Reading is one of the fastest-growing towns in the South East. With new housing developments and rising property demand, many homes are built for insulation and energy efficiency. While great for winter, this creates a challenge in summer—excess heat with nowhere to escape.
Reading is one of the fastest-growing towns in the South East. With new housing developments and rising property demand, many homes are built for insulation and energy efficiency. While great for winter, this creates a challenge in summer—excess heat with nowhere to escape.
Local homeowners are increasingly searching for:
As climate trends shift and homes become more thermally sealed, residential air conditioning is no longer a luxury. It’s a practical solution for cooling living spaces, bedrooms, and loft conversions while offering added heating benefits during colder months.
If you're based in Reading and considering installing a cooling system, visit https://www.climateworks.co.uk/residential-air-conditioning to speak to a specialist.
Reading’s central location and high housing density can lead to warmer urban conditions. Known as the urban heat island effect, this occurs when buildings and roads absorb and retain heat. During hot spells, properties in areas like Caversham, Earley and Tilehurst can experience internal temperatures over 28°C—well above comfortable limits [1].
Opening windows isn’t always practical due to traffic noise, pollution, or security concerns. Air conditioning allows for cool, filtered air without compromising privacy or peace of mind.
Air conditioning isn’t just for summer. Most systems now come with heat pump functionality, meaning they can reverse their cycle and provide warmth during winter.
This makes them ideal for:
They also help reduce humidity, improve air quality, and create a more stable living environment year-round.
In April 2024, a couple in a Victorian terrace near Oxford Road opted for a dual-room multi-split system. The upstairs bedroom and ground-floor lounge were overheating due to poor ventilation and full south-facing exposure.
Installation included:
The homeowners reported immediate improvements in comfort and reduced their reliance on fans and plug-in heaters.
Split systems are designed to cool or heat a single room. They consist of:
Ideal for:
These systems connect two or more indoor units to one outdoor condenser. Each unit has its own controls.
Useful for:
Ducted air conditioning provides centralised airflow through hidden ductwork. It’s the most discreet option and best suited to:
Installation is more involved but delivers whole-home comfort and clean interior finishes.
A certified engineer visits your home to:
This ensures performance, efficiency, and correct placement of all units.
Installation time:
After installation, your installer will:
Prices depend on room count, layout, and system type. Common ranges:
All estimates should include labour, electrical work, VAT, and commissioning. Avoid providers who quote without a site survey.
Modern systems use inverter compressors that adapt to real-time demand. This saves energy and reduces monthly bills.
Typical usage estimates:
When correctly sized and installed, air conditioning systems are cost-effective year-round.
Before you go ahead, ask these key questions:
Trusted installers should welcome your questions and offer guidance without sales pressure.
Visit https://www.climateworks.co.uk/residential-air-conditioning to speak to a local expert or book a home survey.
Dr. Julian Carter is a highly experienced thermal systems expert with over 15 years in the field, holding a PhD in thermal systems. His career spans academic research, consulting, and teaching, focusing on air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Dr. Carter bridges the gap between theoretical advancements and practical applications, providing expert insights to organisations like ClimateWorks, where his guidance informs decision-making and industry best practices. Notably, he has worked on international projects with organisations such as Daikin Industries, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Currently a lecturer at Edinburgh University, Dr. Carter combines his expertise with a passion for educating the next generation of engineers and advancing climate control technologies.
[1] Met Office. (2023). UK Temperature Trends and Summer Heat Data. Retrieved from https://www.metoffice.gov.uk
[2] Energy Saving Trust. (2024). Understanding Air Conditioning Costs. Retrieved from https://energysavingtrust.org.uk