Learn Everything About Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
Expert guides, buying advice, troubleshooting, maintenance tips and commercial HVAC knowledge written by experienced engineers.
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Twenty-one specialised knowledge areas covering everything from residential split systems to commercial VRF and F-Gas compliance.
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Guide Library
24 of 24 guides — filter by type, difficulty and category.
Manufacturer Hub
Dedicated knowledge sections for every major HVAC brand — history, product ranges, warranties, common faults and installation advice.
Daikin
World's largest HVAC manufacturer, pioneer of inverter and VRV technology.
Mitsubishi Electric
Premium Japanese HVAC brand known for reliability, quiet operation and advanced controls.
Panasonic
Innovation leader with ECONAVI sensors and nanoe™ X air purification technology.
Samsung
Digital inverter technology leader with WindFree™ cooling and AI comfort control.
LG
Smart HVAC pioneer with Dual Inverter Compressor and ThinQ™ connectivity.
Toshiba
Inventor of inverter AC, known for robust engineering and reliability.
Carrier
Founded by Willis Carrier, the inventor of modern air conditioning.
Midea
World's largest appliance maker, offering exceptional value HVAC with solid reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does air conditioning cost to run in the UK?
A typical 2.5kW wall-mounted unit running 8 hours a day costs approximately £120–£180 per year in electricity, based on the UK average rate of £0.30/kWh. Larger commercial systems will cost proportionally more.
How often should air conditioning be serviced?
Residential systems should be serviced annually. Commercial systems under F-Gas regulations require at least annual checks, with leak checks every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on refrigerant charge (CO2 equivalent).
Can air conditioning also heat my home?
Yes. Modern reverse-cycle air conditioning systems (heat pumps) are highly efficient heaters, typically delivering 3-5kW of heat for every 1kW of electricity consumed. They work effectively down to -15°C outside temperature.
What is the difference between SEER and SCOP?
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures cooling efficiency, while SCOP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance) measures heating efficiency. Both are seasonal averages — higher numbers mean lower running costs.
Do I need F-Gas certification to install air conditioning?
Yes. Anyone installing, maintaining or servicing stationary refrigeration or air conditioning containing F-Gas refrigerants must hold a valid F-Gas Company Certificate and employ at least one appropriately qualified engineer.
How long do air conditioning systems last?
A well-maintained residential split system typically lasts 10-15 years. Commercial VRF systems can last 15-20 years with proper planned maintenance. Compressor and inverter board failures are the most common end-of-life issues.
What size air conditioner do I need for my room?
As a rough guide, you need approximately 1kW of cooling per 10m² of floor area for a standard residential room. However, factors like ceiling height, insulation, window size, sunlight exposure and occupancy all affect the calculation. Use our AI Consultant tool for an accurate load calculation.
Why is my air conditioner leaking water?
The most common cause is a blocked condensate drain line. Other causes include frozen evaporator coils (which melt and overflow), a cracked drain pan, or incorrect installation slope. Regular filter cleaning prevents most leak issues.
Are heat pumps better than gas boilers?
Air source heat pumps are 3-5 times more efficient than gas boilers and produce no direct carbon emissions. They qualify for government grants and are the recommended heating solution for new builds and retrofit projects aiming for net-zero.
What refrigerant does my air conditioner use?
Most modern systems use R32 refrigerant, which has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) roughly one-third of the older R410A. All new systems sold in the UK since 2025 must use low-GWP refrigerants.
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