Air Conditioning Buying Guide

Choosing the right air conditioner unit for your home or office can be a daunting task, especially in the UK with its varying climate and weather conditions. Likewise, there are so many different models, features, and price points to pick from. So, which one is right for you?

Our ultimate air conditioner buying guide will make you an expert in finding the right air conditioning system that fits your needs and budget.

• Your room and unit size
• How powerful do I need my air conditioner to be?
• BTU calculator
• Portable air conditioners
• Wall split air conditioning systems
• Ceiling air conditioners
• Commercial air conditioning units
• Things to consider
• Do air conditioners require maintenance?
• Are air conditioners safe?

Your Room and System Size

Measuring your room space is essential to picking the right air conditioning unit. The measurements should include the length, width and height of your room and account for any alcoves, windows, and doors.

This will help you narrow down the power of the unit you will need, here is why...

Top Tips

• Use our BTU calculator to work out which sized unit is best for you.
• Our portable air conditioners collection  handily sorts units by room size for you.

How Powerful Do I Need My Air Conditioner to Be?

Top Tip

• You can always run two smaller units in a large room, rather than just one large unit.

BTU Calculator

Use our handy BTU calculator to work out the specific BTUs required for your air conditioner. It works this out from your room size and how the room is used.

When calculating BTUs, you will have to consider windows (especially if they are south facing or a conservatory), the number of people that are usually in the room (yes, we give off heat too!), and the number of electrical appliances used in the room. These factors can increase the BTU requirement in addition to room size.

BTU Calculator

What If the BTU Calculator Suggests a BTU That Is Unavailable in an Air Con Unit?

We advise going for the more powerful unit that is available.

For example, imagine the calculator suggests you need 8,000 BTUs to cool your room. However, most air con units around that power are 7,000 BTUs or 9,000 BTUs. What do you do? In this case, go for the bigger 9,000 BTU air conditioner. It will adequately cool the room and not put strain on the unit. And do not worry about extra running costs, the unit’s thermostat will stop the motor running once the room is at the desired temperature.

Now that you know the BTUs you need, you can move on to choosing the right type of air conditioner.

Types of Air Conditioners

Shop Portable Units

Portable Air Conditioners

Portable air conditioning (PAC) units are the most popular type of air conditioner used in UK homes. They are versatile, cost effective and great for the British weather – just get them out when needed, and then store them away again when the temperature drops. These units offer a fantastic way to cool rooms down quickly and effectively, right from the box.

With a portable AC unit, you can enjoy the comfort of cool air in any room of your home quickly and easily. Overall, portable air conditioners are an efficient and convenient way to keep your home cool and comfortable, even on the hottest days of the year.

Positives

Portable air conditioners are very popular and make up 90% of our air conditioner sales. They are cost effective, easy to use, and (as the name suggests) can be moved around the home. Portable air conditioners can be stored away when not needed and require little maintenance (just a light clean now and again). As they work straight from the box, they require no professional installation. Just plug them in and let the cooling begin.

The units we sell come with the latest features seen on high-end cooling and ventilation systems. Look for Wi-Fi/App connectivity, allowing you to set schedules when you are not at home. Imagine the joy of walking into a cooled room on a sweltering day! You can even control them through your Alexa or Google Home smart speaker – if picking up the remote is too much hard work.

Some air conditioners even offer heating and dehumidifier settings, making them versatile all year round. Read more on that in our Using Your Portable Air Conditioner All Year Round.

Drawbacks

The downside to portable air cons is the venting requirement. They need to be positioned so they can vent warm air outside. This could be through a window, using a window kit, or a purpose-built vent hole through the wall. This makes them less attractive if you do not have these options available or are concerned about the aesthetics. Another concern is the noise. Because the cooling motor is inside the unit, it makes them louder than a wall split air conditioner.

Pros

Affordable

Easy to move around

No installation required

Cons

Less powerful than other types of units

May struggle to cool larger spaces effectively

Requires a window or door for venting

Wall Split Air Conditioning Systems

A wall split air conditioner, or sometimes known as a “wall mounted” AC, is a cool way to beat the heat. It's got two parts: one unit that goes inside your home on your wall, and another one outside with all the heavy-duty stuff like the compressor. They're linked together by electrical and refrigeration lines. This setup is super-efficient for cooling down specific rooms or areas in your house.

 

Shop Wall Split Units

Positives

Wall split units offer a sleek and professional solution to cooling and heating. As the name suggests, the unit is split in to two sections. This provides more floor space, less trip hazards and maintains the aesthetics of the room. They are incredibly quiet and more powerful than portable air conditioners.

Drawbacks

The benefits unfortunately come at a cost. A wall split air conditioning system is much more expensive to both buy and install. Once installed, it cannot be moved around the home. The cooling motor (a sizable grey looking box) is located outside the property, which could be unsightly.

We can sell you a wall split unit, but it cannot be installed by anyone but an F-Gas registered engineer. And as you can imagine, this process takes more time and planning - not great when you need cooling now.

Pros

Energy efficient

Cools a room quickly

Reduced noise level

Cons

Requires professional installation

Higher initial costs

Fixed unit, not portable

Ceiling Air Conditioners

Consider ceiling air conditioners if you have restricted wall space in large commercial buildings. These units fit discreetly into the ceiling, distributing an even flow of cool air throughout the area. Plus, they operate quietly and are energy efficient. However, it is important to note that ceiling air conditioners come with a higher price tag and must be installed by a qualified professional.

Shop Ceiling Units

Pros

Even cooling throughout a space

Relatively quiet and energy efficient

Good for spaces with limited wall space

Cons

More expensive than other types of units

Require professional installation

Commercial Air Conditioning Units

Commercial air conditioning units are designed for large commercial spaces such as offices, shopping malls, and hospitals. They are powerful and can provide cooling for large areas. They are also customisable to fit the specific needs of a space, such as the number of occupants, humidity levels, and air quality. However, they are the most expensive option and also require professional installation and maintenance.

Shop Commercial Units

Pros

Powerful and customisable for
large commercial spaces

Good for specific needs such as
humidity levels and air quality

Cons

Are the most
expensive option

Requires professional
installation and maintenance

Not suitable for home use

Things to Consider

How Are You Able to Vent The Unit?

Most air conditioning units require some form of venting, whether through a window, wall, or ductwork. Consider the layout of your space and choose a unit that can be vented in a way that works for you. If you're using a portable unit, look for one with a flexible hose that can be adjusted to fit your space.

What Features Are You Looking For?

There are different features that come with air conditioning units. Here are a few examples:

Programmable Thermostat

A unit with a programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperature and schedule the air conditioner to turn on and off at specific times, saving energy and money.

Air Filtration

An air conditioner with a good filtration system can remove allergens, dust, and other particles from the air, improving air quality and reducing allergy symptoms.

Noise Level

Air conditioners can be noisy, and some units are louder than others. Choosing a unit with a low decibel level can improve comfort and reduce disturbance. Some units have a Sleep Mode to reduce the noise level during the night.

Smart Features

Some air conditioners come with smart features that allow you to control the unit remotely through a smartphone app, voice commands, or home automation systems.

Do Air Conditioners Require Maintenance?

Maintaining your air conditioning unit is an essential task that can greatly benefit your overall health and safety. One of the critical components of your air conditioning system is the filter, which plays a significant role in ensuring that the air you breathe is clean and free of pollutants. A dirty filter can cause your unit to work harder, which can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs. To avoid these problems, it's crucial to clean or replace your filter regularly. Remember, always follow your manufactures directions. And if your air conditioner is a wall spilt unit or commercial, you must have a F-Gas registered engineer maintain and service your unit, you cannot do this yourself unless you have the relevant qualifications.

Moreover, safety should always be a top priority when dealing with air conditioning units. Therefore, it's crucial to keep the surrounding area clear of any obstructions, such as furniture or plants, and to ensure that your unit is installed correctly. By adhering to these maintenance tips, you'll be able to keep your air conditioning unit in optimal condition and enjoy safe, pleasant air quality.

Are Air Conditioners Safe?

Yes, air conditioners are safe to use if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. They should be regularly serviced, and all parts of the system must be in good working order for it to operate safely. Air conditioning units also come with safety features such as auto shut-off and built-in safety sensors that will turn the unit off if the temperature drops to a certain level.

If it's a spilt wall AC unit, make sure your air conditioner is installed by an F Gas registered installer and that you follow all safety precautions when operating the unit such as keeping combustible materials away from the condenser and not blocking the vents. With all this in mind, make sure to take the appropriate safety precautions when selecting and using your air conditioner.

To pick the right air conditioning unit for you, you have to consider factors like space size, noise preferences, budget, and specific features that meet your needs. Wall-mounted, ceiling, or commercial units each offer unique advantages. You also have to keep in mind venting options, features, and maintenance requirements. Proper installation and maintenance extend the unit's lifespan and ensure safe, high-quality air conditions. By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing an air conditioning system.