Short answer: yes. Longer answer? It’s like having a kettle and a toaster - they do different jobs and don’t get in each other’s way. Your gas boiler keeps the radiators warm and the hot water flowing, while AC swoops in to cool things down when summer brings the sweat.
No crossed wires, no mechanical meltdowns - they work side by side just fine.
That said, before you rush off to install both, it’s worth thinking about space, cost, and whether it’s the best setup for your home long-term.
Let’s break it down…
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🔑 Key Takeaways:
Yep, air conditioning and a gas boiler can live happily together in your home.
They’re like fish and chips - different roles, perfect pairing. AC keeps things cool, while your boiler handles the hot water and heating.
They don’t clash, but you’ll want to think about space, costs, and future-proofing.
A heat pump might do both jobs, but it’s not always the best fit for every UK home.
Check your home’s insulation, layout, and energy bills before splashing the cash.
Can You Have a Gas Boiler and Air Conditioning Together?
In a word: absolutely. In a few more: it’s like having a kettle and a toaster- different gigs, no argy-bargy.
Your gas boiler keeps your radiators piping hot and your showers steamy, while an AC unit blasts cool air when the British summer decides to play Sahara. They’re completely compatible, and plenty of homes rock this setup without a hitch.
That said, before you start picturing yourself sipping iced tea in a cosy, heated home, there’s a bit to chew over: space, dosh, and whether this is the smartest move for your pad.
Let’s dive in…
How Do Gas Boilers and Air Conditioning Systems Work?
Your gas boiler’s the quiet workhorse behind your central heating.
It burns gas to heat water, which runs through your radiators (or underfloor pipes) and keeps your taps toasty.
In fact, according to the Energy Saving Trust, it’s still the go-to setup in over 80% of UK homes.
Air conditioning?
That’s your summer wingman. It uses refrigerant to pull heat out of your rooms and chuck it outside, leaving you with cool, crisp air - the kind you’d expect in a posh gin advert.
Some AC units can heat, too, but they don’t touch your radiators or hot water like a boiler does.
Bottom line?
They’re like Ant and Dec - different gigs, no fuss. Your boiler won’t bat an eyelid if you add AC, and your AC’s not bothered what the boiler’s up to. As long as they’re both installed properly, you’re golden.
Are There Any Downsides to Having Both?
Boiler and AC living in harmony sounds ideal - but let’s give it a reality check:
🧱 Space
Gas boilers like a cosy cupboard or utility room. AC units, meanwhile, come with both indoor and outdoor parts.
If your home’s tighter than the Tube at rush hour, fitting both might be a squeeze. Wall-mounted AC units help indoors, but you’ll still need room outside for the condenser.
💸 Cost
Two systems means two price tags. A solid AC unit can set you back £1,500–£3,000, and a new boiler lives in the same ballpark (check our boiler replacement guide for more).
Running both can nudge your energy bills up, especially if your AC’s a clunky old power-guzzler.
🔧 Maintenance
Double the kit, double the upkeep. Boilers need a yearly service, and AC units want their filters cleaned monthly, plus the odd check-up to keep them humming. Skip the TLC, and you’re begging for breakdowns.
⚡ Energy Efficiency
Gas boilers are brilliant at heating, but AC units can chew through electricity. Look for models with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) - 16 or more is ideal.
A smart thermostat can help make sure you’re not blasting both systems at once like it’s a climate control competition.
“There’s no reason a gas boiler and AC can’t get on like a house on fire - or a house nicely chilled. Just don’t get stung with systems you don’t actually need,” - Patrick Garner, Heatable Installation Manager.
Would a Heat Pump Be Better?
If you’re thinking about running a boiler and AC, you’ve probably heard whispers about heat pumps - and for good reason.
These clever bits of kit can heat your home in winter and cool it in summer, meaning you might only need one system instead of two.
Take air source heat pumps: they pull heat from the outside air (even when it’s Baltic) to warm your radiators, then flip into cooling mode when the sun starts showing off.
Some models can even handle hot water, though they might need a boost during high demand.
It’s a slick setup - but it’s not perfect for every home (more on that next).
Why Heat Pumps Are the Bee’s Knees
Thinking of ditching the double act? Here’s why heat pumps might be the upgrade your home’s been waiting for:
✅ One system, two jobs – handles heating and cooling, so you’ve got less clutter and less faff.
✅ More efficient – cheaper to run than a gas boiler and AC combo.
✅ Cash back – eligible for up to £7,500 off with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
✅ Greener – lower carbon emissions, especially when powered by renewables.
Why Might They Not Be?
❌ Pricey upfront – expect to pay £8,000–£15,000, says the Energy Saving Trust.
❌ Needs good insulation – older homes might need bigger rads and draught-proofing to get the best out of it.
❌ Can struggle in cold snaps – especially in homes that leak heat like a sieve.
❌ Hot water output – might not match a gas boiler’s in busy households with big demand.
Meet the Middle Ground: Hybrid Systems
Not ready to say goodbye to your boiler? A hybrid heat pump setup might be the sweet spot.
The heat pump handles most of the heating and cooling, while your boiler steps in for hot water or freezing days. Less gas, more efficiency - without ripping everything out.
🧠 Want more? Our heat pump guide spills all the beans.
Should You Upgrade or Stick with What You’ve Got?
If you’ve already got a gas boiler and just want to add AC, crack on - just make sure you’ve got the space and your electrics can handle it.
Check your boiler’s age while you’re at it; if it’s wheezing through winter, our boiler types explained guide can help you pick a replacement.
For air con, always use a Gas Safe and F-Gas certified installer. Bodged jobs can mean leaks, poor efficiency, or worse.
Now, if you’re starting from scratch or doing a big reno, it might be worth looking into a heat pump or hybrid system instead.
It could save you the hassle (and cost) of running two separate setups - if your home’s up to scratch. Older, draughty houses might need a bit of prep work first.
📍 The bottom line: check your insulation, layout, and energy usage before making the call. A quick chinwag with a Heatable engineer could save you a ton of faff.
💡 Pro tip: If you do go with both a boiler and AC, use a smart thermostat to control them separately. That way, you won’t be heating and cooling at the same time - and you’ll dodge sky-high bills.
Final Thoughts: What’s Right for Your Home?
A gas boiler and air conditioning can absolutely work together - no dramas, no techy tantrums.
Yes, it’s pricier than running a single system, but if you want proper heating and cooling, it’s a solid, flexible setup.
If you’re thinking long-term (or fancy trimming your carbon footprint), a heat pump or hybrid system might be the smarter shout. But if your boiler’s still going strong and you just want to cool down, adding AC is a breeze.
Bottom line?
Go with what suits your home, budget, and energy goals. And if you’re not sure where to start, Heatable’s here with no-faff advice and quotes that keep things simple.
Next Steps For Your AC Journey:
When planning to install air conditioning for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:
To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos.
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