There’s nothing worse than being too hot to sleep. The British summer has finally arrived, and you’ve trundled out your fans, but it’s just not enough. Right now, you might only be able to think about quickly dropping your home’s temperature, but choosing the best air conditioning system is about more than keeping cool during the summer. It’s about making sure your home remains comfortable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective all year round. A well-chosen home air conditioning unit will offer consistent cooling, lower energy consumption, and fewer maintenance issues, while a poor choice can lead to uneven temperatures and unexpected costs.
No matter if you’re seeking a small, wall-mounted unit to cool your home or a whole home multi-unit system, our qualified engineers are here to help you figure out how to choose an air conditioning system for your home. Our air conditioning services include supplying, designing, and fitting the ideal air conditioning system tailored to your specific needs.
Different Types of Air Conditioning Systems
Unfortunately, home air conditioners aren’t one-size-fits-all. Various options are available, from systems that cool the entire house to those designed for single rooms.
Central Air Conditioning
Central air conditioning is a top choice if you want a solution to cool your entire home. It uses a system of ducts to efficiently distribute cool air throughout multiple rooms, which is ideal for larger homes or properties with existing ductwork.
This system guarantees consistent temperatures across the house, offering uniform comfort in every room. However, choosing the correct system size is important to maximise energy efficiency and decrease energy costs. Although the initial installation can be more costly, home air conditioning systems are often a sound long-term investment, particularly for larger households.
Split Systems
Split systems provide a versatile solution, mainly if you would rather cool specific areas of your home. These systems feature an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor units, allowing you to control the temperature in different zones independently.
This setup is especially beneficial for homes without existing ductwork or if energy efficiency is a concern. Split air conditioning systems are also relatively easy to install and known for their quiet operation, making them suitable for bedrooms or other quiet spaces.
Portable Air Conditioner
If you need to cool smaller spaces or individual rooms, portable air conditioning is a simple and affordable option. They are usually the cheapest type of air conditioner, making them a good choice if you’re on a budget. These portable units are easy to set up and can be moved from room to room, giving you flexibility in where you want to cool. However, they’re not as effective in larger rooms and can be noisier than other types of air conditioners. Since they use a hose to get rid of warm air, you need to make sure they are properly vented.
Things To Think About When Choosing a Home Air Conditioning System
When many people start researching home AC options, they often look at the initial outlay for the system. We advise that while having a budget in mind is helpful as a guide, it’s worth being flexible to make sure you choose a system that will meet your needs, operate efficiently and provide long-term comfort.
Energy Efficiency
Pay attention to the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, which measures how energy-efficient air conditioning systems are during a cooling season. If you’re taking steps to reduce your carbon footprint or are conscious of keeping your energy bills down, you’ll want to choose a system with a higher SEER rating, as this will consume less energy during the warmer months.
While SEER ratings are essential for understanding how efficiently a system will perform during the cooling season, it’s also important to consider year-round performance. This is where the UK’s Energy Labelling Scheme comes into play. The energy label categorises appliances from A+++ (most efficient) to G (least efficient), providing a broader perspective on overall efficiency across all seasons. Aim to buy a system with a high energy rating, such as A++ or A+++, so that your air conditioner performs efficiently throughout the entire year, helping you save on energy costs in the long run.
Room and System Size
We are often asked, ‘what size air conditioning unit do I need?’. A system that’s too small will struggle to cool your space, while one that’s too large will cycle on and off too frequently, leading to wasted energy and uneven temperatures. When choosing the best air conditioner, make sure you’ve considered factors like ceiling height, insulation, and the number of windows, as these variables will impact how effective the system will be.
Once you have calculated your room’s cubic footage, you must work out the required cooling capacity in BTUs. BTUs (British Thermal Units) show how much heat an AC unit can remove from a room in an hour.
Our easy-to-use quote calculator will calculate the total area in cubic meters and suggest the best air conditioning units based on your requirements.
Installation and Maintenance
Central air conditioning systems are great for cooling your entire home, but they require a more extensive installation. This involves installing ductwork throughout the house and making electrical changes, which usually requires professional expertise and comes with higher costs. Maintaining these systems is also more involved because of the ducts and other parts, so it’s recommended to have a professional air conditioning inspection every year to keep everything running well.
Split air conditioning systems, which have an indoor and outdoor unit, are easier to install than central systems. The installation involves connecting the two units with pipes and wires, so it’s quicker and cheaper. Maintaining split systems is simpler, too; you just need to clean the indoor unit’s filters regularly and check the outdoor unit every so often to make sure it’s working properly.
Portable air conditioners are the easiest to install and maintain. Installation is as simple as positioning the unit and connecting a vent hose to expel warm air outside. Maintenance is minimal, typically involving regular filter cleaning and occasional checks for blockages or leaks. This makes portable systems an attractive option for those who need flexible cooling with minimal installation and upkeep requirements.
Smart and Programmable Thermostats
Smart thermostats have become increasingly popular for managing central heating, and they bring the same benefits to air conditioning systems. These thermostats, which are often compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and other apps, let you set different temperatures for various times of the day, ensuring your system isn’t overworking when the house is empty. This feature is particularly handy for pet owners who want to keep their pets comfortable whilst they are not at home.
Geofencing is a standout feature of many smart thermostats, which uses your smartphone’s location to adjust the temperature automatically based on your proximity to your home. For example, your AC can turn on as you approach home, making sure you arrive in a cool, comfortable environment, or it can switch to an energy-saving mode when you leave.
Air Quality and Filtration
Indoor air quality is an important aspect of your decision, especially for households with allergy sufferers or anyone with respiratory concerns. A good air conditioning system should include high-quality filters to remove dust, pollen, and other airborne particles from your home environment.
Look for systems that offer advanced filtration options, such as HEPA filters, which can capture up to 99.97% of particles that pass through them. Having the best filtration will help maintain a healthy indoor environment and improve the overall comfort of your home.
Noise Levels
Noise levels are often overlooked when selecting an air conditioning system but can greatly impact your comfort.
Different air conditioning systems produce varying levels of noise. Central air conditioning systems typically generate some noise from the outdoor unit, but because the system is located away from living spaces, the sound is usually less noticeable inside the home. Split systems are known for their quiet operation, as the noisy components are located outside, making them an excellent choice for noise-sensitive areas. Portable units can be louder because the entire system is housed in a single unit installed within the room.
Checking the decibel (dB) rating will give you an idea of how loud the unit will be. Choosing a system with a lower dB rating can help maintain a peaceful environment, especially in areas where quiet is essential.
Trust GLP to Install the Right Air Conditioning System for Your Home
At GLP, we understand that every home is unique, so we take the time to assess your needs before recommending the best solution. Whether you’re considering a central air conditioning system for whole-home comfort, a split system for specific areas, or a portable unit for a single room, we’ll guide you to the perfect choice that fits your space, budget, and lifestyle.
Our commitment doesn’t stop at installation—we also provide detailed air conditioning inspections to keep your system running smoothly and prevent costly repairs.
If you know what you need, try our air conditioning quote calculator to get an estimate online. If you’re unsure, contact us, and we’ll arrange a consultation to help you find your home’s ideal air conditioning system.