How much does air conditioner installation cost?

During summer, the last thing you want is a sweaty, uncomfortable home. Air conditioners are the perfect way to keep your home nice and cool while you enjoy the sunshine and maybe an ice cream or two. Installing an air conditioner is a tricky process that should be done by a professional so that you can cool your home faster. 

Whether you need to install a split system, ducted, portable unit, or window unit, or even repair the air conditioner that you currently have, air conditioner installation costs may increase or decrease. Costs may start at £150, but this can still go up based on the unit. This aircon installation cost guide will be the first step to cooling your home.

Air conditioner installation and repair prices for different types of services

Air conditioning installation costs in the UK can vary from service to service. Some electricians are paid by the hour, but others charge based on the air conditioner brand, type, wattage, and any other services added to the original job requested. Here's a quick breakdown to know how much to install air conditioning in your home.

Air conditioner installation prices for different types of brands 

If you need help installing an air conditioner, but you’re not sure how much your AC brand will cost, here is a breakdown of the average price of each service: 

Average hourly rate for air conditioner installers in the UK

Depending on whether you’re installing an air conditioner in a domestic building or a commercial building, the hourly cost to install an air conditioner can vary. For domestic buildings, the hourly rate is £85 to £165, whereas the commercial hourly rate is £100 to £185. The prices will vary, once again, depending on the required service and any other factors that may affect the price. Some are listed below:

• Location 

• Accessibility to air conditioner

• Size and type of aircon

• Brand of aircon

The type of air conditioner brand will also help determine the final cost of the installation. Certain split system air conditioner brands will increase the overall cost of installation due to specific parts, services, and maintenance.  

Average air conditioner installation prices based on location

The cost to install air conditioning in a house in the UK varies on your current location. Typically, larger populated cities have cheaper rates for installation. Small split types will range from £600 to £749, whilst larger ducted systems cost more.

What factors affect the cost of air conditioner installation services?

Many factors can affect the price of installing an air conditioner in your home. Some of the factors can dramatically increase or decrease the overall cost, so here are a few of them listed: 

• Number of windows in the specified location

• Type and size of the unit

• Brand of aircon

• Amount of cable ducting required

• Amount of refrigeration piping and interconnecting cable used

• Accessibility

Other types of services that electricians can do

There are many other things that electricians, plumbers, and aircon installers can do for you while they’re preparing the aircon. These include: 

• Maintaining aircon

• Checking refrigerant levels and recharging

• Replacing circuit board and fuses

• Replacing air filters

• Resetting the thermostat and calibrating 

• Fixing leaks

Do I need to hire an aircon installer?

There are many different types of air conditioners, and sometimes you may think you can install a unit yourself. However, a licensed electrician is the safest and legal option for those who want to install one in their home. Of course, a portable unit can be installed by yourself. Still, it’s best to hire a professional for the following installations and repairs:

• Ducted system

• Window units

• Central cooling

• Split system

• Pipe repairs

What are some questions to ask an electrician?

Before you hire an electrician to install or repair an air conditioner in your home, there are a few questions that you need to ask so you’re getting the best possible professional for the job. 

• Do they have a licence?

• How many tradies will be present whilst the installation or repair takes place?

• Do they have insurance?

• What services do they provide?

• Do I need a permit to have this air conditioner?

• What is included in their service fees?

Before you hire a professional, be sure that all tradies present in your home are licensed. Some tradies are certified air conditioner installers, some may be plumbers with certified training in installation and repair, and some have training but no license. Be sure to confirm these before you hire, as your installation process needs to be legal and of the best quality.

Getting ready to hire someone to install or repair an air conditioner in your home

Getting ready to cool down your home? Let’s get started! Here are the things you’ll need to prepare for your listing. Explain your task, post your listing, review your offers, select the right person and they’ll get your building cool!  

Here are some things to include in your listing:

• Location

• Budget

• Type of aircon

• Size of aircon

• Specific room / whole house

• Type of insulation you have

• Whether you need ductwork

• Whether you need repairs or installation

The more information you include in this listing, the better your outcome and the more accurate the air conditioner installation cost will be. It makes it much easier for the electrician when they come to help you out. It’s also a good idea to have everything listed, so they can refer to it later if needed.