There’s no question that our summers are getting hotter and heatwaves are becoming more common. But how we keep ourselves and our homes cool is less obvious. Do we invest in technology or do we make other alterations to our homes?
Air conditioning is something that we’re used to seeing in offices and homes in warmer climates but it’s not something that many of us have considered using in our own homes before now. However, if you’ve been struggling to stay cool during the last few summers, air conditioning might be starting to look like an attractive option.
Of course, air conditioning might not be something you’re familiar with and you may have a whole heap of questions running through your head. So, let’s try to answer some of the most common questions that crop up about air conditioning, to help you make an informed decision.
Four Common Questions About Using Air Conditioning in the Home
Are air conditioners worth the money?
Air conditioning units can be quite expensive to buy, so one of the top questions on your mind is probably whether they’re worth the money. Well, the first thing to mention is that air conditioning prices do vary, depending on the type you buy. For instance, a portable air conditioning unit is only likely to cost between £150 and £400, while a ducted system for the whole house is going to cost at least £10,000.
The answer as to whether air conditioning is worth splashing out on depends on your personal situation. You need to decide whether the benefits outweigh the cost. But what are those benefits?
Excessive heat can be dangerous for the young, old and those with health conditions. So, air conditioning can help to keep your loved ones safe during the hot weather. Plus, the filtering out of pollen and other allergens can help improve the air quality, so you may find breathing easier.
Cooler air does keep the home feeling comfortable, making it easier to get a good night’s sleep. This means you’re going to function better during the day. It’s also going to make life more bearable if you’re home working and don’t have the advantage of office air conditioning.
Although an air conditioning system can cost a lot of money to install, it may add as much as 5% to your property value. This value is likely to vary depending on where you live but it’s likely that buyers in the south – where temperatures can be several degrees higher than the rest of the UK – are going to find air conditioning a desirable feature. So, this is another benefit to consider.
Are air conditioning units expensive to run?
In short, no matter what type of air conditioner you use, it will cost money to run. Typically, a portable unit uses between 800W and 2500W of power, meaning you could be spending somewhere between 20p and 62p per hour running one. Split units tend to use a lot more power than this, so they do cost more to run. However, it’s likely to work more efficiently than a portable unit, so you probably won’t need it on for as long. This means, using an air conditioning unit, needn’t be expensive.
You should also consider other ways to keep your house cool as this will help to reduce the number of hours you need to run your air conditioning for. This could include making your home more thermally efficient. Insulating your roof and walls will not only help keep your house warm in winter but will help it to stay cool in summer. Other solutions such as closing blinds when the sun’s shining will also help.
Are they noisy?
Air conditioners use a motor, so there is some noise involved. Portable units tend to have a noise level of around 55dB but to find the quietest, you should compare the specifications of models before you buy. Placing your unit on a solid surface will reduce vibrations, helping to keep this noise down.
Split air conditioners tend to run with a noise level between 20 and 40dB. But you need to bear in mind that the compressor unit is placed outside and this can make about 50dB of noise. So, it’s not just the noise levels indoors you need to consider. Quieter compressors run at about 40dB, which is a similar noise level to a refrigerator. However, to ensure a split air con system doesn’t irritate you or your neighbours, you’ll need to keep it maintained with regular servicing and run it on a low-power or quiet mode in the evenings.
Does air conditioning need to vent outside?
Air conditioning doesn’t always need to vent outside. Split air conditioning units don’t usually vent outside but most portable units and systems that are designed to cool the whole house do. Split air conditioners do need to be connected to an external compressor unit though and do need to be installed professionally. For portable air conditioning units, you may need to buy a separate window kit to vent it outside, but these tend to be the easiest type to set up.
Have you ever had concerns or questions about using air conditioning at home? Share your thoughts and let’s discuss them together!
*Disclosure: Collaborative Post
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Franca 💋
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