RightAir Solutions is a company that specialises in commercial air conditioning services.
Air conditioning units with heating functions are becoming more popular in London homes, especially in areas like Kensington, Hampstead and Richmond. But can they truly replace radiators all year round? That depends on insulation, property layout, and how each space is used. Radiators and air conditioning heating work in different ways, and many homes may benefit from keeping both systems.
In the UK, air conditioning heating typically uses reverse cycle systems or full heat pump setups. These pull warmth from the air outside and circulate it indoors using refrigerant. Radiators, by contrast, heat water that flows through pipes to warm up rooms.
Inverter systems can adjust their output automatically to match the current temperature demand, helping maintain energy efficiency. However, creating zone control heating with air conditioning is not always as simple as using radiator thermostats, especially in traditional homes around Chelsea and Highgate.
When temperatures drop below five degrees Celsius in London, air conditioning heating systems may lose performance due to defrost cycles. This can result in inconsistent heating, particularly in larger rooms or poorly insulated homes typical of Notting Hill or Primrose Hill.
Radiators remain effective even in freezing weather. They provide steady radiant warmth that is not disrupted by draughts or high ceilings. Homes with better draught proofing and insulation upgrades can improve air conditioning performance, but for many properties, radiators offer stronger heat retention and comfort.
Pro Tip: Test air conditioning only in spring to see if it maintains warmth before removing radiators.
Running costs depend on insulation levels, energy tariffs and how often the heating is used. While electricity is more expensive than gas per unit, air conditioning systems with a high performance rating can still be cost effective. A system rated at 3.5 will provide three and a half units of heat for every one unit of electricity consumed.
Gas radiators are often cheaper to run but might require more regular servicing. Air conditioning systems also double as cooling units, offering extra value during the warmer months.
Estimated annual heating costs for a three bedroom London property:
Air conditioning heating: eight hundred to one thousand two hundred pounds
Gas radiator system: six hundred to nine hundred pounds
These figures vary depending on usage habits and how well the property retains heat.
Radiators deliver radiant heat that many people find more pleasant, especially in bedrooms and lounges. This type of heating warms people and surfaces, helping create a cosy atmosphere.
Air conditioning uses convection to circulate heated air around the room. Some people notice the airflow or feel the room dries out, particularly if fan speeds are too high. Radiators provide quieter, more stable warmth that is often preferred for relaxation areas.
Well insulated flats or smaller homes in London might be fine with air conditioning alone. However, many older properties, especially those with sash windows or high ceilings, can lose heat too quickly for air conditioning to keep up.
Some homeowners considering whether to remove radiators with a heat pump should think carefully about winter performance. Heating only with air conditioning might not be enough for rooms with high heat loss.
Many households keep radiators in colder spaces such as bathrooms or north facing rooms and use air conditioning when the weather is milder. This mix helps maintain consistent comfort throughout the year without pushing up energy use unnecessarily.
Pro Tip: Rooms with high ceilings or poor insulation often still need radiant heat to feel comfortable.
A modern Richmond flat with triple glazing holds heat very differently to a Kensington townhouse built in the nineteenth century. Property age, wall type, layout and window condition all influence how well different systems will work.
RightAir assesses heating needs by looking at energy certificate ratings, insulation levels and how rooms are used day to day. Radiators give better control for individual rooms, while air conditioning units usually heat larger zones at once. Homes with multiple floors or mixed use rooms often do better with radiator based systems.
Air conditioning systems need indoor wall units and an outdoor condenser. In conservation areas like Hampstead Garden Suburb or Chelsea Embankment, planning permission might be necessary. Installation usually requires a certified installer and access for both internal and external work.
Radiator systems link to a boiler and use pipework to carry hot water. If your home already has the infrastructure, replacing or adding radiators is relatively straightforward. A full new system takes more time and might involve lifting floors or chasing walls.
Installation timelines:
Air conditioning: one to three days depending on layout and access
Radiators: one to two days for replacements, longer if installing from scratch
Air conditioning includes moving parts like fans and compressors, which create background noise. Radiators are silent.
Is your home over one hundred square metres?
Are some rooms difficult to keep warm in winter?
Do you have limited insulation or single glazed windows?
Does your air conditioning struggle on colder days?
Would upgrading insulation be too costly right now?
Answering yes to two or more suggests it is worth keeping at least some radiators, especially in rooms prone to heat loss. Trialling heating only with air conditioning during spring can help test your system before committing to full removal.
Electric heating systems, especially those powered by renewables, align better with the UK’s net zero targets. Heat pumps are efficient and may qualify for government schemes that support greener homes. These are considered low carbon heating systems and are a growing focus for domestic upgrades.
Gas heating is still widely used and often cheaper short term, but it produces more carbon emissions. With gas boilers being phased out over time, electric systems may prove easier to maintain and upgrade in future.
Choosing the right system now can help cut long term costs and support sustainable living.
There is no single answer for every property. In well insulated flats across London, air conditioning may provide all the heat you need. In older homes, especially in affluent areas like St John’s Wood or Fulham, radiators may still be the best way to stay warm.
A mixed setup often provides the best balance of comfort, control and cost effectiveness.
If you are unsure which setup fits your home, contact RightAir for a heating review. They will assess your insulation, layout and daily use to recommend the best way to stay warm without wasting energy.
Deck the Halls with Smart Thermostats: How Technology Can Save You Money This Christmas
Struggling with winter bills? Discover how smart thermostats save energy and cash during Christmas with real UK insights you haven’t heard yet
Keeping Warm This Christmas: How to Efficiently Use Your Air Conditioning for Winter Heating
Can air conditioning really keep you warm this Christmas? Find out how it works what it costs and why it might save you more than you think.
Can Air Conditioning Replace Central Heating in a UK Home?
Thinking of ditching your boiler? This guide reveals whether modern AC can heat your home year round and what to watch out for before you switch.
RightAir Solutions
