Air conditioning in UK homes and businesses is no longer a niche. It is now big enough that the electricity networks are studying how to manage it at peak times. On 5 November 2026, controls maker Airzone announced it had joined CoolDown, a £5.5 million research project funded by Ofgem. Here is what it involves and why it matters to installers.
What is CoolDown?
CoolDown is led by SP Electricity North West and National Grid, working with University College London and Guidehouse. It tests "demand response": during short peak periods, usually weekday evenings for an hour or two, signed-up users agree to reduce or pause their air conditioning. People are notified through the Equiwatt app, which rewards households for shifting their electricity use.
Airzone's role is automation. Through its cloud controls, a participating system can turn its cooling down during a peak event without anyone touching a remote. The first summer trial ran in the North West and finished in September. A second, larger trial is planned for 2027. Full details are in Cooling Post's report (5 November 2026).
Why this matters
Airzone said that in this year's record-hot summer, demand for air conditioning "overtook supply". For installers that is a clear signal: next summer is likely to be busy again, and customers will increasingly ask about running costs, smart controls and app connection.
- Expect more questions about energy use and whether a system can be controlled remotely.
- Systems that are clean and well maintained use less energy, which matters more as tariffs and peak pricing develop.
- Installers who service systems over winter will be better placed when the summer rush starts.
Use the winter to get ahead
The quieter months are the best time to service existing customers' systems and prepare your van for the season. A simple winter routine:
- Clean the coils. Dirty evaporator and condenser coils push up running costs. See our air conditioning coil cleaners and wider chemicals and maintenance range.
- Check the drainage. Test condensate pumps and clear drain lines before they are under load. Browse condensate pumps and drain maintenance products.
- Stock common spares. Our spare parts and service kits help you fix faults on the first visit.
- Upgrade your diagnostics. App-connected smart tools make it easy to record readings and show customers the results.
Talking to customers about running costs
When customers ask how much their system costs to run, a recent service record is the best answer you can give. Note the coil condition, filter state, drain test and key readings on every visit. It shows the work has been done, helps you spot a failing component early, and gives customers confidence that their system is working as efficiently as it can. It also makes it easier to explain the benefit of smart or app-connected controls if they are thinking about an upgrade.
Looking ahead
Demand-response schemes are still at the trial stage, and nobody is being asked to change how they install today. But the direction is clear: air conditioning is becoming part of how the UK manages its electricity, and well-maintained, controllable systems will be at the centre of that.
Need a hand choosing kit? Call the RACS team on 0161 775 1190, Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm.
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