As global warming heats up the UK, consumers are increasingly looking for air conditioning when choosing their next rental property. According to Rightmove, searches for properties with air-con tripled year on year due to 2022’s summer heatwave. As a property developer or manager, installing air conditioning could make sound business sense and ensure your rental properties outperform the competition. Here are some of the reasons why…
Improves air quality
One of the most obvious benefits of installing air conditioning units in rental properties is improving air quality. Air con circulates and filters the air, removing pollutants that can harm those who suffer from conditions like asthma. Air con can reduce irritants that cause health problems and make the home more comfortable and enjoyable at all times of the year, both during hot and cold periods. If your residential apartment block invests in an HVAC system, you can offer tenants optimal temperature control throughout the year, both hold and cold.
Makes workers more efficient
Air conditioning may be growing in popularity in residential properties, but it’s just as useful in commercial settings. We all know that British summers are getting hotter and longer – and for businesses, that’s bad news. A recent study from the Met Office has revealed that 40°C summer temperatures could be common in the UK by 2100, meaning air conditioning will become even more essential in the coming years and decades. Right now, air-con allows office managers to regulate temperatures, improving comfort and productivity.
Prevents humidity damage
Another reason to consider air conditioning in your apartment block is humidity damage. High levels of heat and humidity could result in damage to items in your tenant’s homes, from their positions like clothing to wooden furniture like desks and flooring. Air conditioning can remove humidity and blow cold air into your property, reducing the chances of damage to tenants’ furniture and, indeed, their health by there being too much moisture in the air.
Makes it easier to sleep
A good landlord or property management company will want to offer tenants a comfortable place to live, and if your tenants can’t sleep because it’s too hot, they’re not going to be happy and might not stick around for long. Remember: higher-floor apartments are likely to be even hotter than lower apartments because heat from all the apartments below can rise through the floor. Many modern apartments have a single facade of openable windows which means that crossflow ventilation isn’t always possible; some apartments have no openable windows. Air conditioning empowers tenants to control the temperature, allowing them to sleep comfortably in all weather and ensuring you fulfil your legal obligations.
Improves security
A reliable air conditioning or ventilation system also means that windows and doors can be closed and locked in the evening, improving the security of your tenants’ properties. Though it’s unlikely a burglar would chance an open window on the 18th floor of an apartment block, air con ensures that tenants don’t have to compromise on their comfort or safety to cool off.
Makes home a better place to exercise
Regular exercise is important for good health. In skyrise apartment blocks in city centres, it’s important that tenants have a comfortable, cool place to work out or practice yoga. You may even have an on-site gymnasium where people can get together to exercise, so make sure that cooled air is available for their comfort and for public health. Ventilation in workout zones will also prevent stale air and odours, which could lead to complaints or even health issues.
Futureproofs your property
The UK continues to warm at a rate consistent with global temperature increases. A report from the Met Office found that the UK is now 1.0°C warmer than it was in 1961-1990, and Britain enjoyed its hottest summer on record for 2022. Installing a reliable HVAC system means you can futureproof your property and ensure the comfort and safety of your tenants for the years and decades ahead. Retrofitting an HVAC or air conditioning system can be expensive, time-consuming and take your property out of action for months, so getting it right at the building stage makes sense. Speak to Balance Mechanical for design support.
Lowers complaints levels
As a landlord or property manager, it’s vital that you take action as soon as issues are raised by tenants, especially in relation to overheating. A recent legal case saw the court award a tenant a backdated 33% discount on the rent paid for their six-year period at a property where the air conditioning was defective. Investing in a reliable HVAC system will reduce the chances of complaints from tenants. It’s also vital you keep on top of maintenance. Working with an experienced mechanical services firm will give you one less thing to worry about.
You can depend on the Balance Mechanical team to design, install, and maintain your heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Our team is fully-accredited to work on HVAC projects, from Gas Safe registration to Safe Contractor, CHAS, and NICEIC. Call us on 01483 962525 today to find out more and arrange a consultation with the team.
