Can Electricians Install Air Conditioners?

0 Shares

With all the pipework connections, should it be a plumber who installs an air conditioning unit?

Depending on the AC unit you wish to purchase, you may need an electrician and a plumber. Many heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) companies have a specialist team for some installs. Split air conditioning is more challenging to install when compared with cassette type units.

Contents

Do you use an electrician or plumber to fit air conditioning in the UK?

You will need an electrician to make the terminations and possibly add a 23 A breaker in the consumer unit/ fuse board.

Your air conditioning unit will likely be on a new circuit to deal with the additional load and, as such, will fall under part P of the building regulations, which is a notifiable job.

You will also need an EICR or an NICEIC electrical certificate.

You may find using a plumber and an electrician beneficial, especially for split air conditioning units.

Can I install my own air conditioning in the UK?

There are pre-gassed cassette units for the DIY installer. They are relatively easy to install, and they come ready to go just by plugging into the main’s electricity.

You need to be fully aware of the updated refrigerant gas regulations.

If your air conditioning unit needs a 32 A breaker, you will need an electrician to for this either into the existing consumer unit/fuse board.

This will prevent you from completing the installation electrically because the installation will be under part P of the building regulations and is notifiable to the local buildings planning officer.

Do you need planning permission to fit air conditioning in the UK?

There may be certain cases where you need planning permission from your local authority to install a split type of window type air conditioning unit.

Some air conditioning units are quite large and noisy, which could cause a nuisance to your neighbours.

Before proceeding, you should seek clarification from your local authority.

When you don’t need planning permission

There is no requirement to apply for planning permission if your proposed air conditioning unit is not installed on a pitched roof.

When the external unit is not positioned within a distance of one metre from the edge of a flat roof on your dwelling.

Is cassette AC better than split AC?

It depends on what you want from your air conditioner. A split type air conditioning unit splits the package by putting the mechanical part of the air conditioning away from the living/working areas making split air conditioning quiet and unobtrusive.

With a split air conditioning unit, you may not even hear the whisper of the fan through the incoming ductwork.

Cassette type air conditioning normally occupies a central position in the room’s ceiling, which can disrupt lighting in some cases.

Yet they are cool and provide a pleasant environment for home and office use.

Do split air conditioners drip water?

Not very often! If your air conditioner is dripping water, airborne dust and grime build up on the air conditioner’s filters and even the condenser unit.

With all of the mechanical parts of the installation being outside, if the ductwork has been installed correctly, you should not experience any drips from a split air conditioner.

Do Cassette air conditioners drip water?

Yes, when the air conditioner is dirty from airborne dust particles, the air conditioner will start to drip water.

Before you know it, your cassette air conditioner is leaking water over your desk or carpet. This should not be a problem if you have your cassette air conditioner serviced regularly. However, regular maintenance tends to slip because of the infrequent need for air conditioning in the UK.

How much does it cost to run a 2.5 KW air conditioner in the UK?

This is the suggested running cost of air conditioning in the UK based on the kW rating of the unit.

Air conditioner unit output	Room size	Cost to run per hour
2.5kW	Small	44p
3.5kW	Medium	60p
5kW	Large	85p

Air conditioning is quite expensive to run, so the decision on if to install it or not is quite big.

Is it worth getting air conditioning in the UK?

It’s subjective and comes down to your own personal preferences. In recent years summer months have been warmer, and it can become unbearable.

There have been many heat-related deaths as brits are not used to continuous warm weather for months.

If you have young children or elderly folks in your home, it could be worth investing.

What does a 3.5kW air conditioning unit cost in the UK?

Fully installed for around £3,000

What size room will a 3.5 kW air conditioner cool?

20m2 to 30m2 is the largest room for a 3.5kW air conditioning unit or smaller if possible.

For a room of 10m2 to 20m2, a 3.5kW will provide adequate cooling for a room of this size.

What percentage of UK homes have air conditioning?

10.5% of homes in the UK have air conditioning, but it is becoming more popular, and as the summer months extend, more and more people will opt to install air conditioning in their homes.

Does air conditioning add value to a home UK?

Air conditioners have a finite life, and the cost of an air conditioner is less than 5k, so it’s unlikely an air conditioner will add any substantial resale value to your home.