Insights
Straight answers on cost, planning permission, grants and getting it right first time. No jargon we haven't explained.
Air conditioning in conservation areas, listed buildings and flats
Permitted development doesn't apply in three common situations: listed buildings, Article 4 areas, and flats. Here's what each actually requires instead.
Do you need planning permission for air conditioning?
England's permitted development rules changed in May 2026. Here's the current position, and where it splits into detail: noise, conservation areas, flats and cooling-only units.
Is there a grant for air conditioning in the UK?
Yes, in principle: a £2,500 air-to-air heat pump grant joined the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in April 2026. Here's why it isn't actually claimable yet, and when that changes.
Cooling-only vs heat pump air conditioning: why it matters for planning
Since May 2026, heat-and-cool units are permitted development in England and cooling-only units aren't. Councils have already started issuing removal notices over it.
MCS 020a noise rules explained
Since 28 May 2026, MCS 020a is the only accepted way to show an air conditioning unit won't need planning permission on noise grounds. Here's what it actually checks.
Best air conditioning brands in the UK: what to actually compare
Rather than crown a single winner, here's what separates the major brands sold in the UK and the criteria worth comparing them on.
Air conditioning vs heat pump: what's the difference?
The confusing truth: your air conditioning unit almost certainly already is a heat pump. Here's what the terms actually mean.
How much does it cost to run air conditioning?
Real running-cost ranges for a bedroom-sized unit, what changes the number, and why heating mode is usually the cheaper surprise.
What size air conditioning unit do you need?
A rule-of-thumb guide to matching room size to kW rating, and why a proper survey still beats any calculator.
How does air conditioning actually work?
The short, plain-English explanation of how a wall-mounted air conditioning unit cools (and heats) your home.
Air conditioning servicing: what it involves and why it matters
What an annual air conditioning service actually covers, how long it takes, and why skipping it costs more in the long run.
How much does air conditioning cost in the UK?
A straight breakdown of what a single-room and multi-room air conditioning system actually costs, fitted and inc. VAT.