Repairman doing air conditioner servise

If you consider adding an air conditioning unit or a thermostat to your home, it can be a wise investment. We’ll talk about the cost towards the end of this article, in which we have outlined several factors you need to take into account. Before we get into those, let’s have a quick look at how the air condition units work.

How Does AC Work?

The principle behind AC is very simple. An AC unit – that’s the central part of the system – consists of a refrigerant (just as your refrigerator uses a chemical to perform) plus a condenser, a compressor, and various other components all packed in a metal casing. We won’t go into deep detail, but here’s what happens: the compressor drives the system, and the condenser draws warm air from within your home. This is then expelled outside.

The system constantly works to keep your room or rooms at an even temperature. These devices are robust and built to last many years but are aware they need regular maintenance – perhaps an annual service – if you are to get the best out of your AC system. So, in short, rather than pushing cool air into your rooms, the AC unit is taking the warm air out.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

The general answer to the above question is usually no. However, it is always sensible to check with your local planning department. There will be permitted development rights attached to your home, and these may differ by location. Nobody wants to live next door to a massive and noisy machine, so talk to a local AC installation expert such as Air Pro Heating & Air Conditioning as they will be aware of any regulations.

What Types of AC Are There?

You may not know that air conditioning is not a new concept and has been around in some form since the early part of the 20th century. Modern AC units have come a long way since then, so let’s have a look at some of the available types of AAC units.

  • Window AC systems use a small AC unit that is mounted directly in a window. The unit takes the warm air out of a single room, for example, making these a popular choice in city apartments where you will see them all over. These need no ducting as the unit does all the work directly.
  • Through the Wall, systems are mounted on a wall rather than a window and operate the same way as the window system. These are usually fitted flush to the Wall, so you do not have the ugly appearance you get with the window version. They also offer higher cooling capacity, suitable for larger rooms or perhaps a couple of adjoining spaces.
  • Central AC systems are the type that covers the entire building. These use a powerful AC unit and a series of ducts through which the air is delivered and removed, keeping the house at an even temperature. This is the type to go for if you have a larger home.
  • Portable AC units need no installation and no ducting. They can be placed anywhere and simply remove warm air in the same way as any other system, delivering it to the outside through a simple hose via a window.
  • Ductless split air conditioners are among the latest versions. These can be used for both heating and cooling, do not require ducts, and are among the most energy-efficient of all AC systems, although they may be the more expensive option.

What about Ducting?

We have touched on energy efficiency, and there is some correlation between air conditioning and the environment in terms of added heat. However, modern units are surprisingly energy efficient. You will need ducts if you are looking at an AC unit for a larger home in the central form. If your home does not already have them, you may need to look at an alternative as retrofitting ducts is not easy. It can be done, so talk to your local AC experts before you choose a system, and they will be able to give you the best advice.

What Size Do I Need?

This depends entirely on the home or room you are looking to put an AC unit in. If you live in a small apartment and wish to cool, for example, a living room, then it may be that the portable system is sufficient. Bear in mind this can be moved around – perhaps to the bedroom at night – for added convenience. For a fixed unit, the window-mounted version – though ugly – will do a good job.

If you have a larger home, you will need a more powerful unit. The best advice is to talk to an AC installation company who will assess the number and size of the rooms in your home and advise the power of the unit you need.

Where Should I Place the AC Unit?

The simple answer is that you should find a place outdoors in the shade if you fit a central AC unit. Direct sunlight will affect the performance of the equipment and may cause it to overheat. This will drastically reduce the effectiveness of the machine and may cause damage and you will also get disturbed while watching kickass torrent. Ask the experts as they will know where best to put your system.

What Can I Expect to Pay?

Finally, the cost! Please bear in mind that we are giving you a broad range of potential costs as each installation is different, and therefore, we cannot give you an exact price. You can expect to pay between $3000 and $600 for a central AC installation, with the average being around $5000. Ducting will cost you an additional $1000 to $3000, depending on the size of the home. If all you need is a portable unit, these are available from $350 upwards.

We hope this article has helped you understand more about AC, so talk to the local experts now and get an accurate quote.