Air conditioning for the home is a technology that has recently taken on a higher profile within the public consciousness, largely due to the introduction of DIY products in major outlets. This has been reinforced by our continued exposure to the improved comfort delivered by air conditioning in the office, in the car and in leisure venues.

While DIY offerings are a cost-effective solution, they can also be fraught with problems for the consumer. The systems are pre-charged with high pressure refrigerant which should require an approved certified installer to carry out the work or, at the very least, the commissioning of the system. However, despite efforts from governing bodies and the EU, the industry remains unregulated.

In addition, these refrigerants are known greenhouse gases which have a much higher global warming potential than CO₂, so they require careful handling. Also, DIY systems tend to be less aesthetically pleasing, and quite often visually intrusive, due to the limited styles for indoor units and the common flex-type connection between indoor and outdoor units.

For all of these reasons, a professionally installed system is the preferred route for the discerning home owner, even if the cost is higher. A variety of indoor units are available from most of the world’s leading electronic companies. Plus there are all sorts of options, including standard and art deco wall mounts, together with conservatory type floor units and ducted types for location in the loft area.

These systems have been commonplace in Far Eastern and European homes for some time now and, as such, they are treated as a consumer product by the manufacturer with a reliance on evolving styling and improved energy efficiency. The system would be installed by a professional who is fully qualified refrigerant handling.

In addition to the cooling function most often associated with split systems, the Heat Pump Association is keen for the consumer to adopt these products for heating as well. Thanks to advanced inverter technology, these systems are typically 5x times more efficient than a standard central heating radiator. Also, products are now available with multiple indoor units linked to one outdoor unit, thus increasing efficiency and flexibility further.

Consequently, the UK government has approved a 5% reduction in the rate of VAT applied to heat pumps, so use of heat pumps in new build projects is becoming more commonplace.

Advances in the technology, including air to water heat pumps for hot water and underfloor heating, are a good indication that this technology is a smart move - not just for the image-conscious but also for the eco-conscious.