(& Answered by an Experienced Air Con Engineer)
By John Fillingham, MD of Split Air Conditioning
If you’re considering air conditioning for your home or business, chances are you’ve got a few questions and perhaps some concerns too?
As someone who regularly installs air conditioning systems across Somerset, I’ve heard them all, from:
- “Is air conditioning expensive to run?”
- “Will it be noisy in our meeting room?”
- “How long to install a unit?”
No question is ever too big or small.
In this post, I’ve pulled together the most frequently asked questions I get from both homeowners and business owners, and answered them openly – just like I would on-site with a potential client.
1) Can air conditioning really heat a room as well as cool it?
Yes, for many people it’s now their main source of heating.
Modern air con units are actually air source heat pumps, meaning they can work in reverse during colder months to provide you with reliable heating, even when the temperature drops and it gets chilly outside.
In homes, they’re perfect for warming bedrooms, loft conversions or other living areas. In commercial settings, they’re a really smart way to heat or cool office spaces, salons, studios and treatment rooms without the running costs of traditional systems.
2) Is air conditioning expensive to run?
This is one of the most common air conditioning myths and one we’re always happy to explain.
Today’s air con systems use inverter technology, which means they adjust the power used based on the room temperature, rather than switching on and off repeatedly. That makes them incredibly efficient.
Many of our clients, including small business owners, find it cheaper to heat or cool targeted spaces with air con than to run larger central systems. And for many firms, staff comfort often translates to improved employee productivity.
3) Will it be noisy? We have a treatment room / shared office / reading room at home
Modern systems are extremely quiet, you can hold a team meeting, run a yoga class or even offer a massage without the distraction of a loud fan.
Indoor units typically run at 19–25 decibels quieter than many domestic fridges. We’ve installed them in clinics, therapy rooms and co-working spaces, and clients often tell us they forget it’s even on! (yes, do watch out for that!).
4) Is it environmentally friendly to install air conditioning?
Yes, but you must choose a quality system and use it properly.
Air con systems generate more energy output than input, especially when used for heating. Plus, modern refrigerants are far less harmful than older gases and systems can be paired with solar panels or off-peak tariffs for even greener performance.
For businesses looking to improve sustainability and meet environmental goals, it’s a great solution.
5) How long does installation take? Will it disrupt business?
Most single or dual-room air con systems are installed in a day or two, depending on access.
The team and I always work with minimal disruption in mind, whether you’re running a busy household or managing your business. In shops or offices, we’ll plan the install around your hours of operation and we’re ALWAYS tidy and efficient on site.
6) Is it worth getting air con for just one room or zone?
Definitely. You don’t need to commit to a whole-building system.
In residential properties, many people often just start with an air con unit placed in their main bedroom, living area or home office.
In businesses, we find it’s common to install the units in:
- Boardrooms and meeting rooms: Keep staff and visitors comfortable during long team meetings or sales presentations
- Reception areas: For a professional first impression and to keep waiting clients at ease
- Treatment/ consultation rooms: –Especially in clinics, salons or wellness settings where comfort is key
- Staff rooms: Give employees a place to properly relax
- Server or IT rooms: Where temperature control is essential for equipment performance
- Open-plan offices: Using multiple units for zoned comfort across large areas
- Studios and creative workspaces: Typically in photography or design studios
- Retail showrooms or shop floors: Keeping a consistent temperature help both staff and customers
- Waiting rooms: Suitable for use in healthcare, dental or veterinary clinics, to ease anxiety and keep air circulating
You can expand a system later if needed too, that’s the beauty of a modular air con system.
7) Will it work in an older building or high street premises?
Yes it will work, and we’ve installed units in everything from listed cottages to Victorian shopfronts, so we’re experienced in “difficult” air con installations.
These days the units are compact, discreet and don’t typically require major alterations to a building. If planning permission is needed (e.g. for outdoor units in a conservation area), we’ll happily help you navigate the process.
8) Can a unit cause the air to dry out or cause discomfort?
Actually an air con unit can help improve indoor air quality and there’s proof of evidence to back this up too.
Air con systems help regulate humidity levels and often filter out dust, pollen and pollutants floating around in a room. We’ve had great feedback from people working in salons, beauty clinics and offices where stale air was a problem before.
9) How much does an air conditioning system cost?
It always depends on the space and the number of air conditioning units needed.
For homes or small business premises, prices typically start from around £1,200 to £2,500 for a single split air conditioning system, fully installed. Multi-room systems or larger commercial premises will naturally vary more, but we always quote transparently and competitively to avoid any surprises!
10) Can I control the system remotely or set zones for different rooms?
Yes most systems can be controlled by way of “smart controls”, either via a seperate remote, wall panel or even an app on your smartphone.
For business owners, you can set temperature zones by area (e.g. cooler for reception, warmer for the back office), and even control everything remotely whilst working from home!
11) What’s the maintenance like for businesses?
I’d say from experience it’s very manageable.
We recommend annual servicing for all air conditioning systems though I’d say more frequently is optimum if it’s a high-traffic commercial space. We can handle all servicing, checks and cleaning, and can also schedule visits at a time that works for you.
12) What’s the difference between portable air con units and installed systems?
Portable air conditioning units are fine in the short-term but they typically face the following challenges:
- Noisier
- Less efficient
- Not practical for larger or commercial spaces
- More easily “poached” by other team members!
An installed split system is the best long-term choice for control, comfort and cost-efficiency especially in spaces where staff or clients need consistent conditions.
13) Do I need planning permission to install an air con system at my business premises?
I’d say not because most system installs fall under permitted development.
Typical exceptions will include listed buildings or shared-ownership premises. If you’re unsure, we’ll carefully guide you through what’s needed.
14) Can air conditioning help reduce my energy bills overall?
Yes, especially if you’re strategic with how you use it. That said, just leaving it on all day and night isn’t going to save you money so do think carefully how and when you would run your unit(s).
For homeowners, using air con to heat just one or two rooms during the day (like a home office or living space) can cost far less than running the central heating across the whole house. It’s about where you are, not where you aren’t.
For business owners, air conditioning gives you precise control. You can cool or heat only the areas in use (like reception, treatment rooms or certain offices), without wasting energy across the entire building. You can also use timers, motion sensors or smart scheduling to help further reduce energy waste when the building is empty.
We’ve had business clients tell us that installing air con has cut their heating and cooling bills by 20 to 30%, just through smarter zoning, a little bit of thinking and more efficient controls.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a homeowner trying to heat a bedroom more efficiently, or a business owner looking to keep employees more comfortable year-round, modern air conditioning is a smart investment.
It’s quiet, efficient, and cost-effective and most of the air conditioning myths you’ve heard are just that: myths.
Got an air conditioning question that’s not covered here?
Contact our team for more air conditioning advice, call on 01934 309 879 or email us at info@splitaircon.co.uk
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