How much does air conditioner installation cost in the UK?

With the summer months getting hotter yearly, air conditioners are now considered essential home appliances in the UK. If you’re already planning to invest in them, knowing the installation costs involved is vital, as this helps prepare not only your budget but also guides you in making informed decisions about which kind of system you should choose. 

Find more about air conditioner installation costs in this guide and learn some valuable tips on minimising these costs.

What are the average costs of air conditioner installation in the UK?

On average, air conditioner (AC) installation costs £543 to £1,670 in the UK. However, prices can vary widely by city because each area has different cost of living levels. Here is a breakdown of the average costs of installing air conditioning by city: 

*Includes average labour costs only.

What factors affect the costs of air conditioner installation?

Various factors can affect the total cost of installing an AC system, and we’ll break down each factor in this section. This will help you see how to stick to your budget while still meeting your cooling needs. 

Air conditioner brand

Like other appliances, air conditioners come in brands with different features and designs. Premium brands such as Daikin, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, and Panasonic have advanced features that require a specialised procedure, so installing them costs more. 

Moreover, most premium brands come with extended warranties. For the warranties to be valid, you’ll have to ask the technician to use branded parts, driving up the cost. 

For instance, Mitsubishi Electric and Daikin air conditioners are equipped with smart connectivity systems that require the installer to use additional wiring to integrate into a home’s automation system. They will have to work with precision and brand-specific parts to ensure proper installation, which can incur higher prices. 

Meanwhile, budget brands such as Midea and Fujitsu require simple installations, as their air conditioning units often have limited advanced features. These brands can be a viable option for users looking to save on initial costs or those with simpler cooling needs. 

Below are some of the popular air conditioner brands in the UK and their average cost per unit and installation: 

Air conditioning type

Your choice of air conditioning type may also affect installation costs. Let’s start with the most common one—the split system air conditioner. Also known as the ductless mini-split, a split-type system comprises an indoor unit and an outdoor compressor that releases the heat absorbed from inside the building to the outside. 

A ductless mini-split is more affordable than ducted air conditioning but more expensive than a regular wall or window unit. Prices for split system air conditioners range from £1,000 to £2,500.

Other variations of a split system air conditioning are multi-split and floor-mounted air conditioners. Installation costs are higher for a multi-split air conditioner because it consists of several indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit compressor. The cost of fitting a multi-split air conditioner is typically around £3,483 to £11,000.

Meanwhile, floor-mounted air conditioners are designed to be placed directly on the floor. The installation cost for a floor-mounted air conditioner typically ranges from £1,233 to £3,500.

A split air conditioner and portable AC for home cooling. (Source: iStock)

Next are the ducted air conditioners. These are the most expensive air conditioning types because they require additional ductwork before the actual installation. Even if you already have some ducts installed, the technician must upgrade the ductwork and wiring before installing the air conditioner. For reference, ducted systems can cost more than £16,000.

Fortunately, you can still find inexpensive ones like window and through-the-wall units. The former are simpler to install, as you only need to set up an air conditioner in an open window. 

Through-the-wall units require more labour because you may need to ask a carpenter to cut a hole in the wall that would fit the air conditioner. Despite the added labour expense, wall air conditioners are relatively affordable to install, with prices ranging from £1,231 — £3,300. 

Portable air conditioners are the next most affordable option, with prices starting at £177. However, they aren’t as efficient as the others and are only suitable for small rooms.

Below is a breakdown of prices for installing an AC unit based on type:

Area size

Air conditioning installation costs can also depend on the size of the area that requires cooling. For example, large rooms with an area of more than 60 m² require air conditioning units with a large capacity, ideally around 27,000 BTU/hr, to ensure optimal cooling. Installation costs are higher because air conditioners with large capacities often have more complex parts to run. 

Here’s a rough guide on the ideal air conditioning system capacity based on the room size and estimated installation costs: 

Installation complexity

Labour is often correlated to the time spent completing a job. So, the more advanced an air conditioner is, the higher the installation cost. Take multi-split air conditioners, for example. Even though they usually don’t need ductwork, some structural modifications and preparation are required before installation. 

You’ll have to hire a carpenter or engineer to create wall openings for the refrigerant lines and drainage. AC installations also involve some electrical work, especially if your house is old and needs new electrical panels or circuits to handle the load of modern air conditioning units. 

Moreover, the additional tools needed to finish the job can add to air conditioning installation costs. This often applies to a split system air conditioner, in which installers use vacuum pumps to remove excess moisture in the refrigerant lines, as moisture can damage the internal parts. 

Installing a split air conditioner for efficient cooling. (Source: iStock)

Location

Your location can also dictate AC installation costs. Prices are higher for hiring HVAC technicians in London and Manchester because these areas have a high cost of living compared to others. The average labour cost for air conditioner installations in these cities is around £20 to £35 per hour, while those in rural areas charge £15 to £20 per hour. However, specific hourly rates can still vary based on the technician’s experience and the complexity of the job.

Moreover, cities with urbanisation are packed with high-rise towers and apartment complexes. These high-density type of housing often needs multi-split air conditioners, which are more expensive to install. 

Special features or upgrades

Although special features and upgrades can add to the total cost of installing an air conditioner, they can help you save costs in the long term by improving energy efficiency. Here are some of the most popular features or upgrades for air conditioners: 

Smart thermostat

 Enjoy effortless climate control with a smart thermostat. (Source: iStock)

Adjusting air conditioner temperature settings is easier with smart thermostats. These devices allow you to control and program air conditioners using your smartphone or tablet with Wi-Fi connectivity. Some smart thermostats also have AI-integrated systems that can learn your habits and automatically adjust to your desired temperature settings. 

In the UK, smart thermostats cost £90 to £185 for the unit alone. However, some air conditioning models have built-in smart thermostats, and they typically cost around £253 to £2,000. 

Air purifier 

Some air conditioners now have an air purification system with built-in HEPA filters that help remove allergens like dust, pollen, and dander. Since this is an added feature, it requires more labour and configuration on the installer’s part, so expect higher costs. In the UK, high wall system air conditioners with advanced filtration can cost around £2,250 or more. 

Additionally, you’ll have to factor in future maintenance costs. Once it’s time for your periodic air conditioning cleaning, you’ll need to have the filters and other essential purifying components replaced.

UV light

UV light is a good way to level up your air purifying systems. It sterilises air and eliminates bacteria, mould, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms, preventing microbial growth. This makes it easier to maintain your air conditioner because it keeps the ducts and parts clean, improving efficiency and longevity.

UV lights integrated into air conditioning systems often cost around £579 to £1,499. However, you can buy UV lamps alone and have someone install them for you. UV lamps usually cost around £8 to £340 in the UK.

Variable speed compressor

Energy efficiency is a vital feature in modern air conditioners, as this helps lower electricity consumption. Units with a variable-speed compressor are prime examples of such environmentally friendly appliances since they dynamically adjust their speed to maintain a consistent indoor temperature. 

For instance, if it’s too hot, the compressor might run faster to cool the room faster. On the other hand, if the weather is mild, it runs at a lower speed, using less energy while keeping the temperature steady.

Since this is a unique and advanced feature, air conditioners with variable-speed compressors have higher upfront costs, ranging from £585  to £1,300. Despite the added expense, it’s a worthwhile investment for homeowners looking into long-term energy savings and improved systems.

Noise reduction tech

Relax undisturbed with a silent air conditioning system. (Source: iStock)

Most premium air conditioning units have noise reduction technology, such as quiet mode settings, integrated into their systems. This includes insulated compressors, vibration dampers, and specially designed fan blades that help minimise noise. One of the benefits of upgrading to an air conditioner with noise reduction technology is that it enhances user comfort while sleeping or working in a home office. 

Date and time

Your timing of availing of the service can also affect AC installation prices. Expect the costs to be higher during summer (which often starts around June) when the demand for such services surges. You’ll also have to wait longer since installers are often busier during this peak season. 

Overtime charges should also be considered when installing air conditioners. Installations usually last 4 to 8 hours, so expect extra air conditioner installation charges if they go beyond this timeframe. 

What are some ways to save on air conditioner installation?

 Cut costs with smart air conditioner installation choices. (Source: iStock)

Knowing how much air conditioning installation is in the UK is one thing, but taking steps to save costs is another. Here are a few tips and tricks for lowering air conditioning installation prices:

Optimise home energy efficiency

Before the scheduled installation, you may have to improve energy efficiency at home. Hire someone to seal gaps around doors, windows, and openings. This helps prevent the air conditioner from working too hard, helping lower your energy bills. 

Also, consult an electrician to check if the existing wiring and circuits are compatible with the new air conditioner. Doing all these extra steps helps prevent incurring additional charges during installation. 

Take advantage of off-season discounts 

Earlier, we mentioned how demand spikes during summer, so plan AC installation as much as possible during the cooler months, around June to August. HVAC contractors often experience lower demand, so discounts and promotions are highly likely during these times. Also, since installers aren’t too busy, you can hire a preferred installer right on the schedule.  

Upgrade to zoned cooling

Zoned cooling means dividing the indoor spaces into sections or zones, each with its own thermostat and control. This helps you identify which areas require cooling the most. You’ll be able to save on installation costs because this eliminates the need to build and install more complicated ductwork. 

What should you look for in a professional aircon installer?

Ensuring peak performance with professional AC installation. (Source: iStock)

Licenses and certifications

Heating and cooling technicians should hold an F-Gas certification, as this indicates that they are already authorised to handle refrigerants, which can have environmental and health impacts. A Refrigeration and Air Conditioning qualification is also important, as this shows that the technician has undergone formal training in handling various air conditioners. 

Knowledge of energy efficiency and compliance 

Skilled installers should be knowledgeable about energy rating labels to help you quickly decide which models can reduce your daily energy consumption. Most importantly, they should provide guidance about environmentally friendly refrigerants like the R-32 or R-410A in air conditioners. These substances can significantly harm the environment when used too much. 

Ability to conduct thorough assessments 

It is crucial to find a hands-on installer who performs a thorough assessment, checking everything from room size and ceiling height to insulation. This will help you choose an air conditioner that has the right size and capacity to cool your home effectively. Additionally, they should consider zoning needs, especially if you have a large home. 

Aside from the initial assessment, the installer should consider future expansions or upgrades. For instance, if you eventually plan to build a smart home once your budget is sorted, they should be able to recommend compatible units.

Partnerships with reputable brands

Quickly research online to check whether the installer has partnerships with reputable brands. These brands uphold high standards regarding products and services, so you can rest assured that the air conditioner installer affiliated with them will deliver quality work. Affiliated installers also provide warranty-backed labour and parts, so choosing them can ensure that your warranty will remain valid after installation.  

Beat the heat at home with Airtasker

Now that you know how much it costs to install an air conditioner, finding a reliable installer is the next step. Posting a task at Airtasker can help you easily connect with the experts around you. Simply describe your specific needs and budgets, and you’ll receive offers from various air conditioning installers, allowing you to compare and choose which services best fit your needs. 

Having a reliable Tasker do the tedious work can help you avoid the stress of air conditioner installation. So, post a task today and enjoy lounging around your cool and comfortable home.