunately getting a professional to service your air conditioning system means we cover all possible bases – pump failure, drain pan, external unit not performing, etc. Additionally our technicians check air flow, temps, and clean filters to maintain system efficiency. We take the hassle out of guessing the source of the problem and give you a proper diagnosis. Or to prevent such issues why not get in touch to schedule a service?

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Can you use Air Conditioning in the Winter?

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Get that Air Con – you won’t regret it (part 1)

Posted 11 July 2026

We really had a bumper of a summer this year. Several record-breaking heatwaves beginning way back in May with temps reaching 35°C. For those weeks, social media inundated our feeds with memes about the hot weather – and we collectively agreed that fans just didn’t cut it. Raving testimonials from those who had AC installed were flooded by Q&A in comment sections – “hey, how much did it cost to get air con for your house?” In 2026 more Brits than ever before seriously considered an air conditioning installation for their homes (or at least for the bedrooms and lofts).

£4500 to £9000

The short answer is that it currently costs anywhere from £4500 to £9000 for an air conditioning installation throughout a 3 bedroom house in 2026. However, that figure is a range and depends on many factors, which we’ll discuss below, but the average Joe will spend somewhere in the middle of that.

Bear in mind that this estimate will only be valid until around Spring 2027 – partly thanks to inflation and wars perpetuated by our political leaders – but also due to:

• Social media highlighting the novelty of HVAC in Europe versus the norm everywhere else
• The looming climate crisis which transforms A/C from a luxury to a necessity
• Panic buying spiking demand, causing long waiting lists during heatwaves

Let’s consider some specific scenarios

Not everyone will kit out their entire house in one go. Home AC installation isn’t a small decision. Thus many people choose to install air conditioners for their bedrooms as the first step.

In this table we show a rough estimate for specific scenarios:

Other Factors affecting AC Installation

The cost of an air conditioning system installation is not just determined by the number and size of units you require. It is also influence by:

Placement of units. Where is your ideal location? What does the manufacturer recommend?Sometimes pipework goes straight out, sometimes it tracks along the wall. Will trunking be required?

Condensate pumps. Will the pipework path allow condensation to freely drain away? Or will the path ascend vertically (i.e. into the ceiling space) and need assistance to discharge water outside?

Controllers. Sleek panels wired into the walls, able to control multiple AC units. Large colour LCD display for a user-friendly interface.

Electrical works. In some cases, existing circuitry may lack the capacity to handle additional load from your new installation. You may be required to run a dedicated power supply that is reliable, doesn’t cause the distribution board to trip or overheat, and ultimately prevents a fire.

Additional labour. Fitting A/C is usually a one man job and having extra helpers doesn’t really overcome the major bottlenecks of an install. In exceptional circumstances (e.g. hard to reach places) there may be a small team on site.

Are Multi Splits cheaper than Single Splits?

If you didn’t already know, a multi split set up is where 3-4 internal air conditioning units connect to 1 big external unit. With single splits, each internal unit hooks up to an external unit. Logic would say multi splits are cheaper because you’ve purchased less outdoor units.

The reality is that multi splits are generally not cheaper. Parts retail for at least £500 more. Also, it may be more costly to hoist and fit larger external units (75kg vs 25kg). Also any savings incurred via a shortened pipe network is likely to be negligible. Multi split air conditioning only makes sense if there is limited external space or you truly care about having a tidier finish.

What kind of AC is Best for my House?

For the vast majority (retrofitting in British homes constructed from brick) wall mounted mini split units will be the first choice. They are the cheapest type of air con, most energy efficient, and easiest to install.

When wall space is lacking, a floor unit becomes an option (though slightly more expensive). On the plus side, floor air cons take up ~ 60% less space than a double radiator.

In my opinion ceiling cassettes are the ultimate air conditioners. In middle of a room, discreetly tucked into ceilings, 4 way multi-directional louvres aid even airflow – by comparison, floor and wall A/Cs stick out 20-30cm from the walls. A major drawback though is that they won’t fit in every space. With guidance from a structural engineer, having one in a new (single story) rear extension would be an extremely formidable upgrade.

Don’t choose brands simply for being household names – instead go with specialist manufacturers such as Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, or Fujitsu. Our engineers prefer Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as they are the most affordable without sacrificing reliability and build quality.

What’s the Difference between Flagship and Entry Level A/Cs?

Top spec air conditioners will boast a great list of features that supposedly make them superior to other models in the line up. 3D motion sensors, photo-catalytic filters, intelligent auto vane swing, etc.

Know that these features are mostly hype. True luxury is effortless, and even the most basic appropriately sized unit can maintain a cool climate silently without a harsh Arctic jet stream. Think Mitsubishi Heavy standard 2.5kW (SRK25ZSP) air conditioners for a bedroom.

The main difference for me between entry level and flagship ACs are aesthetics. Flagships are more visually stunning and come in a variety of colours whereas base models are sold only in white. For example, Daikin Stylish trims can be oak wood, dark leather or a choice of colourful fabrics. Mitsubishi Heavy outdoor SRC-ZT units, new for 2026, come in optional jet black for a more sophisticated look. Design-conscious individuals want an air conditioning system that compliments or seamlessly blends into their home environment. Today we have more choice than ever.

Free Quote for Home AC Installation

The prices quoted in this article are merely a general estimate. You might be faced with a more unique situation in mind. If you’re thinking of hiring AC installers for your home, why not call us for a free site survey and quote? Our experts will be with you in as little as 36 hours.

It’s our belief that an in-person visit is best for accurate sizing, discussing the various options available to you, and to clear any other queries. For example, “what if tomorrow I want to install more ACs? Will I have space outside?”

For a no fuss, high quality install, choose Promatic Air Conditioning Services. Single split installs starting from only £1449. Hurry before the Spring rush.

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What is the Best type of Air Conditioning for your Office?

Posted 28 August 2026

Can AC be used in winter? Do air conditioners heat the house? What? At first it sounds crazy. But did you know that air cons are not only for busting out when temps soar above 30°C? Modern air-to-air heat pumps (basically what UK style air conditioning systems are) can work in reverse to maintain a perfect indoor climate all year round. Matter of fact, they’re designed to be capable of heating when its as low as -15°C outside ensuring reliable warmth even on the coldest of nights. For most homes, gas boilers are the norm but rising fuel prices due to geopolitical uncertainty has people looking for alternative ways to heat their homes and/or business premises.

Why consider an air con for winter?

• They may be the most economical heating system you can use. Per 1kW input of energy, a modern boiler delivers 0.9kW of heat whereas an air con delivers 3-4kW!
• Adjustable louvres and 20 metre air throw makes air cons more than capable for large spaces
• Warm a room in 10 minutes, much faster than a radiator^[1]
• They double up as a cooling system come summer
• Our installers are less busy and can offer you a slot sooner, regardless if you want it for the winter or summer

Benefits of A/C heating

• Lower your winter gas bills by supplementing your central heating and warming with air cons on a per room basis
• Have better sleep and eliminate chilly mornings via the timer function
• A warm home prevents damp and mould issues
• Breathe cleaner air with advanced filters that deactivate bacteria, viruses, and remove dust from stuffy rooms during winter
• Improve worker productivity and/or give customers a warmer welcome
• Make it easier to focus and get work done while working from home

Final Considerations

• Double check the operating temperatures for your make and model (though likely a non-issue for most homes in London and the South East)
• Air cons run most efficiently on a low and slow setting; super important for when you’re outside or sleeping
• An air-to-air heat pump doesn’t replace your boiler; don’t rip it out, you’ll still need it for hot showers
• If your AC unit’s exterior coils freeze, some models will run a brief cooling cycle to defrost them; this is totally normal
• Using your air con more often will warrant more regular servicing and cleaning of filters

How much does an A/C for winter cost?

Ultimately this answer depends on many factors such as:

• Number of units you want and unit capacity per room dimensions
• Type of unit (sometimes you can only accommodate floor standing units)
• Pipework route and length
• If any electrical upgrades are required

Our prices for installing a mini split unit start from £1449. Our engineer’s survey of the site, parts, and labour are all covered within this. For a more in-depth and accurate quote, you can arrange a free site visit via email, phone, or WhatsApp and we’ll be with you within 36 hours.

Sources:

1. https://www.daikin.co.uk/en_gb/residential/inspiration/articles/myth-airco-cannot-heat.html

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Who Benefits the Most from Air Con?

Posted 26 July 2026

Get that Air Con – you won’t regret it (part 1)

Posted 11 July 2026

What is the Best type of Air Conditioning for your Office?

Posted 28 August 2026

AC for office. British heatwaves make it notoriously difficult to focus on tasks and be productive at work. Heat is both physically exhausting and mentally taxing. Likewise during winter, that same draughty office makes it harder for employees to get into rhythm and instead take multiple trips to the coffee machine (and the loo) just to stay warm. Accordingly, business output dwindles. In our opinion, the easiest way to maximise workplace productivity is to have office air conditioning installation. No need to crack the whip. Just install it once, let it run in the background, service it twice a year and watch your business grow.

More reasons to get AC for the office:

• Upgrading comfort helps workplace culture, employee satisfaction, and makes your business a more desirable place to work
• Leave more positive impressions on your clients
• Impress potential investors and business partners in board meetings
• Slash number of sick days attributable to heatstroke, common colds, the flu, etc.
• Save on winter energy bills (especially if premises have electric heaters or an older boiler)
• Improve air quality via built-in filtration capability

Why does the office feel so much warmer?

More people and more computer equipment (printers, projector bulbs, servers) means more heat and humidity generated. How fast do the windows fog up while sat inside of a parked car? Respiration releases water. Multiply that by the number of employees and both these factors make your office workers feel the mugginess even more.

Unfortunately neither windows nor fans cut it: they cannot circulate 22°C cooled, dehumidified air throughout a whole office.

So which air con is most suitable for my office?

A proper commercial air conditioning system must be quiet and energy efficient – it should not distract or interfere with day-to-day business operations. The 3 main candidates suitable for office environments are wall mounted mini splits, ceiling cassettes, and under the ceiling units.

Wall mounted: usually seen in a domestic setting, starting from 2kW, best for small to medium spaces (e.g. accountant’s office). Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ models are available in white, titanium and black & white (up to 6kW) if you wish to compliment your business branding. The Diamond series 10kW model (SRK100ZR-WF) has an impressive 20m air throw and autoswing function for even air distribution. Wall units are the most energy efficient by design and easiest to install so it’s worth investing in the top spec considering they’ll be in use for most of the time.

Ceiling cassettes: these are bulkier units that are best suited for enterprise-level, open plan offices. Despite their size, they are more discreet as they sit flush in suspended or false ceilings. Cassettes installed centrally (as opposed to on walls) are powerful enough to cool areas over 1000sqft with 4 way multi-directional louvres to aid airflow. Draft Prevention Panels available on Mitsubishi Heavy units further elevate end user experience. Ceiling cassettes are the more expensive installation here (but not by a mile) – despite this they are worth the investment for how effortless they can heat or cool a large space.

Under ceiling: great for premises that lack a suspended or false ceiling but still need more power than wall mounted units. Not as popular of a choice but way easier to install than a ceiling cassette and just as quiet and efficient. One potential downside is that they can be less aesthetically pleasing (although this is of course subjective).

Get Expert help with Air Conditioning for Offices

In this article we’ve hopefully elucidated how something as trivial as an office that is too hot or too cold can snowball into tasks getting delayed, deadlines being missed, and the business ultimately suffering. We also showed you the downstream effects air conditioning can have beyond just boosting employee productivity.

If you’ve decided you want a ceiling cassette for your board room and are planning an install, you’ll need a qualified engineer to help. Call us for our free site visit to help determine the right size AND type of air con system for your office. We’ll consider solar gain, heat produced by electronics, heat loss during winter, etc. Or if you already has air con but it doesn’t always run smoothly, we can help with that also.

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Do Air Conditioners bring in Fresh Air from outside?

Posted 22 August 2026

Do A/Cs bring in fresh air? Can air con provide ventilation or filter my air? Sounds like a perfectly reasonable question. I had a client recently ask me this prior to installing air conditioners for the bedrooms. He seemed annoyed that his upstairs was quite dusty – standard fans just kept blowing dust everywhere – and thought having an air conditioning system would improve air quality by bringing in fresh, clean air from outside.

I actually like it when a client asks these kinds of questions because it’s an opportunity to learn something new and shows they care about having a good and reliable AC installation.

Although it may seem like they bring in fresh air (because we see the outdoor unit with a massive fan), this is a common but understandable misconception. In this article we take a look at where air conditioners actually bring in this cool air from.

How does Air Conditioning Work?

I explained to my client that air conditioners actually re-circulate the same room air before passing it through a filter. It’s important to grasp that ductless, mini split (wall mounted) units do not bring fresh air from outside. (car A/C is a different story, perhaps for another time)

During a typical mini split air conditioning install, you will see:
a) the engineer bore a hole through the wall;
b) the mounting of an internal unit on said wall;
c) the mounting of an external unit somewhere near your patio area;
d) and some pipes and cables feeding the whole apparatus.

Then the engineer flicks a switch, you hear some fans whirring and hey presto you feel a heavenly breeze emanating supposedly from the outside. However, despite that borehole, air never actually travels through the pipework.

Refrigerant does all of the heavy lifting.

Compounds like R32 or R290 are very good at taking heat energy from one place for us to then dump in another place. An air conditioning system basically works like this: the internal unit draws in hot air from your room and passes it over coils and coils of refrigerant pipe. The coils absorb this heat energy and thus allows cool air to gently blow into your room. Meanwhile, the system sends the warmed refrigerant to the external unit where the opposite happens: a powerful fan discharges the heat outside (thus cooling the coils) and pumping cooled refrigerant back inside to start the process all over again. Cool pipe + hot air becomes hot pipe + cool air.

As you can see single split and mini split units do not require any fresh air from outside. This is particularly beneficial if opening windows is less of an option due to poor air quality.

When I explained this to our customer, he was quickly reassured with a better understanding of how the 2.5kW units would cool his bedrooms.

But we still hadn’t tackled our customer’s concern of dust and air filters.

Can Air Cons Purify the Air?

My honest take? Its bit of a stretch but mostly just marketing hype.

The original reason air cons have filters are to prevent dust build up on refrigerant coils which would otherwise reduce their cooling efficiency. (all AC models chosen by Promatic’s engineers have filters). But don’t count on air cons to purify your air unless regularly cleaning the filters and dealing with dust, pet fur, mould, etc. at the source! Hay fever sufferers’ windows will now be closed anyway. (woohoo)

So when marketers claim their “PM2.5 super photocatalytic filters remove 99% of viruses, odours and pollen”, just see it as a standard feature reverse engineered for your supposed benefit. For our customer’s peace of mind, we chose Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Standard (SRK25ZSP-W) air cons as the most cost effective and reliable option.

In conclusion, we now know that air conditioners don’t work by bringing in fresh air. They cool the warm air that is already in the room. Heat exchange is taken care of by passing air over the coils containing refrigerant gas. Also air conditioning filters were originally made for maximising cooling efficiency and, depending on which model you choose, they can filter and purify your air so as long as you also deal with the bigger rocks.


Every now and then a customer comes to us seeking a deeper understanding of air conditioning technology. And they’re better off for it as they may make a more informed decision in the near future. If you’ve got any questions (about air con installs or air cons in general), please don’t hesitate to ask us.

We’re more than happy to help you on your air con journey.

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Who Benefits the Most from Air Con?

Posted 26 July 2026

Everyone feels the summer heat – some moreso than others. No I don’t just mean getting your back stuck to a leather sofa after watching Spain beat Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. I mean medical conditions, design trends, or other life circumstances causing certain populations to endure even more heat stress than the usual aforementioned discomfort.

For these people, cranking out the fan or portable air con doesn’t make a difference once the mercury rises above 30.

You’ll very likely know some of these people. In this article, we take a look at how a new home AC installation could benefit them.

Homes with Loft Conversions

Loft conversions are an increasingly popular option among Londoners (where space comes at a premium) wishing to maximise their living area. They are for sure a great investment in a growing family’s home.

However, a fully insulated modern loft conversion is victim to that pesky law of physics – that heat rises. Daytime interior temperatures can reach 40°C making your loft’s new master bedroom a muggy nightmare to sleep in during warmer months.

Installing an air con in the loft ensures you can enjoy a comfortable climate to sleep or just chill in all year round.

Homes with skylights, large bi-fold doors, or conservatories

On a similar note, modern home renovations often incorporate skylights, large bi-folding doors, or conservatories as part of their ground floor extensions. Understandably we want to let in as much light as possible and make our homes feel bright and welcoming when skies outside are grey and gloomy.

Unfortunately glass maximises solar gain turning your conservatory into a greenhouse. Again these living spaces are rendered useless for 3 months of the year. (And to a lesser degree, glazing presents an avenue for heat to escape through during the winter.)

Fortunately air cons help in both cases. A modern air to air heat pump air conditioning system will cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Contrary to what you might think, you can actually install air cons in lofts and rear extensions (despite them having sloped VELUX ceilings and/or floor to ceiling windows). The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 5kW SRF50ZSX-W and much slimmer Fujitsu 4.2kW AGEG14KVCA floor standing consoles come to mind as the most cost-effective yet reliable models.

The Old and the Young

Many factors cause old people and young babies to be more prone to heat stroke. Compared to fit and healthy adults, they may be unable to accurately sense their own discomfort & dehydration and/or have an underdeveloped or impaired ability to sweat sufficiently.

Babies cannot physically tell us they’re hot and old people may not want to (to not be seen as a burden). Both groups may have difficulty moving to a cooler spot and both would also struggle to access and open certain windows.

An air con on the other hand just takes care of it. You’ll want a unit with simple operation (whether via remote or app), a programmable timer, and the ability to automatically restart after a power cut: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Standard Plus line is our top pick. An SRK25ZTL-W is great for most bedrooms while a larger SRK50ZTL-W could cool a lounge.

Patients of common medical conditions

One of the primary symptoms of menopause are hot flushes: manifesting as feeling uncomfortably hot, sweating, and becoming flushed, lasting minutes to sometimes hours at a time. These symptoms of menopause make summers intolerable for many women in their late 40s to early 50s. Doctors often prescribe pharmaceutical intervention but these are not without side effects. We believe the most effective and immediate way to self-manage and reduce severity of hot flushes are to have an air con installation for your home. Nothing will ever come close to enhancing your comfort and quality of life during that period of your life.

Air conditioners can also help manage hay fever (or allergic rhinitis). We highly recommend them. When pollen counts are high, sufferers may be subject to watery or itchy eyes, sneezing, and a congested nasal passage. Currently your only option is to close the windows and recirculate that same hot indoor air with a fan. However those who choose to install a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries SRK20ZTL-W (for bedrooms) or SRK35ZTL-W (for living rooms) can breathe easy while staying cool. These models offer air purification technology with built-in allergen filters as standard allowing users to be symptom-free in as little as 90 minutes. To ensure they continue to filter effectively, we suggest professional maintenance at least once or twice a year.

Sometimes diabetic patients may report that their blood sugar control improved after getting an A/C installed. This may be attributed to the secondary benefits of air con e.g. less stress and better sleep (leading to lower cortisol), being less sedentary to avoid breaking a sweat, etc. Without the unpredictable heatwaves causing fluctuations in blood sugars, one could reduce their risk of hypos by taking their usual dosage of insulin.

People who Work from Home

Usually the spare box room or garden room gets converted into a home office. But unlike your workplace, these rooms, overflowing with paperwork, can feel crowded and stuffy due to the heat given off from your computer and printer equipment. You probably feel unable to concentrate, focus on the work ahead of you, and be as productive. WFH saves you the commute time but with an air con in your home office it can also be a breeze.

Where there’s no Gas Boiler Heating System

Around 86% of UK homes are snuggly heated via gas boiler, while 14% of us employ alternative means. ^[1] Electric heaters are notorious for being horrendously ineffective and expensive. Oil and wood burners can also have their own challenges of fuel price fluctuation and difficult maintenance.

As you know by now, air to air heat pump air conditioning systems are engineered to also run in the opposite direction to provide immediate warmth in the winter. Modern heat pump technology can save you energy (and money) by turning 1kW of electrical energy into 3-4kW of heat. A gas boiler must heat a whole house whereas heat pump air cons need only be turned on in the rooms you occupy.

If I were to (hypothetically) switch out my electric heaters for air conditioners, I would choose the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Diamond series units for their best inverter motors and motion detection sensors for superior year-round energy efficiency. SRK20ZSX for the bedrooms, an SRK15ZTL for the boxroom, and a SRK50ZSX-WFT to warm (or cool) my whole downstairs space. Mitsubishi offers you 3 colours and I would pick the WFT (warm titanium) to match my silver and chrome furnishings and overall living room aesthetic.

Conclusion

A few decades ago you could’ve said air cons were a luxury. But evidently that is no longer the case. Feeling hot is a very subjective matter and not dependent on what the thermometer shows. Although one person finds 25°C to be pleasant, another might struggle (due to their room placement, age, and/or their health condition). For such people, air con can be the night and day difference to help reduce unnecessary suffering.

Sources:

1. https://scienceinsights.org/how-are-homes-heated-in-the-uk-gas-oil-and-heat-pumps/

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Get that Air Con – you won’t regret it (part 1)

Posted 11 July 2026

Get that Air Con – you won’t regret it (part 2)

Posted 18 July 2026

Do Air Conditioners bring in Fresh Air from outside?

Posted 22 August 2026

Why does hardly anyone in the UK have air conditioning in their homes? After all, every modern car has air con, every corner shop and retail outlet has air con, your office has air con, but “no thanks, I’ll sweat my ass off every night in my fully insulated new build”?

Make it make sense.

There’s a lot of myths and pre-conceptions that us Brits believe about having AC installed in our homes. (partly I think we love complaining about the weather as a top national pastime hobby.)

If you’ve not read part 1 of the countless testimonials of satisfied customers, do so here.

But seriously the biggest reasons why British people don’t have air conditioners are:
a) believing it costs too much for something you’re only going to use three times and;
b) normalisation of suffering, not caving in (into what exactly?) and just sticking it out.

Be the secret envy of everyone you know

“Everyone laughed when I bought one 5 years ago … [now] they just complain they can’t escape the heat.” ^[1]

“Husband was taken aback and kept saying it’s only a couple of days a year and it’s a waste of money. … now 2026—he is with me chilling in the sitting room and bedroom …” ^[2]

Install once, use for a lifetime. Every summer, every winter.

“We’ve used it every summer since. They’re definitely worth keeping.” ^[1]

“It’s not just used for cooling. Have a comfortable house year round.” ^[3]

“We heat the house in winter … as well as cooling it in summer. Much more efficient than gas central heating …” ^[4]

“Being used most days at the minute.” ^[3]

“They also work nicely during the colder periods to quickly get some warmth into those areas until the central heating kicks in.” ^[2]

“It is great in the hot and cold.” ^[5]

“Uses around 500watts and its more than enough to cool a few rooms. It’s great. Doubles as an efficient heater in the winter too.” ^[5]

Still not convinced? Take the plunge

“I have air con in two rooms and it’s 100% worth it. Proper Daikin split-units … Just do it.” ^[6]

“I bought one a couple of years ago, and friends said it was a waste of money for something I’ll only need to use a couple of days a year. Je ne regrette rien!” ^[2]

“If you can afford it and it makes your quality of life better, it’s a no brainer!” ^[2]

For those who Work From Home

“I had a through the wall unit put in my office two days before the high temperatures hit last year. Whole job was about £1200 and it was worth it after 20 minutes.” ^[7]

“We might only need it for a fraction of the year, but for that fraction of the year it makes an enormous difference. The literally difference between me being able to work from home and being too hot to even think.” ^[8]

For those who value their sleep

“It’s great to have an air‑conditioned room it improves our sleep a lot.” ^[4]

“I’ve never looked back. … I love going to bed, knowing it’s going to be a cool 16 degrees.” ^[9]

“The quality of our rest is significantly improved.” ^[4]

“Installed it the other day … It’s the difference between sleeping or not this week.” ^[2]

“We installed air con in our loft, which is the master bedroom, I wouldn’t be without it.” ^[5]

“It was a god send for sleeping” ^[7]

“I have the opposite of Buyers remorse.” ^[1]

“It’s nearly 5 years since I got air con installed at home … and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.” ^[10]

“Worth every penny” ^[2]

“It’s been 3 days and it was the best decision.” ^[2]

“Absolute lifesaver.” ^[9]

“Whole house done in 2020 happy days” ^[2]

“It’s not a bad investment regardless of the weather. Modern split systems are very efficient, and probably heat a house better and cheaper than radiators etc.” ^[1]

“It really does make life a bit easier in those few hot days for your young children.” ^[4]

Avoid portable units … unless you like it noisy

“All portable ACs are “bad’. It’s just a limitation of the tech” ^[11]

“Fundamentally very noisy.” ^[12] … “Had to resort to subtitles on the TV as we couldn’t really hear [it] …” ^[10]

“A little too loud for a bedroom in my opinion. I have one and can’t sleep with it on. You should consider a split unit.” ^[12]

“They also take up floor space whether you’re using them or not.” ^[13] … “getting a proper mini split installed is a better option.” ^[10]

Invest in a proper unit!

“Just used my new split level system for the first time after having a Portable unit for a few years and wow so quiet. Pure luxury” ^[9]

“Invest in a proper unit! We had a portable one for years and it was so loud. Ever since getting a Mitsubishi unit fitted, we have slept much better and it’s super quiet. It also heats the room in the winter.” ^[14]

Make home A/C your next project

“If we weren’t paying for a new patio this year, I would already have had some proper split system AC installed in at least 3 rooms. Much more efficient and a million times quieter.” ^[8]

“I had a Daikin split unit (inverter type) installed in my office a few years back. Absolutely blown away by how efficient it is, uses maybe 100-200w to heat and cool. Super silent … Soon as I’ve finished some other projects in the house I’ll be getting it installed in a few more rooms.” ^[4]

Sources:

1. https://www.reddit.com/r/DIYUK/comments/1ugwzmb/almost_time_to_return_those_ac_units/
2. https://www.reddit.com/r/london/comments/1ubgg5w/anyone_else_cave_and_bought_an_air_con/
3. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskBrits/comments/1uactrv/are_ac_soon_to_be_the_standard_in_every_uk_home/
4. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/1iijku0/do_you_have_air_conditioning_is_it_worth_it/
5. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/1ldsjii/is_air_con_going_to_become_more_and_more/
6. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/1ldsu8r/what_air_con_units_do_you_have/
7. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/137h561/is_buying_ac_worth_it_for_this_summer/
8. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/1lhf6f2/those_of_you_with_a_portablebuilt_in_aircon_unit/
9. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/145xjry/have_you_bought_an_air_conditioning_unit/
10. https://www.reddit.com/r/CasualUK/comments/1kayz3w/who_here_owns_a_portable_air_conditioning_unit/
11. https://www.reddit.com/r/CasualUK/comments/1tlau3p/whats_a_good_portable_air_con_option_to_make_this/
12. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/1jz1uyd/what_air_conditioner_do_you_have_and_do_you_rate/
13. https://www.reddit.com/r/CasualUK/comments/1labwi9/portable_air_con_recommendations/
14. https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/1t2enqp/any_recommendations_for_an_air_con_unit_in_the_uk/

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Warming weather trends now mean we regularly have around 40 hot days (25°C or more) each year in London and the South East. (It’s that fine threshold between enjoying blue skies and sunshine to suffocating through muggy summer nights.)

Despite this only an estimated 4 to 7% of UK homes have built-in air conditioning systems! ^{[1, 2]} Come on now. It’s 2026. We have self-driving cars and AI in our smartwatches but not air con?

To help you finally decide if you should bite the bullet and buy an air conditioning system for your home, we scoured the internet far and wide for testimonials.

Brits asked fellow Brits for air conditioner recommendations, what air con units do people have in their homes, is it worth it for the UK summer weather, or are they just a waste of money?

Here are real people’s real experiences on forums.

“Best thing I have ever done”

When I say that countless testimonials regard their AC installation as the best decision they made that year, its not just me saying it. And ‘best’ isn’t hyperbole. It’s literally what satisfied customers have said:

“Best decision of my life. … Priceless.” ^[3]

“We got one during the May [2026] heatwave and it’s honestly one of the best investments we’ve ever made.” ^[4]

“Air con unit was the best thing we ever bought.” ^[5]

“If anyone’s spending 50-80k on a loft conversion, spend the extra grand or two and get a proper split unit, best money you’ll ever spend.” ^[6]

“Yeah I’ve just got proper AC installed and my god it’s incredible!” ^[7]

“Modest 3 bed semi whole house and it’s the best thing I have ever done. It’s not too expensive to run … about [£]2.50 a day.” ^[8]

“Its my favorite invention. There is nothing like AC …” ^[3]

Think about how many things we unnecessarily splash out on: “It has more than paid it’s dues, best investment I ever made.” ^[9]

“You will get your moneys worth.” ^[4]

Just do it (you won’t regret it)

Hesitation, inaction, and fear of the unknown stops many from taking action. And many further justify their inaction with how they’ll survive with a fan and some Cornetto ice cream.

“Stop complaining of the heat every year and just spend the damn money … IT’S WORTH IT” ^[10]

“We spent 4k getting AC installed last year and have no regrets.” ^[6]

“I wish people could understand this but it’s like some weird mental block. They complain about only needing aircon for a few days a year and that it’s totally unnecessary … it’s nuts.” ^[9]

“Every year, for those few weeks when it’s needed, everyone envies me and tells me I’m so lucky. Luck’s got nothing to do with it. You just buy one.” ^[5]

Oh, how we envy the lucky and curse at those who took action. If only we knew what stood on the other side of our fear, how much better our lives would be.

Don’t let the heat impact your good night’s sleep

“It’s a no brainer, especially if you value getting a good nights sleep.” ^[4]

“I have good comfortable sleeps at whatever temperature I want with no noise …” ^[10]

“I wish I would have gotten it sooner. Being able to get proper sleep and not waking up a hot sweaty mess is worth every penny.” ^[4]

“Honestly it is such a game changer. It means for those 31 days or whatever I can actually sleep at night.” ^[10]

Air conditioners help you get more done

“I physically could not be in my office room so no work got done … now I can get solid days [worth of work done] …” ^[11]

“[I] am infinitely more productive at work and [it] pays for itself in that respect.” ^[12]

Portable A/C units are not that great

Don’t make the mistake of thinking a portable air conditioning unit from Screwfix will solve all your problems. They do manage to cool bedrooms but the noise and poor efficiency are the deal breakers for most people.

“Be aware that they make an absolute racket.” ^[3]

“You know the saying “can’t hear yourself think?” That’s exactly what it’s like.” ^[7]

Simply by design portable air cons are more energy hungry. Single hose units (the most common type) “have to suck warm air into the room to replace the hot air they expell out … Without the 2nd hose … you end up with ambient hot air being brought into the room reducing the effectiveness of the AC. … The dual hose system will help with the efficiency, and that low pressure issue … but the noise will remain the same.” ^[13]

“You have to install a mini-split … before AC is “good” … they are 10000x better than any portable AC.” ^[14]

Portable air cons are the gateway to split air con units

You bought it, and now you just want it to work. No hassle, no fuss. Experience is a great teacher.

“I had one of those crappy, fabric, zip close, Velcro’s to the window frame things to put the hose through. … Going to install some Daikin split units next year.” ^[15]

“We moved house and got a proper split system in our loft conversion and it’s WAY better.” ^[16]

“An AC is for life, not just for heatwaves.” ^[9]

“I use it probably as much in the winter as I do in the summer …” ^[6]

“Get used plenty through summer for cooling and lounge one sometimes in winter for heating …” ^[10]

“Our heating bills this winter went down significantly.” ^[17] (bills went down, not didn’t go up)

“Honestly we use ours much more than just a few weeks a year.” ^[3]

Buy once. Love it. Buy some more.

“Got A/C fitted into our garden gym room we built last year … Definitely want to get A/C fitted into the main house next year.” ^[10]

We’re here to support you

We understand. You’re fully justified for just wanting comfort. There is zero shame in this. AC is already in everyone’s cars. First they’ll laugh and ridicule you. Choose us and next year they’ll envy you.

“My wife went from ‘Why did you waste money on that?’ to ‘Shall I go up and put the aircon on’ in 1 night.” ^[3]

“We used to have heat waves that lasted a day or two every few years. Now it’s heatwaves that last a week, multiple times a year. … I’m not stupid and the writings on the wall …” ^[9]

“Helps me a lot with my medical condition (type 1 diabetes and blood sugars go sky high in the heat, so keeping cool helps keep my blood sugars level).” ^[4]

Don’t get left behind – many are already making plans. “When we next move, it will be one of the first things to be installed. … “We’re getting our loft converted soon and I’m seriously considering getting a split unit installed.” ^[3]

“It’s the future …” ^[4]

Sources:

1. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/may/22/air-conditioning-uk-homes-doubles
2. https://www.reading.ac.uk/news/2026/Research-News/The-most-at-risk-from-heat-have-the-least-air-con
3. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/1iijku0/do_you_have_air_conditioning_is_it_worth_it/
4. https://www.reddit.com/r/london/comments/1ubgg5w/anyone_else_cave_and_bought_an_air_con/
5. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/145xjry/have_you_bought_an_air_conditioning_unit/
6. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/1ldsjii/is_air_con_going_to_become_more_and_more/
7. https://www.reddit.com/r/CasualUK/comments/1kayz3w/who_here_owns_a_portable_air_conditioning_unit/
8. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/137h561/is_buying_ac_worth_it_for_this_summer/
9. https://www.reddit.com/r/DIYUK/comments/1ugwzmb/almost_time_to_return_those_ac_units/
10. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/1lhf6f2/those_of_you_with_a_portablebuilt_in_aircon_unit/
11. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/os2qrz/is_air_conditioning_worth_it_in_the_uk/
12. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/14jgfpj/do_you_have_air_con_in_your_home/
13. https://www.reddit.com/r/AirConditioners/comments/1qsimv8/portable_air_conditioner_in_the_uk_any/
14. https://www.reddit.com/r/CasualUK/comments/1tlau3p/whats_a_good_portable_air_con_option_to_make_this/
15. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/1ldsu8r/what_air_con_units_do_you_have/
16. https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/1t2enqp/any_recommendations_for_an_air_con_unit_in_the_uk/
17. https://www.reddit.com/r/HousingUK/comments/139h7lb/would_you_pay_more_for_air_con/

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