In the UK, the summer temperatures are rising. This has led to the installation of air conditioners in buildings across the country.
After all, being too warm can have a serious effect on your wellbeing and quality of life. With the pandemic leading to many individuals spending more time in their homes, we’re now focusing on making them a safe sanctuary. One of the key factors in this approach is to get the temperature right.
While air conditioning units offer many benefits and can lead to a better quality of life for individuals, they also have downsides. The units use a lot of energy and can contribute to climate change. However, when they are run correctly and maintained properly, they will have the ability to make homes more comfortable during the summer months with a reduced impact on the environment; it just takes a little know-how and insight.
Many homeowners have chosen to incorporate them, and while they are useful, if you don’t use them wisely, you could find that you waste energy and money. You might also find that you don’t achieve the cool breeze that you desire if you don’t optimise your air conditioning unit’s use.
The UK is not equipped to deal with long-term high temperatures, so today we will be taking a closer look at why air-conditioning can make homes more comfortable in the summer, and how to make the most out of it.
The Average Home
The UK weather is notorious for being cold, dark, and rainy. This means that UK homes are well insulated and full of radiators, making them great for the winter, but uncomfortable during the summer. The size of the average UK home is also relatively small at 76 m2., which will make them an even bigger heat trap. Only 0.5% of flats and houses in the UK have a form of air-con, which means that the majority of the country struggles when the temperatures increase.
Air-con is more common in UK workplaces, which means some people can get relief during their work shifts. This is because productivity has been proven to fall once the country finds itself in temperatures of 22°C or higher. As such, employers and commercial building managers tend to use air conditioning to improve working conditions.
However, that doesn’t mean that air conditioning shouldn’t be used in a private home; on the contrary, it can make your property more comfortable during the warmer months.
How Air Con Works
Air conditioning can be installed in a central heating system, which will convert it into a central heating and cooling system. Warm air will be drawn into the system and the heat is then removed, allowing the air conditioner to provide cool air through ductwork within your home. Air-con can also be installed as a split system.
This is the most popular type of air conditioning system used in homes and is split into an indoor and outdoor unit. These systems are known for being energy-efficient and quiet when in use. They work by circulating cold air that is cooled by the outdoor unit through the indoor unit. Some units, known as HVACs, also offer heating solutions, so you can use them all year round.
If anything goes wrong with the system, D-Mec Services can deal with air conditioning repairs for you. They offer fast, affordable repairs and endeavour to fix all problems immediately on site.
Environmental Impact
Understanding the pros and cons of air conditioning is important before it becomes a part of UK homes. The cool air produced will make people more comfortable and safer in their homes as the summer temperatures increase, and it can boost productivity. The cons revolve around the cost of installation and running the air conditioner, as well as the environmental impact.
Fortunately, air conditioning is adapting to reduce its energy costs and air pollution. Energy-efficient units should be favoured by customers because even though they may cost more, they will save them money in the long run. Regular maintenance and air conditioning repairs will also keep the system running smoothly.
This includes changing the air filter regularly and making sure that you have the unit serviced when it is required. By maintaining your air conditioning unit correctly, you’ll reduce your impact on the environment and improve the longevity of your appliance.
As the summer temperatures continue to increase over the UK, air conditioning will provide instant relief to the general population. Making low-impact options readily available and educating the public on how to maintain their air con will be an essential part of introducing these systems into UK homes.
