What Is Covered in AC Installation?

Air conditioning installations are now common across the South of England, with homeowners in Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and Oxfordshire increasingly looking for reliable cooling and heating solutions. When you request a quote, you may see very different inclusions from one company to another. So what should a proper AC installation actually cover?

Knowing the answer ensures you pay for a complete service and avoid hidden extras.

The Scope of a Complete Installation

A standard AC installation should cover all the key steps required to supply, fit, and commission the system so that it is fully operational. This includes:

• Initial site survey: A visit to measure room dimensions, check property layout, and confirm system requirements.
• System design: Selecting the right capacity and type of unit for each space.
• Supply of equipment: Indoor units, outdoor condenser, and all accessories.
• Installation of indoor units: Secure wall or ceiling mounting in each room.
• Positioning of outdoor unit: Mounted on a flat roof, wall bracket, or at ground level depending on access.
• Refrigerant pipework and insulation: Running between indoor and outdoor units, fully insulated to prevent energy loss.
• Interconnecting cabling: Linking the indoor and outdoor units for communication and control.
• Commissioning and handover: Engineers test for leaks, set refrigerant pressures, calibrate performance, and explain system use.
• Warranty registration: Cover for both parts and labour, backed by manufacturer and installer.

This scope covers the core of what you are paying for when you hire an installer.

Examples of Covered Installations

• A single split system in Basingstoke included site survey, supply, installation, and commissioning for £2,300.
• In Guildford, a multi split installation across three rooms for £4,700 covered design, supply, installation, and full warranty.
• A detached house in Abingdon had a ducted system installed, with full commissioning and certification included in the £9,000 cost.

Each of these examples demonstrates the coverage of a professional service.

Items Not Always Covered

Although many installers provide a complete package, some key items may fall outside the quoted scope:

• Electrical supply to the outdoor unit: This must always be installed and certificated by a qualified electrician. AC installers cannot legally certify mains electrical connections.
• Wall or ceiling finishing: Any plastering or decorating after pipe runs is typically left to the homeowner.
• Planning permission or landlord consent: Required in some flats, conservation areas, or leasehold properties.
• Disposal of old units: May incur an additional charge if requested.
• Access challenges: Installations in properties with limited access may require special arrangements at extra cost.

Being aware of these exclusions helps you compare quotes accurately.

Why Commissioning Is Always Covered

Commissioning is a vital part of every installation and should always be included. This stage ensures:

• Leak testing of all connections
• Correct refrigerant levels
• Airflow performance in each room
• Compliance with manufacturer requirements for warranty

A system that has not been commissioned cannot be considered complete.

Value of a Covered Installation

A proper AC installation is about more than simply fitting equipment. It is about:

• Ensuring compliance with UK Building Regulations
• Meeting F-Gas requirements for refrigerant handling
• Protecting your investment with warranties
• Guaranteeing system efficiency and long-term reliability

At ClimateWorks, every installation we carry out across Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire covers all the essential elements from survey through to commissioning.

References

• Planning Portal – Air Conditioning Guidance
• UK Government – Building Regulations
• Energy Saving Trust – Heating and Cooling

Author Bio

Dr Julian Carter is Technical and Compliance Director at ClimateWorks. He has over 25 years of experience in air conditioning, refrigeration, and ventilation, ensuring installations comply with UK regulations and meet the highest performance standards. Julian has delivered projects across Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and Oxfordshire, ranging from small residential installations to large multi split and ducted systems. As a visiting professor at a UK university, he lectures on building services engineering and sustainable system design, blending academic expertise with real-world application.

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