How Does Air Conditioning Work in a Garden Room?

A growing number of people are building garden rooms to extend their living space, with the free-standing extension enabling them to get more out of their gardens. The idea of installing air conditioning in a garden room is also becoming increasingly common, which presents the possibility of being able to use the space all-year round.

So, how does air conditioning work in a garden room? We look at the things you should weigh up before installation, and cover the best systems to use, possible benefits and what to take into consideration.

Do I need air conditioning in my garden room?

Garden rooms are typically built to a similar standard as any other room in your home, especially when it comes to the insulation.

This allows the space to be used in comfort for most of the year – although as summers continue to become hotter with every passing year, it’s important to think of ways to stay cool.

The simplest and most effective way to enjoy a comfortable temperature in your garden room is to install air conditioning, which gives you more control over the level of cool or warm air circulating in the space when you are using it.

Another benefit is that you probably will not need to seek planning permission, as it may be classed as a Permitted Development.

Is planning permission required for commercial air conditioning units? Click here to find out more.

What size air conditioning do I need for a garden room?

Similar to how you would size up the space in your home, similar principles also have to be applied to your garden room. When designing an air conditioning system, the following should be considered.

• Room size – measuring the width, height and depth of the space.
• Usage – how many people will be using the room?
• Heat output – what devices inside the room are producing heat?
• Sun exposure- how much sun the room receives during the day (especially if it has lots of glass)?
• Insulation -how well insulated is the space?
• Climate – what is the local climate like in terms of temperature, rain, wind etc?

Air conditioning systems are measured in the same way as heating systems using British Thermal Units (BTU), although they can be quoted in kilowatts (one kilowatt is the same as 3,412 BTU). The higher the BTU, the more powerful it is.

You can get a rough estimate about the BTU required for the space by multiplying the square footage of the room by 25, although a professional installer can give you a more accurate calculation.

What type of air conditioning can you use in a garden room?

There are a few different types of air conditioning systems you can install in your garden room:

Portable air conditioning

This type of system needs to be positioned close by to a dedicated vent hole or window for it to work. They are low cost compared to other options and can also be shared with the main property, making it easy to relocate.

You also do not have to worry about undergoing an installation process. However, they are quite noisy, take up precious floor space and tend not to be as efficient as standard types of air conditioning systems.

Split-air conditioning

A split-air conditioning system is a more traditional style most people associate with indoor cooling systems. A copper pipe connects the indoor and outdoor unit, allowing the system to provide good quality airflow with lots of control to suit your needs.

They’re wall-mounted, which means they save space, whilst also offering quiet operation and come with Wi-Fi control.

This type of air conditioning system must be installed by a qualified engineer, as unlike a portable AC, it involves interaction with various parts of your home’s utility features.

Do you need air conditioning in a garage extension? Click here to find out more.

Monoblock air conditioning

A relatively new option are heat pump air conditioning systems, which are also wall-mounted, although they do not require a qualified engineer for the installation (although we would advise using a professional).

Unlike a traditional system, the condenser is built into the indoor unit, instead of being positioned outside. It still has an intake and outlet hole, which it uses to draw on the air from outside for the compressor, which helps to keep the air pressure inside at a consistent level.

Whilst this is a better option than a portable system, it still isn’t as efficient as a traditional, wall-mounted setup. They can also be quite noisy, which may not be ideal if the garden room is a small space.

Summary

Whilst garden room air conditioning requires an additional up-front cost, it does provide the ideal two-in-one heating and cooling system for the space. That can make all the difference when it comes to maximising usage of the space, as it gives you more opportunities to utilise it throughout the year, even when the temperatures are lower outside. So, whether you are planning to use it as an office garden room or something more recreational, you will get more back from your investment.

Get a free survey and quote

AAC are experts are designing and installing air conditioning units for garden rooms, loft conversions and house extensions. To get started, and to find out if it could work for your home, get in touch with AAC today to arrange a free quote and survey at a time that suits you. Email info@aacteam.co.uk or call 01707 32 55 66.