Home air conditioning in Devon
Damp South West winters make the dehumidifying side of a heat pump almost as useful as its cooling. In the South West, a system that heats well through damp winters is often as valuable as summer cooling.
Top-floor flats and HMO rooms in Plymouth can get uncomfortably hot in summer, which tenants notice first. Top-floor flats in Plymouth feel the heat most, because the roof sits right above the bedroom. For new Plymouth extensions with flat roofs, the outdoor unit position is best agreed against the architect's drawings. Existing systems need care too: an annual service, an occasional deep clean and prompt repairs keep them efficient and quiet. If heating matters as much as cooling, an air-to-air heat pump sized for winter can replace old electric heaters room by room, and still cool in summer.
Towns we cover in Devon
Planning and permissions
Since 29 May 2025, England's permitted development rules allow larger outdoor units (up to 1.5 m³) and no longer require a 1 m gap to the boundary, provided the MCS 020(a) noise check is met. Listed buildings and pitched-roof installs still need permission.
If your home in Devon is replacing fossil fuel or electric heating, and no gas, oil or LPG boiler stays in use, an MCS-certified air-to-air heat pump may qualify for the £2,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, which the MCS-certified installer claims and deducts from the price.
Guide prices in Devon
A selection of services on our South West England figures, including VAT. Every service, with its local price, is listed below.
| Service | Guide price | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Wall-mounted air conditioning | £1,150–£2,950 | per room |
| Ducted air conditioning | £5,450–£14,950 | per system |
| Floor console air conditioning | £1,350–£2,950 | per room |
| Air conditioning for period and listed homes | £1,650–£7,950 | per home, one room upwards |
| Smart controls and Wi-Fi upgrades | £95–£295 | per indoor unit |
| Storage and electric heater replacement | £3,450–£10,450 | for 3–5 rooms, before any grant |
| Home service plans | £95–£165 | per system per year |
| Leak detection and regassing | £245–£995 | leak find, repair and recharge |