In the UK, many homes struggle in hot weather. Modern insulation, improved glazing and larger windows can help retain heat in winter, but they can also make rooms feel stuffy during warm spells. Fans can help move air around, but they don’t lower the temperature. Sleep can become difficult, and children can feel hot and unsettled, especially when humidity rises. The right solution can make summer far more comfortable.

In this guide, we cover the practical benefits of installing a cooling system and what to look for when choosing one for your home. We’ll also explain how the right setup can support comfort and sleep on muggy nights, and what to consider before you buy.

Quick summary
Who this guide is for:
Homeowners and landlords who want more comfortable rooms during summer and are weighing up portable versus fixed systems.
What it covers: Key benefits, common features, and how to choose the right capacity and setup for your space.
Key takeaways: Match the unit to the room, prioritise low-noise and sensible controls for bedrooms, and use a qualified engineer for any fixed system with refrigerant pipework.

If you’re not sure where to start, our guide on choosing the right home system can help you narrow down the options before you commit.

If you or a family member has asthma, summer can be more challenging. A well-chosen system may help some people manage indoor triggers by improving comfort and helping to control humidity. Many units also recirculate air through filters, which can reduce airborne particles inside the home over time.

That said, it’s important to keep filters clean and arrange regular servicing. Poor maintenance can reduce performance and may worsen indoor air quality. If you have asthma or allergies, speak to a clinician for personalised advice, and consider a professional check of the system’s condition and filtration. You can learn what routine care involves in our service and maintenance overview.

 

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On long summer evenings, it can be tempting to leave doors and windows open. Using a cooling unit can help you stay comfortable while keeping them closed, which may reduce security risks.

As with any change to how you ventilate your home, aim for a balanced approach: keep your space comfortable while still allowing for adequate fresh air when needed.

 

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

Does your exercise routine tail off in summer because it’s simply too warm indoors? A comfortable home environment can make it easier to keep moving throughout the year, even when outdoor temperatures rise.

Lower humidity and steadier temperatures can also make home workouts feel more manageable, which can support consistency and overall well-being.

 

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

Opening windows can invite flies, wasps and other insects in – day and night. Keeping windows and doors closed can help you stay cooler without turning your home into a magnet for bugs.

It’s a simple comfort win: fewer pests inside, and a more pleasant temperature at the same time.

 

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

There’s nothing worse in summer than losing sleep on hot, humid nights. Good rest matters for mood, focus and day-to-day energy.

Many people find it helps to cool the bedroom before bedtime, then use a timer or sleep mode to maintain comfort without overcooling. If night-time noise is a concern, it’s worth reading our guide on how noisy units can be and what affects sound levels.

 

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’ve seen some of the benefits, let’s look at what to consider if you decide a cooling system is a good choice for your home.

Step 1: Choose the right type
There are two main types of units: portable (standalone) and fixed split systems. A portable unit typically plugs into a socket and uses a hose to vent warm air out of a window. A split system has an indoor and outdoor component, connected by refrigerant pipework and electrical supplies.

Important safety and compliance note
Any fixed system that involves refrigerant pipework must be installed and commissioned by a suitably qualified engineer. This isn’t just best practice – it’s a legal and environmental requirement under F-Gas rules. If you’d like a qualified engineer to check what’s suitable for your property, you can request a no-obligation visit via our free survey request form.

Step 2: Size the unit to the space
Units come in different capacities. You’ll often see output quoted in BTU (British Thermal Units) for cooling performance. A higher BTU rating generally means the unit can deliver more cooling for larger rooms, but it does not automatically mean it’s more energy efficient.

Correct sizing matters. Too small and it may struggle to keep up; too large and it can cycle on and off more often than needed. If you’re unsure what capacity you need, our guide on choosing the right unit size explains the factors to consider.

Step 3: Look for features that match how you’ll use it
There are a few useful features to look out for, depending on the rooms you want to improve:

Dehumidifier – Helpful for homes that hold onto moisture or feel clammy during warm spells. Dehumidification can improve comfort and may help reduce the conditions that encourage mould growth, provided any underlying damp issues are addressed.
Fan speed – Variable fan speeds give you more control over airflow and how quickly the room feels comfortable. Some units offer a fan-only mode for air movement without cooling.
Heat – Many fixed systems can also provide heating. This can be useful in shoulder seasons, but it’s important to choose a setup that suits your home and how you’ll use it.
Night mode – Sleep or quiet modes can reduce noise and adjust output to better match night-time conditions. Many people prefer to cool the room before bed, then use a timer overnight for steady comfort and reduced running time.

Local context: Bristol and the South West

Homes across Bristol and the wider South West range from Victorian terraces and post-war builds to modern apartments and renovated loft conversions. These properties can behave very differently in summer, particularly where insulation upgrades have been made, but shading and ventilation are limited.

If you’re considering an outdoor unit, it’s sensible to think early about placement, neighbour impact and noise. Flats, conservation areas and listed buildings can also add extra considerations. Our guide on planning permission for air conditioning in the UK explains when you may need to check with the local PA and what to watch for.

FAQs

Do I need a professional to install a system at home?

Portable units can usually be set up by the homeowner. For fixed split systems, installation and commissioning should be carried out by a suitably qualified engineer, especially where refrigerant pipework is involved.

Will it help with humidity?

Many systems remove moisture as they cool, which can make rooms feel less sticky. The best approach depends on how the space is used and whether there are any existing moisture issues that should be addressed separately.

Are the units loud at night?

Noise varies by model, installation and settings. For bedrooms, prioritise quiet modes and sensible control (timers and setpoints), and consider placement carefully. Our article on unit noise and what affects it covers the main factors.

How often should it be serviced?

Servicing frequency depends on the type of system, how often it runs, and the environment (for example, homes with pets or higher dust levels). Regular filter checks and professional maintenance help keep performance stable and reduce the risk of issues over time. See our maintenance and servicing information for an overview.

Next steps

If you’re looking to improve comfort at home during summer, the right system can make a real difference, but the best results come from choosing the correct type, sizing it properly and installing it safely.

Controlled Climate Ltd supports homeowners across Bristol and the South West with straightforward advice, qualified engineers and a practical, safety-first approach. If you’d like us to assess your space and recommend suitable options, start with our free survey request form or contact our team to talk it through.