Types of Air Conditioning for UK Homes (And Which One’s Actually Worth It)

Types of Air Conditioning for UK Homes (And Which One’s Actually Worth It)

As UK summers heat up (cheers, climate change), air con is quickly going from a nice-to-have to a must-have. But with energy bills climbing and dozens of models shouting for your attention, choosing the right air conditioner can feel like a full-time job.

Don’t sweat it - we’ve got you.

This guide breaks down the main types of air conditioners available in the UK, explains how they work, and lays out the pros, cons, and costs in plain English.

Whether you’re cooling a cosy flat or a full-on family pad, we’ll help you find the best fit for your home, budget, and sanity.

Let’s dive in…

💨 Ready to chill without the guesswork? Find out exactly what size air conditioner you need - and get a fixed price in seconds here.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

  • Wall-mounted split systems offer the best mix of quiet operation, efficiency, and long-term value

  • Portable units are cheap and flexible but noisy and less efficient

  • Ducted systems deliver invisible, whole-home cooling - but come with a hefty price tag

  • Window units rarely work in UK homes due to incompatible windows

  • Hybrid and smart ACs are ideal for future-proofing and reducing reliance on gas heating

  • 👉 Check the latest AC prices (including installation) here.

[1] Portable Air Conditioners: Flexible but Limited

Portable air conditioners are a go-to for quick, no-fuss cooling.

These plug-in units suck in warm air, cool it using refrigerant, and chuck the heat out through a hose (usually out a window).

Setup’s dead simple: plug it in, fit the window kit, and chill.

But while they’re convenient, there are a few trade-offs. They’re not exactly whisper-quiet - most hum away at 50–60 decibels (about as loud as a dishwasher), which can be annoying in bedrooms or work calls.

They’re also less energy-efficient than other options, so you might notice a spike in your electricity bill.

That said, they’re relatively cheap (£200–£600), don’t need installation, and are perfect for renters or anyone cooling a small space (think home office or bedroom up to 30 m²).

Just don’t expect them to cool your whole house - or do it quietly.

Best for: Short-term cooling in small rooms or rented properties.

[2] Wall-Mounted Split Air Conditioners: The UK Favourite

Wall-mounted split systems are quickly becoming the UK’s cooling system of choice - and it’s not hard to see why.

These setups have two parts: a sleek indoor unit mounted high on the wall, and an outdoor unit that boots the heat out.

Linked by refrigerant pipes, they deliver powerful, efficient cooling for spaces up to 50 m².

They’re whisper-quiet (as low as 20–40 decibels - quieter than your fridge) and look the part in modern homes.

The catch? You’re looking at £800–£2,000 including installation, which does involve a bit of drilling and pipework.

But with top-tier A++ energy ratings, they’re super cheap to run, making them ideal if you’re using your AC regularly.

Perfect for bedrooms, lounges, conservatories, and anywhere you want long-term comfort without the noise or faff.

Best for: Year-round cooling in your home’s busiest rooms.

Ready to install? Get a fixed-price quote in seconds

[3] Ducted Air Conditioning: Whole-Home Comfort Without the Clutter

If you’re after invisible, whisper-quiet cooling across the whole house, ducted air conditioning is the top-tier option.

A central unit (usually tucked away in the loft or ceiling) pushes cool air through hidden ducts and vents in multiple rooms, keeping the temperature steady and the aesthetics spotless.

But let’s be real: it’s not cheap. Installation involves serious ductwork and can cost anywhere from £5,000 to £10,000.

That’s why it’s best suited to new builds or major refurbs, where the system can be designed in from the start without ripping up your ceilings.

Still, if you’re cooling a big home and want a clean, built-in finish with no visible units or noise, ducted AC is the gold standard.

Best for: Large homes or full-scale renovations where you want sleek, silent, whole-home cooling.

[4] Window Units: A Rare Sight in the UK

Window air conditioners are everywhere in the US, but in the UK? Not so much.

These chunky, all-in-one units perch in a window frame, pulling in warm air, cooling it, and blasting the heat outside.

The problem? Most UK windows (like casement or sash styles) just aren’t built for them. Even if you can wedge one in, they’re noisy (50–60 decibels), block the view, and stick out like a sore thumb.

They’re cheap-ish (£300–£800) and get the job done in a pinch, but they’re less efficient, not exactly stylish, and rarely the best fit for UK homes.

Best for: Temporary cooling in the rare UK home with the right type of window (good luck).

[5] Hybrid & Smart AC Systems: Future-Proof Cooling

If you’re the kind of person who controls the lights with your voice and tracks your steps before breakfast, hybrid and smart air conditioners might be your jam.

Hybrid systems work as both air con and heat pumps - keeping you cool in summer and toasty in winter.

Smart ACs (often part of split or hybrid setups) come with Wi-Fi and app control, so you can tweak the temperature from your phone or boss it around via Alexa.

Prices start around £1,500–£3,000 including installation. Not the cheapest option, but with high efficiency and full control at your fingertips, they’re a solid long-term investment - especially if you’re trying to use your gas boiler less.

Best for: Tech lovers and future-proofers who want all-in-one comfort with maximum control.

Which Type of Air Conditioner Suits Your Home?

The best air conditioner for you depends on three things: your space, your budget, and how much cooling power you actually need (not just want).

To make life easier, here’s a quick side-by-side of the key features, costs, and ideal use cases for each type - so you can pick the one that actually makes sense for your home (not just the one with the flashiest remote).

Type

Cooling Power

Noise (dB)

Price Range

Installation

Portable

Low (up to 30 m²)

50-60

£200–£600

None

Wall-Mounted Split

Medium - High (up to 50 m²)

20-40

£800–£2,000

Professional

Ducted

Whole-home

20-30

£5,000–£10,000

Major

Window

Low

50-60

£300–£800

Moderate

Hybrid/Smart

Medium-High + Heating

20-40

£1,500–£3,000

Professional

Not all air conditioners are created equal, and not all homes need the same setup. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Room size - portable units are fine for smaller rooms. Split systems suit medium spaces. Ducted? That’s your whole-home solution.

  • How often do you use it? - Just need the odd blast of cold air? Go portable. Daily use? Go split or ducted.

  • Your budget-portable = cheapest upfront. Split is = solid mid-range option. Ducted = big investment, big payoff.

  • Looks - split and ducted systems are easy on the eye. Portable and window units… not so much.

Still not sure? Use our quote tool to get a personalised recommendation in seconds.

“For most UK homes, a wall-mounted split system offers the best mix of comfort, energy efficiency, and value for money - especially in bedrooms or living areas.” - Patrick Garner, Heatable AC Manager

Why Wall-Mounted Split Systems Are Winning Over UK Homeowners

More and more Brits are ditching noisy portable units and bulky window boxes in favour of sleek, wall-mounted split systems - and frankly, we get it.

These systems are whisper-quiet (some as low as 20 dB), ultra-efficient (A++ energy ratings are common), and powerful enough to cool spaces up to 50 m².

That makes them a brilliant fit for modern homes, flats, and anyone fed up with sweating through another summer.

They’re especially handy in heat-prone spots like south-facing conservatories, loft bedrooms, or new builds with poor ventilation - cooling the space quickly and quietly without guzzling electricity.

Yes, installation comes with a higher upfront cost, but the long-term savings on your energy bills can make it a smart move.

Add in features like smart controls, sleek design, and low maintenance, and it’s clear why these units are climbing the ranks.

In short?

Wall-mounted split systems tick the boxes for comfort, cost-efficiency, and style - no wonder they’re becoming the UK’s go-to AC choice.

Practical Tips for Choosing Your Air Conditioner

Still deciding? Here’s how to match the system to your space, lifestyle, and wallet:

  • Renting or cooling a single room? A portable unit is your best bet. No drilling, no commitment - just plug, vent, and chill. Ideal for renters or if you’re just dipping a toe into the AC world.

  • In a flat or smaller home? Go for a wall-mounted split system. It’s quiet, efficient, and much cheaper to run long-term than a portable. A++ ratings are common, and many models double as heaters too.

  • Got a hot loft bedroom or glass-heavy conservatory? Pick a higher-capacity split system (around 12,000 BTU+). These areas trap heat fast, so you’ll want something powerful that doesn’t sound like a jet engine.

  • Cooling a large home or multiple rooms at once? If you’re renovating or planning long-term, ducted air con gives full-house cooling with no visible units. It’s pricey upfront, but offers seamless comfort and resale value.

  • Tech-savvy or aiming to cut gas use? Consider a smart hybrid system - they cool in summer, heat in winter, and let you control everything from your phone.

Next Steps For Your AC Journey:

When planning to install air conditioning for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:

To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos.

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Last updated 1 Jul, 2025

Patrick Garner
Written by Patrick Garner

Patrick Garner, a Gas Safe certified engineer, leads the boiler installations team at Heatable. A wealth of experience, he has successfully overseen the installation of thousands of heating systems.

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