Do You Need Air Conditioning in A House Extension?

Many people making plans to expand their home often wonder if they also need air conditioning in their house extension. As the summers become longer and hotter and more people are working from home, it’s become more important than ever to ensure that you home environment is as comfortable as possible.

Here we look at the benefits of installing air conditioning in a house extension, so you can weigh up whether to include it in your plans.

What are the benefits of installing air conditioning in an extension?

If you are planning to build and extension and are considering installing air conditioning, you may want to think about the benefits it can offer, such as:

Enjoy a cooler environment

With every passing year the summer is becoming increasingly hotter, with extreme heat waves fast becoming the norm between early June and late August. And one of the main benefits of installing air conditioning into an extension is that it gives you more control over the indoor environment.

Many UK homes are not built to cope with high temperatures, which means humidity levels can quickly rise, making it more difficult to sleep and carry out everyday activities. Installing air conditioning can offer a better quality of life and it offers a more efficient and long-lasting solution than standalone fans.

Year-round usage

Air conditioning technology has advanced quite significantly over the past couple of decades and long gone are the days when systems were designed purely to provide cold air. Whether you install a wall-mounted or duct-air system, modern air con units can also provide heat, giving you more all-round temperature control for your home and any outside garden spaces you may be considering.

The feature works particularly well in open-plan spaces that radiators struggle to keep warm. Air conditioning systems circulate the warm air, so it reaches the innermost sections of the room, creating a more evenly heated space. Also, some people reduce the amount of time spent in colder parts of their home during the winter, but installing air conditioning can change all of that.

Helps to create cleaner air

If you live in a built-up town or city or close to a busy road, your air conditioning unit could help to purify the air in your extension. Most modern models come with filters that collect dust, allergens and other pollutants to improve the air quality in your home.

You will also be able to better manage humidity levels in the extension, which can help to reduce the growth of mildew and mould. This is ideal for damp prone homes and for anyone who regularly suffers with hay fever, asthma or other types of allergies.

Adds value to your home

Adding an extension to your home can improve its market value, making it more desirable to buyers. The features of the extension are also important and installing air conditioning will most likely be very attractive for anyone showing interest.

There is a growing demand for air conditioning, and homeowners that include it as part of their extension plans can steal a march on other similar properties in the area. Whether you are building an extra bedroom, extending the living room or kitchen, or converting a garage, it will be a feature that can offer a healthy return on investment.

How does air conditioning work in a garden room? Click here to find out more.

Low planning permission requirements

Whilst you will still have to check with the local council, chances are that you will not need to get planning permission to install air conditioning in your extension. In most cases it falls under Permitted Development, cutting out a lot of hassle and red tape to make it much simpler to install.

Of course, if your home is built on a conservation area or national park or is classed as a world heritage site or it stands in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, then planning permission will likely be required.

There are also some specifications the external component of the air con unit must meet to qualify as Permitted Development. Speak with your air conditioning contactor or local authority who will be able to advise.

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

Summary

If you are planning a house extension or loft conversion, it makes sense to consider installing air conditioning. Whilst it will be an additional cost to consider in your budget, the long-term benefits are substantial, offering a better quality of life and improving the value of your home in the process. AAC can help with the design and installation process, ensuring you have a system that meets the exact needs of your home.

Get a free survey and quote

There’s a lot to consider when weighing up the pros and cons of air conditioning for your new extension. To get started, 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.