A/C installation costs in the UK: Average Cost, Factors, and Ways to Save

The Complete Guide to Aircon Installation Costs in the U.K.

Air conditioner (A/C) installation can really make a difference to your comfort levels, especially during a stifling summer. Knowing how much A/C installation costs is a great place to start, helping you find the right installer for your budget.

Table of Contents:

• How much does A/C installation cost?
• Factors affecting A/C installation charges
• How much does it cost to install different A/C types?
• Additional A/C installation costs to consider
• Air conditioner installation hourly rates
• How to calculate aircon installation costs
• Checklist for hiring an A/C installation specialist
• What’s involved in installing air conditioning?
• Frequently Asked Questions

How much does A/C installation cost?

From the air conditioning unit you choose to the size of your home and the complexity of the installation itself, many factors can affect the final price of A/C installation.

Portable A/C units

Cost range: £150 – £400

Split air conditioning systems

Cost range: £800 – £2500 for a single room, £6,500 – £9,500 for an entire property

Ducted air conditioning systems

Cost range: £2,500 to £3,500 for a single room, £10,000 to £14,500 for an entire property

For a more accurate idea of what A/C installation will cost, ask for a bespoke quote from an A/C specialist. They can answer any questions you might have about the job and its associated costs. In this guide, we’ll break down some of the considerations a skilled air con installer will make when quoting for the work.

Don’t forget to check out reviews, too. These will give you a good idea of similar jobs they’ve worked on before.

Factors affecting A/C installation charges

Several factors impact the overall cost of installing air conditioning in your home:

Type of A/C system

The type of air conditioning unit you choose (split-system, ducted, portable, etc) will always affect the price. Central systems tend to be more expensive as they’re trickier to install.

• Split-system A/C: A popular choice for affordability and efficiency.
  • You can expect to pay between £800 to £2,500 for a single-room split system installation. If you’re having a multi-split A/C system installed in multiple rooms, this could cost you anywhere between £3,000 to £6,500, depending on the number of units you need.

• Ducted A/C: The best choice for whole-house cooling.
  • Ducted A/C systems come at a premium due to the extensive ductwork and the more complex system. Duct A/C installation can range from £2,500 to £3,500 for a single room, and rise from anywhere between £10,000 to £14,500 for a multi-room property.

• Portable A/C: The best option for no installation.
  • Portable A/C units are a low-cost option for single rooms and are typically priced between £150 to £400. They’re an affordable option. However, they’re typically less powerful and energy efficient — as such, this is reflected in their pricing.

BTU (British Thermal Units)

The BTU of your A/C unit determines its cooling capacity, and it can also influence your overall installation costs. The higher the BTU, the more powerful your A/C unit is — but this does come at a premium.

• Low BTU units (5,000 to 10,000 BTU)

• Mid-range BTU units (10,000 to 20,000 BTU)
• High BTU units (20,000+ BTU)

It’s also worth noting that A/C units with high BTU ratings could warrant extra electrical work or structural modifications, incurring an extra cost.

Room size

The size of the unit is generally determined by the square footage of your home. Larger areas require more powerful systems, which cost more to buy and install.

• Small rooms (up to 20m²)
  • For smaller rooms, you could get away with a lower-capacity A/C unit to cut your costs.
• Medium room (20-40m²)
  • Medium-sized rooms will likely require A/C units with a higher BTU (British Thermal Units) rating — and this can increase your overall cost.

• Large room / open plan spaces (40m² and above)
  • For a large room, you will need to purchase an A/C system with an even bigger capacity, increasing the overall price. We recommend ducted systems for whole-home installations as they deliver the highest cooling efficiency.

Installation complexity

How simple it is to install will affect the price of the job. Additional electrical work, structural modifications, and ease of access can make a difference in what you pay.

• Electrical work
  • A standard split-system A/C installation usually only needs a few wiring adjustments, but if there’s more extensive electrical work to be done, electrician fees range from £150 to £500 — depending on the A/C setup and your property type.
    
• Structural modifications
  • If your home lacks easy access to outdoor walls or rooftops, you may be charged extra for the inconvenience. You may be charged £500 to £1,500 extra so that your A/C specialist can drill through certain walls or complete ceiling installations.

• Ease of access
  • Similar to our last point, flats or buildings with strict planning regulations could require custom A/C solutions With this in mind, you could receive an extra charge anywhere between £300 to £1,000 for these bespoke A/C adjustments.

That’s a lot to consider — but don’t sweat (pun intended). Your installer can talk you through your options and help you find the right A/C installation solution for your budget.

How much does it cost to install different A/C types?

The cost of aircon installation can vary, depending on the unit you choose. 

• Split-system A/C: Installing this type of A/C will usually cost from £800 to £2800 per room. It’s a popular choice for homes due to its high efficiency and relatively straightforward installation process.
• Ducted A/C: Installation costs for ducted aircon systems usually range from £2500 to £4000 per room or up to £14500 for the whole property, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the installation. 
• Portable A/C units: These are the most affordable option, with prices starting at around £150. However, they are less efficient and are more suited to smaller spaces.
• Multi-Split A/C: Costs vary depending on the number of indoor units you need and how complex the installation is. This type of unit is ideal for homes with multiple rooms requiring air conditioning.

Additional A/C installation costs to consider

Beyond the cost of the system and installation, there are other expenses you might need to budget for. 

• Warranty and maintenance: Buying extended warranties or regular maintenance plans can increase the initial A/C installation cost. However, they can save you money in the long run as you can avoid expensive repairs or replacements.

In your A/C warranty and maintenance contract, you’ll usually find information about parts and labour costs for A/C repairs and dates for scheduled maintenance visits, refrigerant top-ups, filter replacements, inspections, and testings.

• Upgrades: Sometimes, your home’s existing electrical system or insulation will need upgrading to accommodate the new A/C system, which can add to the overall cost

Your installation specialist will always talk to you about any necessary extras before undertaking the work, so there’ll be no nasty surprises.

Air conditioner installation hourly rates

No matter what kind of A/C unit you’re going for, it’s always helpful to have an idea of the hourly labour costs. These rates vary depending on your location, the installation complexity, and the installer’s experience level. 

It can cost around £50 per hour for a professional to install a single A/C unit or £400 per hour for a team to carry out whole-house A/C installation. 

Keep in mind that rates may be higher in urban areas, like London, and during the summer months. 

How to calculate aircon installation costs

The best way to estimate the price of installing an air conditioner is to decide which areas of your home you want to keep cool. Once you know the number and size of the rooms that need A/C, a local specialist can provide you with a more accurate cost estimate. You can then estimate the amount of time you’ll need to have the installation specialist. From there, multiply the number of hours needed by the rate the installation specialist charges. This will give you your expected labour cost. However, don’t forget to include cost of the air conditioning units themselves. 

Domestic air conditioning installation quotes

What should an A/C installation quote look like? A good quote will include the price of the aircon unit itself, the installation labour, and any additional expenses such as ductwork or electrical upgrades. 

Checklist for hiring an A/C specialist

When choosing an air conditioning specialist near you for an installation, you can use this checklist to ensure you choose the right person for the job:

• Check their profile to see what sort of A/C services they offer and a bit about their experience.
• Check their reviews and ratings.
• Compare their rates and make sure they suit your budget.
• Confirm if their rates include VAT, travel costs, and any extras for additional work.
• Don’t be afraid to ask them about their certifications or qualifications. Your professional A/C installer should have an F-Gas certification, for example. This is a legal requirement for handling refrigerants.
  
  You can also check if they’re a member of a recognised trade body like REFCOM (Register of Companies Competent to Handle Refrigerants) or BESA (Building Engineering Services Association)
• Check that they have public liability insurance to cover any accidental damage.
• Ask whether they offer any maintenance plans or aftercare options.
• Select the date you’re available for an A/C installation and ask for an estimate on how long the installation will take — taking your property’s layout into account.
• Try and chat with your chosen installer about the types of work they’ve done before to see how familiar they are with your A/C unit and similar property layouts.

What’s involved in installing air conditioning?

A/C installation can be a complex process, which is why it’s always worth using an experienced installer instead of toughing it out yourself.

Your air conditioning installation will begin with an initial consultation and a quote. This is the best time to ask any questions you may have. Once your quote is accepted, your installer will help you plan the installation, covering the type of A/C unit you’d like and where you’d like it placed.

Once the work has been arranged, they’ll install the indoor and outdoor units, which involves mounting brackets, connecting refrigerant lines and setting up the drainage system. If ductwork is required, it will be installed or modified to distribute cool air throughout your home.

Electrical connections are then made to power it, followed by testing to ensure everything works properly. Finally, your chosen specialist will give you a walkthrough of how to use and maintain your system, so you’re all set.

Frequently Asked Questions about A/C Installation Costs in the UK

Can I install an air conditioning system myself?

While it might be tempting to install an air-con system yourself to cut costs, it’s generally not recommended. A/C Installation is tricky work and involves complex tasks like handling refrigerant, electrical wiring, and ensuring proper ventilation and drainage. Mistakes can lead to inefficiency, high energy bills and even hazards like fires or leaks. Getting an experienced AC specialist to fit your system provides peace of mind so you can kick back, relax, and enjoy your fresh, comfortable space.

Does an air conditioner require any maintenance?

All air conditioners need regular maintenance to remain efficient and to last longer. This includes cleaning filters (usually every 1-3 months), checking refrigerant levels, cleaning the drain line, and inspecting electrical components. When your system is fitted, you’ll be guided through what you need to do to get the best out of your A/C long-term.

How much does it cost to remove an air conditioner system?

Removing an air conditioning system when it’s outdated, inefficient, or faulty is a tough job to attempt yourself. Removing an aircon unit usually costs between £70 and £180. The price will depend on the type and size of the unit, your location and any additional work needed. 

How long does it take to install an air conditioning unit?

We know it’s disruptive to have someone working in your home, so it’s important to know ahead of time how long the job will take. On average, installing a standard-split system A/C installation takes around 1-2 days. For simpler systems, like portable or window units, you’re usually looking at just a few hours.