How Much Would AC Installation Cost?

Air conditioning is becoming an increasingly common addition to homes across Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and Oxfordshire. With hotter summers and more people working from home, homeowners are asking one key question: how much does AC installation actually cost?

The answer depends on several factors, including property size, system type, and the number of rooms you want cooled or heated. Understanding these cost drivers helps you set a realistic budget and avoid surprises when comparing quotes.

Typical Price Ranges

While every property is different, recent projects show the following guide prices for domestic air conditioning:

• Garden cabins and small offices: from £1,100 installed
• Single split system (one room in the home): from £1,400 installed
• Two-room multi split system: from £3,000 installed
• Three to four room multi split system: from £4,500 installed
• Ducted systems : from £2,700 per room installed

These figures include equipment, installation, commissioning, and warranty. They do not include the electrical power supply to the outdoor unit, which must be installed and certificated separately by a qualified electrician.

Factors That Influence Cost

Several factors affect the final price:

• System type: Split, multi split, or ducted
• Number of indoor units: More rooms require more equipment
• Pipe run length: Longer pipework increases labour and materials
• Access: Difficult access to lofts or outdoor walls adds complexity
• Property type: Flats may require planning permission or landlord consent
• Brand: Premium systems from Mitsubishi or Daikin often cost more but include longer warranties

Local Examples

• A detached home in Winchester had a ducted system across three bedrooms and a lounge installed for £9,200.
• In Reading, a two-room multi split system was fitted for £3,600, covering supply, installation, and commissioning.
• A modern apartment in Guildford required planning consent before installation of a split system costing £2,400.
• A homeowner in Oxford upgraded to a three-room system for £5,100, with a five-year warranty included.
• A garden cabin in Basingstoke was fitted with a compact split system for £1,200, providing heating and cooling for a home office.

These examples show how costs vary depending on system design and property type.

What’s Included in the Price

A typical AC installation cost should cover:

• Site survey and system design
• Indoor and outdoor units
• Refrigerant pipework and insulation
• Interconnecting cables between units
• Mounting brackets or ground fixings for the outdoor condenser
• Commissioning, leak testing, and performance calibration
• Manufacturer warranty registration

What’s Not Included

Certain items are not usually covered in the installation price and may be charged separately:

• Electrical power supply to the outdoor unit, which must always be installed and certificated by a qualified electrician
• Making good walls or ceilings after pipe runs
• Planning permission or landlord approvals where required
• Disposal of old units or packaging

Checking whether these are included avoids unexpected extras.

Running Costs

Beyond installation, homeowners also consider running costs. On average:

• A split system uses between 0.75 kWh and 1.2 kWh per hour depending on size and use
• At 2025 UK electricity prices (around 28p per kWh), this equals 20p to 35p per hour of use

This makes AC surprisingly affordable when used correctly.

Why Professional Installation Adds Value

Professional installation ensures your system is:

• Correctly sized for your rooms
• Installed to F-Gas and Building Regulation standards
• Covered by manufacturer and installer warranties
• Commissioned for maximum efficiency

At ClimateWorks, we provide clear quotes for AC installation across Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and Oxfordshire. Our prices include all core elements, and we coordinate with electricians to ensure full compliance.

References

• UK Government – Building Regulations
• Ofgem – Domestic Electricity Prices
• Energy Saving Trust – Cooling Guidance

Author Bio

Dr Julian Carter is Technical and Compliance Director at ClimateWorks. With over 25 years of experience in air conditioning, refrigeration, and ventilation, he advises on system design, compliance, and performance. Julian has delivered installations across Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and Oxfordshire, covering everything from small residential systems to complex ducted projects. He also lectures at a UK university as a visiting professor, focusing on building services engineering, sustainable design, and energy efficiency. His combined academic and industry expertise ensures ClimateWorks projects deliver reliability, compliance, and long-term value.

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