Trying to budget for your air conditioning? The cost of installing air conditioning depends on the size of your home, as well as the unit.

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If you&rsquo;ve been relying on a fan to keep you cool throughout the British summer, it might be time to consider purchasing a permanent air conditioning unit. Permanent air-con units can offer you much more flexibility and control over the temperature of your home, as well as help you cut down on unexpected monthly costs when a heatwave hits.&nbsp;
<h2>How expensive is it to install air conditioning?</h2>
While the cost of installation depends on the size and type of your air conditioner, we&rsquo;ll always include installation within the price of every one of our <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning">air conditioning unit</a>. This means no hidden fees, and no extra need to search for a last minute engineer once your air conditioning unit has been delivered to your door.&nbsp;
Your air conditioner installation cost depends on a few different factors;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Whether you live in a flat or house</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The size of your house</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Your choice of extra features for your air con unit</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The type of air conditioner you choose to buy</li>
</ul>
Depending on your needs, the type of air conditioning model you choose will have enough power to keep your room cool, and your temperature stable, all day long. You also need to bear in mind the energy output you&rsquo;ll have, as well as how energy efficient your home is. If your windows and doors are fully sealed, for example, you&rsquo;ll need less power to keep your home cool, as the cold air will circulate inside, rather than escaping outdoors.&nbsp;
<h2>Types of air conditioning models&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
There are pros and cons to every air conditioning unit, but each works differently depending on how it&rsquo;s being used. Broadly speaking, there are two types of air con units you can choose; portable plug in units that can be moved around as you use each room in your home, or more permanent fixed units you install in the space you need it most. You can also use our <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/find-ac" rel="follow">Find an Air Conditioner</a> tool
<h3>Split air conditioning&nbsp;</h3>
Rather than a singular system, <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/split-system-air-conditioner">split system air conditioners</a> use both an inside and outside unit to keep the cool air in, and funnel warmer air out. Because of this more complicated system, split air conditioners require engineering support to ensure they&rsquo;re installed correctly. With installation included, split air conditioners are one of the most cost effective air conditioning units you can choose.&nbsp;
<h3>Window air conditioners&nbsp;</h3>
Window air conditioners are less common in new builds and more modern houses but can be a great way to cool down a smaller space. While it&rsquo;s possible to fit a window air conditioner yourself, bear in mind that they&rsquo;re often heavy and difficult to manoeuvre. Here at BOXT, we&rsquo;d always recommend enlisting the help of specialists to help you install air conditioning units. In fact, every one of our air conditioning units includes installation with fixed prices, to make sure you get the&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Portable air conditioning units</h3>
Portable options are often a lot more inexpensive thanks to DIY installation and limited power. If you rely on your air conditioner to keep you cool all summer long, you might find it more cost-effective to choose a fixed unit for your wall or floor.
<h2>Is air conditioning expensive to run?&nbsp;</h2>
After the initial installation cost, you&rsquo;ll need to consider how much money you&rsquo;ll spend keeping your home icy-cold even when it&rsquo;s too hot to step outside your front door. Understanding <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/how-much-does-air-conditioning-cost-to-run" rel="follow">how much an air conditioning unit costs to run</a> is determined by several different factors; the longer you run it and the larger your space is, the higher your bill will be at the end of each month. However, to keep your air-con bills down, you can make sure to run your unit only when windows and doors are fully shut, never leave it running when you&rsquo;re not home, and be sure to get your AC serviced regularly.&nbsp;
<h2>Enjoy your summer with BOXT&nbsp;</h2>
Our friendly team works to keep you at your perfect temperature whether it&rsquo;s sunny or snowing outside. If you&rsquo;re looking for the most effective <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow">air conditioner</a> for your home, <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/how-boxt-works" rel="follow">our unique approach</a>&nbsp;will help you find the best option for you.

Have a good night every night with our fixed price air conditioning packages.

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How much does it cost to install air conditioning?

Installing the wrong sized AC unit can waste energy, increase bills, and run ineffectively. Learn how to find the correct sized air conditioner in this guide.

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Although the UK doesn&rsquo;t experience hot weather year-round, it becomes unbearable when we get a heatwave, as many households don&rsquo;t have the necessary cooling systems. Instead of investing in an air conditioning unit, many rely on fans to maintain a comfortable temperature, which only moves hot air around the room.

Using <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow">air conditioning</a> will ensure your home is always prepared for the unexpected hot spells, making you wonder why you put it off for so long. However, it&rsquo;s important to choose a model that&rsquo;s a suitable size for your space. Otherwise, it can be expensive to run and won&rsquo;t achieve the intended results.

To help you find an air conditioner that will effectively and efficiently cool down the room, <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/">BOXT</a> has put together a guide on determining which sized unit you need.

<h2>Why does an air conditioner&rsquo;s size matter?</h2>

Opting for a smaller air conditioner than needed may save you money initially, but it&rsquo;ll likely cost more to run long-term. For a small air conditioner to cool down a large room, it would need to use more energy, causing your electricity bills to surge, without achieving the desired temperature.

In contrast, an air conditioner that&rsquo;s too large won&rsquo;t keep your room colder than if you installed the recommended sized unit. Instead, it&rsquo;ll cool the room down quicker and then turn off without having enough time to remove the moisture from the air. As a result, you&rsquo;ll be left with a cold but humid space. It&rsquo;ll also waste a lot of energy as the system will have to constantly turn on and off to regulate the temperature, which can cause premature wear and tear.&nbsp;

<h2>What sized air conditioner do you need?</h2>

Now that you&rsquo;re familiar with the importance of installing a suitably sized air conditioner, you&rsquo;ll need to follow the below formula to find a suitable unit for your home.

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<h2>Measure the room</h2>

Before researching <a href="https://boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow">home air conditioning</a> units, you&rsquo;ll need to know the dimensions of the space you want to cool down. If the area includes two rooms that a door doesn&rsquo;t separate, combine the sizes.

To find the floor square footage, measure the room in feet and then multiply the room&rsquo;s length times the width. If the space is triangular, divide the total amount by two.

If your room&rsquo;s shape is complex, you may need to consult with a professional to determine the accurate metrics.

<h2>Find the BTU (British Thermal Unit)</h2>

The BTU is the rating used to measure the cooling capacity of an air conditioner. One BTU is the amount of heat needed to increase the room&rsquo;s temperature. In the case of air conditioning, it&rsquo;s the amount of heat it needs to remove. So, the higher the BTU of a unit is, the more powerful it is.

To match the air conditioner&rsquo;s size to the room&rsquo;s size, multiply the area&rsquo;s square footage by 25, which will give you the required BTU.&nbsp;

<h2>Incorporate other factors </h2>
You should incorporate certain aspects of the room into the BTU calculation, to help you find an appropriate air conditioner. Here are some elements that would require adjusting the calculation: 
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lower the BTU by 10% if the room is extremely shaded.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Add 10% to the BTU if the room has high sun exposure.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Due to oven use, increase the BTU by 4,000 if you&rsquo;re placing the unit in a kitchen.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">If more than two people frequently inhabit the area, add 600 BTU for every additional person. </li>
</ul>
Other aspects that can impact which sized air conditioner is most appropriate for a room are the property&rsquo;s location and insulation.

For further advice on finding an appropriately sized air conditioning unit for your house, seek instant advice from a qualified BOXT engineer using our live chat. Need help finding a suitably sized AC unit? 
If you&rsquo;ve decided that your home would benefit from air conditioning, but you need help choosing a suitable unit, use the BOXT &lsquo;<a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/find-ac">find an AC</a>&rsquo; online tool. After answering a few simple questions about your home, we&rsquo;ll find the best air conditioner for your property. Getting the unit installed couldn&rsquo;t be easier either. Simply choose from a wide range of installation dates, including the next day, and get to known the engineer through their profile. The installer can also offer advice on the best placement for your air conditioner. To keep your home at a comfortable temperature through heatwaves, get<a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/find-ac"> a fixed price quote</a> for an installation today.

What size air conditioner do I need? How to calculate

This guide explains the installation process of a home air conditioning unit from professional engineer, to the easy to use system.

Get a fixed price quote for air conditioning 

The summer months can be unbearable depending on where you're located, meaning that more and more households are opting for a home&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" class="sc-9dcc06b0-0 gWkhjm">air conditioning unit</a>&nbsp;to create a more comfortable living environment. In fact, cooling your home isn't the only benefit installing air conditioning has; it's also perfect for filtering and cleaning the air that you breathe, alongside many other health and safety benefits.
Installing air conditioning in a house can be a tricky job if you're not a registered professional or an air conditioning engineer. You need to seek the help of an expert to install your home air conditioning units for you. At BOXT, we can help you to find your ideal air conditioning system and even install it as soon as the very next day. Use our &lsquo;<a href="https://boxt.co.uk/find-ac" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="sc-9dcc06b0-0 gWkhjm">Find An AC</a>' tool to find the perfect air conditioning system to suit you and your needs.
Air conditioning for home use could be your next step in home improvement. This guide will focus on the installation process of a home air conditioning unit from a professional engineer, how you can benefit from your very own, easy-to-control system and the cost of air conditioning in the home.
<img alt="" aria-hidden="true" src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/Tm5HY4fREqjEHqoPpkZU"><img alt="How to Install Air Conditioning.png" src="https://boxt-bcms.imgix.net/nW0nzHgzSsGo860fEAmq?auto=format" decoding="async" data-nimg="intrinsic" srcset="https://boxt-bcms.imgix.net/nW0nzHgzSsGo860fEAmq?auto=format 1x, https://boxt-bcms.imgix.net/nW0nzHgzSsGo860fEAmq?auto=format 2x">
<h2 class="sc-40fe426e-2 VimPi sc-40fe426e-3 gTboyD">Which type of air conditioning system is right for you?</h2>
Depending on the space you have in your home as well as how much control you need, there are a number of different air conditioning types for you to choose from.
<h3 class="sc-40fe426e-3 guSRNI sc-40fe426e-4 hwWghT">Domestic split air conditioning systems</h3>
The domestic or split-system <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow">air conditioner</a> is the usual choice for households. It comprises an indoor unit, and an outdoor unit. There will also be pipes containing refrigerant and cables that need to run between the two units, these are usually concealed in a trunking that will have to run between the indoor and outdoor units.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The indoor unit is mounted on a wall in the chosen room, the outdoor unit mounted either on the wall externally or on the ground, it must be on your land and not pointing too closely towards any of your neighbours near a boundary.
Single split units are for one room, so you have one outdoor unit or &lsquo;compressor&rsquo; that feeds one indoor unit, you can also have Multi split systems which will service multiple rooms from one outdoor unit, these are more expensive and are obviously more time consuming and intrusive to install.
For more information, read our guide -&nbsp;<a href="https://boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/split-system-air-conditioner" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="sc-9dcc06b0-0 gWkhjm">what is a split system air conditioner?</a>
<h3 class="sc-40fe426e-3 guSRNI sc-40fe426e-4 hwWghT">Portable air conditioning systems</h3>
The portable air conditioning system is a less expensive way to heat up your home and is ideal for anyone with a lack of free space or a smaller room. These units are suitable for the occasional cooling of a room and have no need for a refrigerant.
<h2 class="sc-40fe426e-2 VimPi sc-40fe426e-3 gTboyD">The home air conditioning system installation process</h2>
AC units are still relatively new to us here in the uk, and are not yet commonplace in most homes, luckily here at BOXT we have developed a clever system of questions on our website designed to give you the correct size unit for the space you have and also provide you with a list of suitable units from you to choose from.&nbsp;
This allows you to buy a unit and provide our technical team with photos so they can then complete a full survey of the installation and make sure everything will go smoothly on the day.&nbsp;
We will try to run you through what might typically be entailed when installing an AC unit.&nbsp;
Your indoor unit
To install the home air conditioner units of a split system, you must first have an idea of where your units will be mounted and installed.&nbsp;
The indoor unit should be mounted with enough free air around it to allow warm air to be circulated into the unit for it to cool down.&nbsp;
The installation is relatively simple with holes needing to be drilled to mount the unit and run the pipes either through the wall direct to outside, or up and across loft spaces to the outside, for example.
<h3 class="sc-40fe426e-3 guSRNI sc-40fe426e-4 hwWghT">Your outdoor unit</h3>
The outdoor unit should be mounted with plenty of free air, and should always take into consideration clearances stipulated by the manufacturer - thankfully, our website should take care of all that for you.&nbsp;
The unit can be quite flexible with the location as it can be mounted high level or low level and tucked away to hide it from view.It's important to know the outdoor unit is a large fan and will make noise, so it is always worth taking into consideration when thinking about its position.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Each air conditioning system will have its own specific methods and instructions for wiring up the two units, so it's important your engineer follows these methods correctly.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2 class="sc-40fe426e-2 VimPi sc-40fe426e-3 gTboyD">How much does it cost to install air conditioning in a house in the UK?</h2>
The cost to install an air conditioning system in your home can vary greatly depending on the system you choose and the engineer who installs it for you. As a company that works closely with a number of reputable air conditioning manufacturers, we can offer you a system that is of the highest quality at a great fixed price.
Answer these questions to find out more information and for more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/find-ac/a0cae5f5-2838-4672-ac09-bf2d01ca0983" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="sc-9dcc06b0-0 gWkhjm">personalised pricing air conditioning options</a>&nbsp;to suit your needs.
Or, take a look at our handy guide on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/how-much-does-it-cost-to-install-air-conditioning" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="sc-9dcc06b0-0 gWkhjm">how much it costs to install air conditioning.</a>
<h3 class="sc-40fe426e-3 guSRNI sc-40fe426e-4 hwWghT">Is a home air conditioning system for you?</h3>
Purchasing a home <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow">air conditioning system</a> could be a worthy investment for you and the occupants of your property. If you're in need of some more information on how to install air conditioning or if you'd like to go through the next steps, we can help. We can assist you in finding your perfect air conditioning system for a fixed, fair price and install your units as soon as the very next day.
<h2 class="sc-40fe426e-2 VimPi sc-40fe426e-3 gTboyD">Home air conditioning installation FAQs</h2>
<h3 class="sc-40fe426e-3 guSRNI sc-40fe426e-4 hwWghT">Can you install a home AC unit yourself?</h3>
Installing air conditioning into your home can be tricky if you&rsquo;re not a registered professional. It involves lots of specific training and you have to be licensed to work with refrigerants, so it&rsquo;s probably best to put it in the hands of somebody familiar with installing air conditioning, like the experts at BOXT.
<h3 class="sc-40fe426e-3 guSRNI sc-40fe426e-4 hwWghT">How long does it take to install an outside AC unit?</h3>
Typically, replacing your current air conditioning system can take around 4-8 hours, so you can expect the installation to be complete within one day. However, if you have a new air conditioning system installed, you can expect this to take a couple of days. Installation time can also vary depending on the complexity of the job.

How to install home air conditioning units

Wondering how to choose an air conditioner? Let BOXT's experts be your guide to different types of air conditioning solutions

Being in a comfortable environment is everything. You spend a lot of your time in the home, so when the summer months come around, you need a cool space, free from humidity. When shopping around for a large product or one that is a big investment, you need it to be right for you. Air conditioning is no exception.
Which <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow">air conditioner</a> should you choose for your home? This guide will cover the different types of air conditioning and which are better suited to your property.
<h2>What you should know before you buy an AC system.</h2>
Wondering how to choose an air conditioner? Before you go out and hand pick the first air conditioning system you see, there are a number of things you need to consider. You must ensure you get the most out of you system and that it fits your home set up.
<h3>Your room and system size.</h3>
Possibly the most important factor when choosing your air conditioning is the sizing of your room and new <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow">air con unit</a>. If you pick an air conditioner that is too small for a room, you&rsquo;ll not feel much difference in temperature, if any. If your air conditioner is too large for the room, you&rsquo;ll waste a lot of energy as your system will be constantly turning on and off to try and regulate your temperature.
<h3>Speed settings.</h3>
The speed of the fan in your air conditioning system should be adjustable to enable you to control how much clean air will flow around the room. If a room is particularly hot and stuffy, for example, a higher setting will enable you to cool your room much faster. You will also be able to find a perfect, quieter setting for night time usage, if required.

<h3>Other additional features.</h3>
From remote and <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/smart-home/guides/smart-thermostat-v-traditional-thermostat" rel="follow">smart thermostats </a>to energy saving settings, your AC system can be personalised to your exact requirements. If needed, you can opt for a remote thermostat, for example, meaning that you can adjust the temperature settings using a separate controller. You may even be able to save electricity and money on your bills by choosing the energy saving option on some models.
<h2>Air conditioning types.</h2>
Finding the right air conditioning system for you completely depends on your needs. Here are the main types of air conditioning system in the UK, some of which may be better suited to your home or property than others:
<h3>Split air conditioning systems.</h3>
This type of air conditioning is the most common. A <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/split-system-air-conditioner" rel="follow">split system air conditioner</a> involves the placement of a wall mounted unit indoors and an outdoor unit connected to it. This type of AC system is a great choice for a number of reasons. Not only do they only require a small hole to be cut through a wall to connect the two units, eliminating the need for any large structural work, but it also comes with the ability to control room temperature yourself and heat your home too when desired.
If you&rsquo;re happy to have a <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/wall-mounted-air-conditioning" rel="follow">wall mounted unit</a> in your home and care about the efficiency of your system, then a split system is the one for you.
Why choose this type of air conditioner?

<ul>
<li>Energy efficient.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Cooling and heating benefits.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Simple installation.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Central air conditioning.</h3>
Central <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow">air conditioning</a> systems are more common in newer homes or newbuilds. This is usually because <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/air-conditioning-ducting" rel="follow">ducts</a> will need to be installed throughout existing walls. If you have an older home, this will result in cutting into your existing walls - a big job, and something that is better to avoid. Even though the energy efficiency rates are high, the upfront costs are high. This is due to the duct installation and the time it takes to complete. You&rsquo;ll also need to install an outdoor compressor too.
Why choose this type of air conditioner?

<ul>
<li>Good for newbuilds.</li>
<li>Energy efficient.</li>
<li>Effective and quiet in operation.</li>
</ul>

If you&rsquo;re going through the process of property remodel or you don&rsquo;t have a limit in your budget, a central air conditioning system may be suitable.
<h3>Portable air conditioners.</h3>
Portable air conditioners are a convenient alternative to a larger air conditioning system and are perfect for moving around to cool a smaller room or area. Even though the portable system isn&rsquo;t as efficient as the central or split system air conditioner, they can be a great option for those who rent property or tend to move around often. Usually, a portable air conditioner has a more stylish design in order to fit in with the decor of your home. The built in wheels make it easier to transport from room to room and they are also very easy to control.
If you need a convenient option and something you can transport from room to room without paying out, then a portable air conditioner is for you. &nbsp;
Why choose this type of air conditioner?

<ul>
<li>Easy to move and control.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Great for those who rent or move often.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Cheaper than larger system.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Which air conditioner is best?</h2>
Well, the only way to find out for sure is to do your research on the types of system we&rsquo;ve already mentioned and decide which possess the biggest advantages for you and your home set up. Take on board the benefits and decide what is achievable for you home.
If you&rsquo;re struggling to decide, you can always use our web chat to talk to an engineer. We&rsquo;ll try our best to answer any questions and make recommendations based on your needs.
Read: <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/energy-efficiency-ratio" rel="follow">EER in air conditioners</a>
<h4>Decide which air conditioner is for you by choosing BOXT.</h4>
The most suitable air conditioner for you can depend on a number of things, including the size of the space you wish to cool, your budget and the features included. Here at BOXT, we&rsquo;ve made things incredibly simple when deciding which air conditioner is for you.
Use our &lsquo;<a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/find-ac" rel="follow">Find An AC</a>&rsquo; tool to choose an air conditioner best suited to your needs. It works by gathering the answers to some simple questions about your home environment and needs, and will then present a number of different air conditioning systems to you, based entirely on your needs.
For more information about which air conditioner you should choose, you can chat instantly to a qualified BOXT engineer using our live chat.

<h2>Related guides.</h2>
<a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/what-is-an-inverter-air-conditioner" rel="follow">What is an inverter air conditioner?</a>

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