Air Conditioning Installation

A survey that looks beyond room dimensions

A south-facing room with extensive glass behaves differently from a shaded bedroom of the same size. We look at window orientation, insulation, ceiling height, equipment and likely occupancy when assessing the cooling load. Tell us whether doors normally remain open and which rooms need comfort at the same time. An oversized unit can cycle frequently, while insufficient capacity may struggle during warmer conditions; neither problem is solved by selecting the largest model that fits the wall.

Wall-mounted units or ceiling cassettes

Wall-mounted indoor units are often practical where there is a suitable external wall and enough clearance for airflow and servicing. Ceiling cassette units offer a different appearance and air distribution pattern, but need adequate ceiling void space, support and maintenance access. A cassette is not automatically suitable simply because a room has a suspended ceiling. We also consider where condensate will drain and whether a pump would be necessary, because that choice affects installation complexity and ongoing maintenance.

Single-room systems and multi-split layouts

A single split pairs one indoor unit with one outdoor unit, whereas a multi-split can serve several indoor units from a shared condenser. Multi-split arrangements can reduce the number of outdoor units, although pipe lengths, capacity combinations and simultaneous demand must remain within manufacturer limits. Most domestic multi-splits cannot cool one room while heating another at the same time. We explain these operating constraints before you choose an arrangement for bedrooms and shared living areas.

Condenser positioning and consideration for neighbours

Outdoor equipment needs free airflow, secure mounting and a position that allows future servicing without unreasonable difficulty. We discuss nearby bedrooms, boundaries and neighbouring windows when considering noise and vibration, rather than focusing only on the shortest pipe run. Planning restrictions, listed buildings, conservation requirements or leasehold permissions may affect the proposal and should be checked before work starts. Screening must not obstruct the clearances the manufacturer requires, even where hiding the unit would improve its appearance.

Electrical supply and commissioning

Before installation, the electrical supply must be assessed for the selected equipment, including circuit capacity, protection and local isolation. Any necessary electrical work should be identified in the scope rather than discovered at handover. Commissioning follows the manufacturer’s instructions and includes appropriate pipework pressure testing, evacuation, leak checks and operational measurements. We check condensate disposal and explain how to switch modes, set a sensible temperature and clean accessible filters without disturbing electrical or refrigerant components.

Agreeing the installation scope

To discuss a survey, contact 01732 444555 with the number of rooms, property type and any preferred indoor positions. Minimum charge £90 + VAT, including the first hour on site; the installation itself needs a quotation reflecting equipment, access and the agreed scope. Mention planned decorating or building work, since pipe routes and fixing positions are easier to coordinate before finishes are complete. We distinguish the work proposed from optional additions so you can make an informed decision.