Air conditioning is worth installing if parts of your home regularly get too hot to sleep or work in comfortably, such as bedrooms, loft rooms, home offices or rooms with large windows. A fixed split system cools quietly and efficiently, and most can also heat, making them useful for more of the year than people expect.
If your home only gets warm for a few days each summer, fans, shading and ventilation may be enough. The best way to decide is to think about which rooms cause problems and how often. Our air conditioning page explains the systems we install.
Signs your home would benefit
- Bedrooms that stay hot well into the night
- A loft conversion that becomes unusable in summer
- A home office that’s uncomfortable in the afternoons
- A conservatory or extension with lots of glass
- Someone in the household who struggles with heat
Split system vs portable units
| Fixed split system | Portable unit | |
| Installation | Indoor unit on the wall, outdoor unit outside | Plug in, hose out of a window |
| Noise | Quiet indoors; compressor is outside | Noisier, as everything is in the room |
| Efficiency | Higher | Lower |
| Heating | Most models can heat | Some models only |
| Appearance | Discreet wall unit | Takes up floor space |
For regular use, a split system is usually the better long-term choice.
Air conditioning that also heats
Most split systems are air-to-air heat pumps and can run in heating mode. That makes them handy for warming a single room in spring and autumn, or a room that the central heating struggles to reach, without heating the whole house.
The costs to weigh up
- Installation, which depends on the number of rooms, the system type and the route between indoor and outdoor units
- Running costs, which depend on use, room size and your electricity tariff
- Maintenance, with filter cleaning and periodic servicing
What installation involves
- A survey to check room sizes, heat gain and suitable positions
- Choosing the right size and type of unit
- Fitting the indoor unit, outdoor unit and the pipework between them
- Connecting power and commissioning the system
Work on the refrigerant circuit must be done by an F-Gas certified engineer. Most single-room installations take a day or less.
Air conditioning in Epping, Loughton and Buckhurst Hill
Many homes around Epping, Loughton and Buckhurst Hill have had loft conversions and rear extensions added, and these are often the rooms that overheat first. A single split system in a loft bedroom or home office is a common starting point.
If your central heating also needs attention, our service and repairs team can help, and our boiler installations page covers new heating systems.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need planning permission for air conditioning?
Many domestic installations fall under permitted development, subject to conditions. Listed buildings and conservation areas may need permission. Check with your local council if unsure.
How noisy is air conditioning?
Modern indoor units are quiet. The outdoor unit makes some noise, so it’s positioned carefully, away from bedroom windows and neighbours where possible.
How often does air conditioning need servicing?
Clean filters regularly and have the system serviced periodically by an F-Gas certified engineer, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Got a room that’s too hot?
Give us a call on 07974 170 457 or drop us a message and we’ll talk you through what would work in your home.