After this summer's heatwaves, many homeowners are asking the same question: is it finally time to install air conditioning at home?
Britain's climate is changing. What was considered extreme heat a decade ago is increasingly becoming the new normal, while temperatures that once felt typical now seem comparatively cool. That's the conclusion of the Met Office's latest State of the UK Climate report.
The UK recorded its hottest year on record in 2025, and 2026 has already seen several temperature records broken. While southern England has experienced the highest temperatures so far (reaching 37.7°C), every part of the UK exceeded 30°C during this summer's heatwaves.
This year has also already set a new record for the most days above 34°C, surpassing the seven recorded during the infamous 1976 heatwave.
The Met Office projects that by 2070, the likelihood of temperatures exceeding 30°C for two or more consecutive days will be 16 times higher than it was in the early 2020s. Southern regions could also see temperatures regularly reach 40°C.
With experts expecting these extremes to become more frequent, it's no surprise that more households are considering whether air conditioning is no longer a luxury, but a worthwhile investment.
But unless you get a more sustainable heat pump, these water-guzzling air coolers are considered highly detrimental to the environment – and they're far from a quick fix.
'Installing air conditioning in a house isn’t a DIY job,' says Martin Garbutt, head of technical governance at Ding. 'The most common option for UK homes, a split system, must be installed by a registered gas engineer.'
Read more:
- Period homes already had air conditioning – we just forgot how to use it
- Air conditioning isn't just for comfort — it could add £20,000 to your home's value
- Think you need air conditioning? 5 smarter ways to keep your home cool instead
A split system comes at a significant cost. The exact price varies depending on the type of unit you choose, as well as your home's layout, but on average, a single-split system (cooling one room) is priced between £1,500 and £2,500, and multi-split systems (cooling multiple rooms) can cost up to £6,500 or, in some cases, even more. The cost of maintenance has to be factored in, too.
From the upfront cost to sustainability concerns, installing air conditioning isn't a decision to take lightly. Before making the investment, Martin recommends asking yourself these three essential questions to determine whether you really need a unit.
3 questions to ask yourself before committing to air conditioning
1. Does your home regularly overheat?
A few uncomfortable days each year may not justify the investment. However, if key areas of your home, such as the bedrooms, remain hot overnight for prolonged periods, or certain rooms become difficult to use during warm weather, additional cooling may be worth considering, says Martin.
Read more: 7 ways to cool your bedroom at night so you can actually sleep
2. Which rooms are affected most?
Not everyone experiences extreme heat in the same way. Top-floor flats, loft conversions, south-facing rooms and properties with large amounts of glazing often struggle the most with overheating and could potentially benefit from air conditioning.
Read more: Loft bedroom too hot to sleep in? 5 fast ways to keep cool during a heatwave
3. How long do you plan to stay in the property?
Temperatures are expected to rise over the coming decades. If you expect to stay in your property for at least 10 years, it's worth considering climate-proofing measures, including external shading, improved insulation or air conditioning.
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