How Much Does Air Conditioning Cost To Install?

The demand for air conditioning in the UK is on the rise. Year on year, retailers have been selling out of portable units during the ever-warmer months.

To many homeowners, permanent installation feels complicated, expensive – a luxury. In reality, professional air conditioning installation is often much more affordable than you might think.

On average, the supply and installation of a single unit starts from around £1,500, while a large system covering multiple rooms can run to £6,000 or more.

And for some, the benefits go beyond just cooling. Modern systems are heat pumps, offering full climate control, handling both heating and cooling in one.

So, how much does air conditioning actually cost to install? And what are you likely to spend in the long run? Here, we break it all down.

Want to skip getting a quote? Contact us at Chill today.

What factors affect the cost of air conditioning installation?

There’s many factors that make up the cost of installing air conditioning…

Number of units

The more units you need, the higher the overall cost. The cost per unit tends to fall the more you have installed. Each unit comes with a supply cost plus an installation charge, but we may often be able to reduce the per-unit rate for larger jobs.

Type of system installed

There are a few different types of air con systems you can have installed. Different systems work in different ways, meaning installation processes. And with that, installation costs differ too.

Some are more complex to install than others, resulting in a greater labour requirement. Where one may just need a single unit installing, others require multiple indoor and outdoor units.

Types you can have installed include:

• Wall-mounted split systems – most common, most affordable
• Low wall split systems – the unit itself is usually more expensive
• Ducted systems – high installation cost due to being most discreet with complex process

Property type and layout

Your property, and where and how units are to be installed, can have a significant impact on installation cost. These complexities can make an installation more involved, requiring more time or materials as a result.

Difficult accessibility, such as installing inside a flat where outdoor access is limited, is an added complication. If a unit is mounted to an internal wall, a pump may also be required, which can substantially increase the overall installation cost.

Average installation cost by system type

The cost of air con installation can vary dramatically based on the type. Certain systems require a much more intensive installation, such as where discrete fitting is required, or larger outdoor units are required to complement indoor units.

The common types of systems are wall-mounted split systems and ducted systems, which are each distinctly different.

Wall-mounted split system (per unit)

A wall-mounted split system is the most common type for residential installations, consisting of a visible indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit is mounted high on the wall, drawing in warm air and circulating cool air back into the room, while the outdoor unit expels the heat outside.

Installation is relatively straightforward. Both units are mounted to the wall, a hole is drilled, and connected via pipework and cabling through an external wall.

The cost for supply and installation typically falls between £1,500 and £3,000 per unit, depending on the brand, room size, and complexity of the install.

Ducted system (per zone / room equivalent)

 

A ducted system is a discreet air conditioning system. Air is delivered through a network of ducts hidden typically within the ceiling. A single outdoor unit connects to a hidden indoor unit, often in a loft void, making it well suited to cooling several rooms at once.

Installation is more involved than a split system. The system requires greater thought, with designs to plan how all will be connected and effectively fitted throughout the property. To be hidden, they require access to ceiling voids or loft spaces, and are typically in larger buildings.

You can expect to pay anywhere from £1,500 to £3,000+ per zone or room equivalent.

The long term costs of air conditioning

It’s not just the cost of installation that is often surprising, but the long term costs split it too. Long term costs include running and maintenance, both of which should be considered. At Chill, most customers report little to no noticeable difference in their energy bills since having their system installed.

Running costs

The running cost of an air conditioning system varies depending on the type of system, its size, and how frequently it is used.

A standard split system typically costs between 20p and 36p per hour to run. In comparison, a fully ducted system serving an entire property may cost between £1.00 and £2.00 per hour when operating continuously.

However, a correctly designed and installed system should not need to run continuously. At Chill, we carefully size and design our systems to cool rooms efficiently, allowing them to reach and maintain the desired temperature without the compressor running constantly. Once the set temperature is achieved, the system will cycle as needed, helping to reduce energy consumption and keep running costs as low as possible.

Maintenance

Air conditioning systems should be serviced at least once a year to upkeep necessary maintenance. This typically includes:

• Clearing of drainage systems
• Cleaning or replacing filters
• Disinfecting evaporators
• Testing operations

Repairs are charged separately, usually scheduled for a later date. This maintenance is essential to ensure your system continues to run as effectively and efficiently as possible all year round.
Chill Air Conditioning offer maintenance and extended warranty plans from just £11 per month to keep your units running smoothly and give you peace of mind in the event of any faults.

Is it worth paying to have air con professionally installed?

Having air conditioning professionally installed in your home is absolutely worthwhile. It isn’t cheap, particularly if you’re looking at a full ducted system, but it can make your home environment much more comfortable, particularly during the warmer months.

Trusting professional installers, such as Chill Air Conditioning, means you’ll be backed by confident warranties, with systems installed that you can count on – all year round. For the risks that come with DIY installation, professional installation is a no brainer.

–

Looking to have air conditioning installed in your home? Look no further than Chill Air Conditioning for quality systems at a competitive price.

We’re a family run air conditioning business based in Mansfield, offering a range of air conditioning services to suit your needs.

We serve both commercial and residential clients, regularly carrying out installations across Nottingham, Mansfield, Derby and the surrounding areas. Wherever you are, you can trust our engineers for professional installation, and all the right maintenance to follow.

For a free no obligation quote or to learn more about our services, contact us today.