Air Conditioning: The Benefits and Buying Guide

In the UK our homes don’t cope well with the heat. With all of the energy-saving features such as cavity wall and loft insulation as well as triple glazing and large windows, our homes are not designed for hot weather. So, what’s the alternative? Fans just circulate warm air and it can feel like they have no effect, sleeping is problematic, and children are hot and uncomfortable. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

In this guide, we will cover some of the benefits associated with installing an air conditioning system and how it can improve your health, make your home more comfortable and improve your sleep when humidity is high during the summer.

Asthma

If you or a member of your family suffers from asthma, the summer months can be particularly challenging. With the installation of an air conditioning unit, it may help to reduce asthma attacks. This is because when air conditioning is in operation it reduces the humidity levels in your home which can be high during the summer while decreasing the levels of mould, mildew, pollen and other allergens which can often be triggers for asthma attacks or symptoms. When air conditions run, they also reduce exposure to indoor allergens such as dust mites.

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Improved Security

With the long summer days stretching ahead it might be tempting to leave all of your doors and windows open. But this could present an opportunity for would-be criminals. Using an air conditioner will allow you to keep your windows and doors closed, improving security and the safety of your family.

A hand adjusts a dial labelled "Security" on a machine, with a gauge showing a security level indicator ranging from 0% to 100%.

No Excuse Not to Do Exercise

Do you find that your exercise routine reduces or disappears during the summer because it’s just too hot? Well, there is another way. Air conditioning can provide a cool and comfortable environment in which to exercise so you can maintain your fitness throughout the year, no matter how hot it gets during the summer. When your home is at a more comfortable temperature and the humidity is low, you are more likely to stick to your exercise regime which only has a positive impact on your overall health and wellbeing.

A man doing push-ups on a kitchen floor with a smiling child riding on his back.

Fewer Unwanted Guests

There’s nothing worse than opening your windows and having flies, wasps or other critters entering your home day and night. Keep your windows and doors closed and your home bug-free during the heat, without baking in the summer sun. Your home will be pest-free and a comfortable temperature too.

Sign with a red circle and an image of a fly, stating: "To avoid unwanted guests please keep the window closed.

Improved Sleep

There’s nothing worse in the summer than losing days or even weeks of sleep too hot, humid nights. We need sleep to function properly. You don’t want to wake up for work and feel like you’ve just drifted off to sleep in the early hours. You can set your air conditioning to a comfortable temperature overnight allowing you to get some much-needed rest and relaxation so you wake up the next morning refreshed, reinvigorated and ready for the day ahead.

Diagram with "Good Sleep" in the center, surrounded by benefits: improved memory, decision-making, stress management, concentration, energy, immune system, and physical health.

Now that you have an understanding of some of the benefits associated with air conditioning, let’s take a closer look at what you should consider if you decide that an air conditioning system is a good choice for your home.

There are two main types of air conditioner, standalone and split unit. A standalone air conditioner is one that is plugged into the wall and a hose will be directed out of an open window. A split unit air conditioner, on the other hand, will have an outdoor and an indoor component. The outdoor unit will be fitted to an outside wall on the ground floor and the internal unit will be fitted to a wall inside your home.

An air conditioning unit is available in many different shapes and sizes and the size you need will depend on your requirements. The power of an air conditioning unit is measured in BTU (British Thermal Unit) output. The higher this level, the more efficient the unit will be at cooling a room in your home.

There are also certain features that you can look out for in an air conditioning unit including:

Dehumidifier – Make your air conditioner work for you with the added benefits of a dehumidifier. Ideal for homes that retain moisture and are prone to problems with damp. The dehumidifier will remove excess moisture from the air.
Fan speed – Some air conditioning units are available with varying fan speeds which will impact on how quickly your room temperature is reduced. There are usually between two and three different speeds for the fan on your air conditioner. Some have a fan only setting which doesn’t cool the room, just circulates the air which helps to promote airflow around the room.
Heat – Depending on the unit that you purchase, there are some air conditioning units that also double up as a heater, particularly useful for the winter months.
Night mode – You can switch the air conditioner to a sleep mode which will reduce the noise of the unit and the temperature will automatically adapt during the night to accommodate for the lower temperatures so you won’t wake up in the early hours of the morning unbearably cold. It is recommended that you pre-cool your bedroom before you go to sleep rather than leaving the unit running all night.

If you are looking to increase the air quality of your home during the summer and reduce the temperature to a more comfortable level, the installation of an air conditioning unit might be a good fit for you and your home. It is important to choose a reputable provider who will talk you through all of the different options that are available and find out how you will use the system to achieve the best benefits. Improve the quality of your sleep, reduce pests and decrease the chances of you or your family member having an asthma attack due to polluted air or high humidity in your home.