Is air conditioning becoming a must have in your home? I'm an energy expert and these are the pros and cons of the main options available

male holding young female child in his arms, with child holding remote control pointing it at an air con unit on wall in kitchen area
Choosing the right air conditioning for your home involves weighing up the pros and cons of each different option (Image credit: Belinka Margarita/Getty Images)

Although we are increasingly designing new build homes that take into account better heating and ventilation methods, rising temperatures during the summer months are bringing the need for air conditioning front of mind as well.

Incorporating an air conditioning system into your home can provide you with a more permanent way to deal with the increasing amount of heatwaves, but will also add to the electrical load and potentially increase bills.

David is a renewables and ventilation installer, with over 35 years experience, and is a long-standing contributor to Homebuilding and Renovating magazine. He is a member of the Gas Safe Register, has a Masters degree in Sustainable Architecture, and is an authority in sustainable building and energy efficiency, with extensive knowledge in building fabrics, heat recovery ventilation, renewables, and also conventional heating systems. He is also a speaker at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show. 

Passionate about healthy, efficient homes, he is director of Heat and Energy Ltd. He works with architects, builders, self builders and renovators, and designs and project manages the installation of ventilation and heating systems to achieve the most energy efficient and cost effective outcome for every home.