Choosing an installer
Questions to ask an air conditioning installer
A checklist of questions to ask air conditioning installers about certification, equipment, installation, warranty and payment before you accept a quote.
Last reviewed 2 min read
Certification and insurance
- What’s your F-Gas company certificate number, and which body issued it?
- Will the engineers on my job hold personal F-Gas certificates? Do you subcontract any of the work?
- Who certifies the electrical work? Are you registered with a competent person scheme?
- Do you have public liability insurance?
- Are you approved by the manufacturer you’re recommending?
Our F-Gas guide explains how to check the answers.
The system you’re recommending
- Which make and model are you quoting for, and why that capacity for this room?
- What are its efficiency ratings (SEER for cooling, SCOP for heating)?
- How loud are the indoor and outdoor units?
- Is it single-split or multi-split, and why that suits the house?
- Does it heat as well as cool, and is it sized to heat the room in winter?
The installation
- Where will the indoor and outdoor units go, and how will the pipes run between them?
- Where will the condensate water drain to? Will it need a pump?
- Will the pipework be in trunking on the wall, or hidden?
- Is any electrical work needed, such as a new circuit?
- Do I need planning permission or the freeholder’s consent for the outdoor unit?
- How long will the installation take, and what making good is included?
Warranty and servicing
- How long is the manufacturer’s warranty, and what do I need to do to keep it valid?
- Do you guarantee your own workmanship, and for how long?
- Does the warranty require annual servicing? What does a service cost?
- Who do I call if something goes wrong?
The quote and payment
- Is the quote itemised and does it include VAT?
- How much deposit do you need, and when is the rest due?
- Is there anything that could change the price on the day?
- Can I speak to, or see reviews from, recent customers nearby?
Be wary of
large upfront payments, quotes given without seeing the property or photos, and pressure to sign on the day. A reputable installer will be happy to put everything in writing.
Common questions
- How many quotes should I get for air conditioning?
- Two or three is usually enough to compare equipment, prices and how each installer would approach the job. Make sure each quote is itemised so you can compare them properly.
- How much deposit should an air conditioning installer ask for?
- Terms vary, but be cautious about paying most of the price upfront. Ask what the deposit covers, and pay by a method that gives you some protection, such as a credit card.
This guide is general information, not professional planning, electrical or financial advice. Check the details for your property with the council and a qualified installer.