What is the Typical Cost to Install Air Conditioning?

Air conditioning is becoming a common upgrade in homes across the south of England. With hotter summers and a greater focus on home comfort, more people are asking the same question: what does it usually cost to install air conditioning in the UK?

The answer depends on the type of system, the size of the property, and the level of installation work required. Understanding the typical cost ranges helps you plan and avoid being misled by quotes that seem either too low or far too high.

What Factors Influence Cost?

Several elements affect the total price of an installation:

• Size of the property and number of rooms
• Type of system: single split, multi split, or ducted
• Complexity of pipe runs and electrical requirements
• Access to the property and positioning of outdoor units
• Whether permissions are needed in leasehold flats or conservation areas

These considerations make it important to obtain a detailed survey before committing to a quote.

Average UK Installation Costs

Based on installations across Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and Oxfordshire, homeowners can expect the following typical costs:

• Single split system: £1,500 to £2,500
• Multi split system (2–3 rooms): £3,000 to £5,000
• Whole-home ducted or zoned systems: £6,000 to £12,000+

For example:

• In Guildford, a detached property had a four-room multi split installed for £6,800.
• In Reading, a two-bedroom flat had a single split installed in the living room for £1,950.
• In Winchester, a large family home installed a ducted system across five rooms for £11,200.

These figures reflect the most common installation projects in southern England.

What is Included in a Typical Installation?

A professional installation should always include:

• Supply of the indoor and outdoor units
• Pipework and cabling between rooms
• Electrical connection to the fuse board
• Testing, commissioning, and handover
• Warranty on both equipment and installation work

Some installers will also include removal of packaging or disposal of older equipment as part of the service, while others may charge extra.

Long-Term Value of Correct Sizing

The upfront cost is only part of the picture. A correctly sized system saves money over time by using less electricity and providing better performance. Poorly sized systems may run constantly, leading to higher running costs and shorter equipment life.

As a guide, Ofgem’s 2025 electricity rates show:

• A 2.5kW bedroom unit costs around 20p per hour to run
• A 5kW lounge unit costs around 40p per hour
• Using two units for three hours each evening might cost just £2

Compared with the installation cost, this demonstrates strong long-term value for comfort, especially during hot summers.

Planning Permission Considerations

Most homes in towns such as Basingstoke or Oxford will not require planning permission for air conditioning, provided outdoor units are placed appropriately. Flats, leasehold properties, and listed buildings often require extra steps, which can add to the total cost and timeframe.

Why a Professional Installer Matters

The difference between a low-cost job and a professional installation is often not obvious until problems occur. Common issues with poorly installed systems include:

• Leaks in pipework
• Insufficient cooling capacity
• Higher electricity bills
• Voided manufacturer warranties

Choosing an F-Gas certified installer ensures that your system is both compliant and reliable.

Choosing the Right Partner

At ClimateWorks, we carry out site surveys across Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire to ensure every system is specified correctly. We do not cut corners to win work. Instead, we provide clear, transparent quotes and guarantee installations that deliver long-lasting comfort.

References

• Planning Portal – Guidance on Air Conditioning
• Ofgem – Energy Price Data
• Energy Saving Trust – Cooling Systems

Author Bio

Dr Julian Carter is Technical and Compliance Director at ClimateWorks. With over 25 years of expertise in air conditioning, refrigeration, and ventilation, Julian leads on compliance with UK building regulations and sustainable system design. He has overseen hundreds of installations across Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire. Alongside his work at ClimateWorks, Julian is a visiting professor at a UK university where he lectures on building services engineering, energy efficiency, and system performance. His experience and academic background ensure that every ClimateWorks project meets the highest technical standards.

‍