Let’s be honest, air conditioning systems still have a bit of a PR problem here in the UK.

As an air con installation engineer who’s worked in the ventilation industry for well over a decade, I’ve heard just about every air con myth there is. People still assume they’re noisy, expensive to run, bad for the environment or that they’re only really useful in a heatwave.

The truth?

Modern AC units are miles ahead of what most people think about them especially when it comes to heating your home as efficiently as cooling it.

So, let’s clear the air and look to bust the six most common myths I typically come across about domestic air conditioning systems.

________________________________________

Myth 1: “Air conditioning is only useful in the summer”

This one’s probably the most common (and the most outdated) myth I know.

Modern AC units are actually air source heat pumps in disguise. That means they’re just as good at heating as they are at cooling! In fact, many of my customers use them as their primary heating system during autumn and winter. They heat rooms quickly and maintain a consistent temperature far more efficiently than traditional radiators.

So no, they’re not just for 30°C days, they’re genuinely a year-round solution.

________________________________________

Myth 2: “They’re too expensive to run”

This might have been true of ancient air con systems from 20+ years ago.

But with today’s tech?

Not anymore, not at all.

Modern air conditioning systems have come a long way with most units making use of inverter technology which means they don’t just constantly turn on and off ; instead they adjust gradually to keep your room at the perfect temperature using minimal energy.

In many cases, running an AC unit for heating can actually be cheaper than gas central heating, especially if you’re only heating certain rooms. Some of my customers have seen noticeable savings on their energy bills, though ensuring your home is properly insulated is also very helpful!

Learn more about our air conditioning installation service

________________________________________

Myth 3: “They’re bad for the environment”

Here’s the truth: air conditioning can be a green choice, especially when used wisely.

Because they work like air source heat pumps, AC units can produce 3 to 4 times more heat energy than the electricity they consume. That’s a huge improvement over traditional electric heaters, which typically convert electricity to heat at a dire 1:1 ratio.

Plus, many modern systems now use eco-friendly refrigerants too with much lower global warming potential than previously used older gases. With electric generated from solar panels, they can also be very nearly carbon neutral in everyday use.

________________________________________

Myth 4: “They’re big, bulky and noisy”

Nope, not anymore.

The latest air conditioning wall-mounted units, that my team and I install, are sleek, quiet and discreet. In fact, some of the newer models are quieter than your fridge when running. If you’re picturing an old rattling box sat in the corner of your room, then it’s time to update your perception.

And when it comes to outdoor units, many are compact and whisper-quiet especially when compared to something like a gas boiler firing up.

________________________________________

Myth 5: “Installation is a total nightmare”

Perhaps not a major myth but what is important on this is that you pick a well regarded air conditioning company!

A good installer can usually fit a single split system in a domestic setting in just a day – with minimal mess and disruption. We’ll usually drill a small hole to connect the indoor and outdoor units, mount everything neatly, test the system and tidy up after ourselves. No need to rip up floorboards or rewire your entire house.

And if you’re worried about the outdoor unit being an eyesore to your neighbours then there are ways to position or screen it discreetly, we’ve experienced (and solved) it all.

________________________________________

Myth 6: “Air con is only for big houses or large offices”

Absolutely not.

Air conditioning is becoming more and more popular in UK homes of all shapes and sizes from one-bed flats to listed cottages. You certainly don’t need to own a country mansion to benefit.

In fact, many of our customers just want a single room sorted – often a bedroom, loft conversion or home office where they need to work during the day. You can scale your air con system exactly to suit your needs and budget.

________________________________________

Final Thoughts

I get why people remain sceptical. Air conditioning hasn’t always had the best rep in the UK and old systems never did us any favours. But the truth is, modern AC units are so much more affordable to buy and run, efficient and environmentally sound.

If you’re still on the fence, talk to a local air con engineer (someone who installs and services them regularly, NOT just sells them). They’ll give you honest advice based on your home, not a hard sell.

If you’ve got more questions around the myths of air conditioning and are still unsure then do get in touch on 01934 309 879 or contact us today!