Air conditioners – what to consider

OVERWHELMED BY ALL THE OPTIONS? USE THIS EXPERT ADVICE TO FIND THE UNIT FOR YOU...

- JENNY MCFARLANE

In the height of summer, our living spaces can start to feel like veritable ovens. Warm weather is a joy during the daytime, but British houses just aren't built to withstand a heatwave. So when those sweltering, sleepless summer nights arrive, you're likely to start scrambling for any solutions to keep cool.

At times like these, the thought of buying an air conditioner becomes not just a luxury, but a necessity. It can seem like the perfect way to get through the summer months. However, before you rush into this purchase, there are a few things you should know beforehand.

Buying the right air conditioner unit is more straightforward when you know what you actually need. Learning how to make an air conditioner work for you, and getting to grips with installing and placing the unit can seem like a minefield. But don't fret, we've asked the experts for their take on all you need to know before you shop.

1 SIZE MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK

With portable air conditioners coming in all shapes and sizes, it's important to buy the right one for your space. 'The size of your air conditioner is crucial as this directly impacts its efficiency,' explains Joshua Warren, air conditioner expert at AO.