We all take pride in our homes and have the latest home entertainment and kitchen gadgets. Still, few people consider what may be best for them to give year-round advantages to a UK home. We are familiar with homes in hotter climes such as the USA and Australia having air conditioning installed — but is it worth getting air conditioning in the UK?
Air conditioning can be one of the best investments you can make in your property. Most homeowners are not aware of the complete benefits it can bring. Most people see air conditioning purely as a way of cooling down a space — which, given the increased summer temperatures in the UK, is something most people need. But air conditioners can do much more than just cool. They are highly efficient heaters and can act as dehumidifiers during damp and wet months.
Here are our top reasons to own a household air conditioning system.
It Can Be a Life Saver
Excess heat and the inability to cool down are life-threatening. The ONS (Office for National Statistics) recorded over 10% more heat-related deaths in the UK in 2022 during peak summer temperatures. Many of these could have been prevented with a properly maintained air conditioning system.
As temperatures climb, keeping a UK home cool is increasingly difficult. Most UK homes are designed to maximise natural light — large windows and patio doors that let in sunlight, and with it, heat that is difficult to remove without mechanical cooling.
Improved Air Quality
Air conditioners filter the air as it circulates. Modern systems include HEPA filters and ionisers capable of removing allergens, pollutants, and in some cases even viruses. This is a significant benefit for households where a member suffers from allergies or asthma.
These filters do require regular cleaning and maintenance to remain effective — something to factor into your ongoing running costs.
Better Work Environment
With many people working from home, maintaining a comfortable workspace is essential. Your old office was climate controlled to keep you productive — now that responsibility falls to you. Heat impairs cognitive function and concentration, and a poorly controlled home office environment can directly affect the quality of your work output.
Keep Out Insects and Bugs
A functioning air conditioning system means you can keep windows and doors closed during summer months, keeping out flies, midges, wasps, and other insects that can make warm evenings uncomfortable.
Sleep Better
Sleeping in a temperature-controlled environment promotes deeper, more restful sleep. Your body naturally adjusts its temperature during sleep, and excess heat disrupts this process. Air conditioning lets you set the room to a temperature that suits you, helping to guarantee an undisturbed night.
Increased Security
With a fully functioning air conditioning system, you no longer need to leave windows and doors open to cool the house. Closed windows make your home a significantly more difficult target for opportunist burglars.
Protect Your Electronics
Computers, tablets, and TVs are particularly susceptible to heat. Sustained high temperatures can cause components to degrade faster and increase the risk of breakdowns. An air-conditioned home helps these devices run efficiently and extends their lifespan.
Protect Your Furniture
Furniture does not respond well to heat or humidity. Sofas and chairs can absorb moisture in damp conditions, leading to mould in extreme cases. Leather hardens and cracks in high heat. Wooden furniture can warp or split with changes in temperature or humidity. Air conditioning manages both temperature and humidity, with most systems including a dedicated dehumidify setting.
Reduces Dehydration
When we overheat, our body cools itself through sweating — but sweating causes fluid loss, and in high humidity conditions it becomes less effective. Dehydration at its extreme can cause serious health issues including loss of consciousness. Air conditioning reduces the risk by keeping ambient temperatures at a comfortable, manageable level.
A Better Place to Live
Overall, installing a new system or maintaining your existing one will benefit everyone in the household — including pets. Dogs in particular can struggle to regulate their body temperature in extreme heat.
If you already have an air conditioning system, ensure it is fully maintained and filters are cleaned regularly. If you have yet to install one, there has never been a better time. Speak to a reputable installer and explore the latest technologies available.
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