Everyone has their preferences when buying a home, some focus on garden space, others focus on the amount of rooms the house has. But based on some research the main points that people purchasing a home in the UK look for are open floor plans, energy efficiency, smart home technology, and location with easy access to amenities and good schools, while also seeking homes with unique features and a focus on sustainability.
How Air Conditioning Adds Value
Planning on what to invest in your house can be difficult and costly, for example looking into renovating a room to adding features like smart technologies or extending the house in some way.
For air conditioning this hasn’t always been common in the uk, so it’s unclear exactly how much value it adds to a home. But that doesn’t mean it can’t make a big difference. Having a home that stays comfortable all year round can stand out to buyers, especially if they don’t have to go through the hassle of fitting a system themselves.
Types of Air Conditioning Systems and Their Impact
When choosing air conditioning units for your home it’s important to understand the type of air conditioning unit that fits your building type and room capacities. Your choice will need to consider whether the unit will be installed at the time of renovation works or retrofitted, the size of the room, the room usage type and of course your budget this will determine the impact this may have to the value of your property.
- Ceiling Mounted Air Conditioning – Also known as cassette air conditioning, ceiling-mounted air conditioning is usually installed in floating ceilings that can accommodate large units. These are ideal for larger rooms or open-plan spaces, as they can spread air evenly in multiple directions. If you were looking for a more modern or professional look these would be perfect due to them being built in neatly. For home renovations, this can be a big plus in higher-end homes or new builds, especially where design matters.
- Ducted Air Conditioning – Ducted air conditioning is discreet in appearance without losing any clout where beautiful cool airflow is concerned. They’re quiet, powerful, and can cool the whole house. When planning for home improvements these are seen as a premium feature with them not being visible, they don’t affect the room’s look, and buyers may be willing to pay more for that level of comfort and convenience.
- Floor Mounted Air Conditioning – Not all rooms can accommodate large air conditioning units, especially ones which do not have suspended ceilings. A simple solution is a floor mounted air conditioning unit, which can slot into practically any space with ease. With them being easy to install and not needing much structural work these might not add as much value as a ducted or ceiling system; they’re still a practical, built-in option that many buyers will appreciate.
- Wall Mounted Air Conditioning – These are exactly what they are called, they are units that are installed onto the wall, normally located nearer the ceiling making it as unobtrusive as possible. With this, these are one of the most common and cost-effective types, especially in retrofits, often fitted in bedrooms or living rooms. Even though these are visible, modern units have a sleek look and with them being efficient and affordable, can make your home more attractive.
Cost vs. Value: Is It Worth the Investment?
When looking into fitting air conditioning into your home to add value, the numbers need to match up to make it worthwhile which could lead to a big cost upfront. First things first there are a couple of things to consider:
- Installation and maintenance costs – Installing a full system can cost a few thousand pounds. You’ll also need to think about regular servicing to keep it working properly. Portable and split systems are cheaper to install but may not last as long.
- Return on investment (ROI) considerations – If buyers see air conditioning as a plus, it could help your home sell faster or for a better price. But the return depends on how much you spend and whether it’s something buyers in your area want.
Conclusion
Overall, when planning home improvements, it’s clear that today’s buyers all have different preferences and enjoy different elements around a home. However, a key preference for most buyers is energy efficiency. Even though air conditioning can be considered a luxury in the UK, it’s quickly becoming a practical upgrade that aligns with modern expectations. While air conditioning might not add as much value as a major renovation like a loft conversion or extension, it can be a more affordable way to make your home feel more contemporary, comfortable, and move-in ready.
In need of air conditioning maintenance or installation?
Lee Jackson Air Conditioning is based in Nottingham, serving the wider East Midlands area of the UK including Nottingham, Leicester and Derby.
To get help with a noisy air conditioning unit, please drop us a message and our technicians will be with you shortly. Or, give us a call on 0800 949 9070 to talk to us about your domestic or commercial air conditioning needs.