What Is Included in a Typical AC Installation?

When you request quotes for air conditioning, you might find that different installers include different items in their prices. This can make it difficult to compare like for like. Understanding what should be included in a typical AC installation helps you make an informed decision and avoid unexpected costs.

Air conditioning installations in the UK are now a common upgrade in homes across Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and Oxfordshire. But what exactly does the process cover?

The Core Elements of Installation

A professional AC installation should include the following steps:

• Supply of indoor and outdoor units: The equipment itself, typically from manufacturers such as Mitsubishi Electric or Daikin.
• Installation of indoor units: Mounted on the wall or ceiling in the chosen rooms.
• Positioning of outdoor condenser: Placed outside, often at the rear or side of the property.
• Pipework and insulation: Connecting indoor and outdoor units, usually run through walls or ceilings.
• Electrical connections: Wiring the system safely into the property’s fuse board.
• Commissioning and testing: Engineers test the system, set it up for optimum performance, and provide a handover.
• Warranty cover: Both the manufacturer’s warranty for equipment and the installer’s warranty for labour.

Without these items, the installation is incomplete and may not meet UK standards.

What Is Not Always Included

Some installers charge extra for services that others include. Examples include:

• Removal and disposal of old units
• Making good walls or ceilings after pipework installation
• Planning permission applications for flats or conservation areas
• Out-of-hours work or installations requiring special access

This is why checking the detail of the quote is important.

Real Examples from Local Installations

• In Basingstoke, a single split system installation for £1,950 included supply, installation, and testing, but charged separately for electrical works.
• A Guildford townhouse multi split installation at £4,500 included all pipework, electricals, and a five-year warranty.
• A flat in Oxford had planning permission fees added as an extra cost, bringing the total project to £6,300.

These examples show how inclusions can affect the final figure.

Typical Timeline

For most homes, the installation process follows a simple schedule:

1. Site survey to confirm requirements
2. Delivery of equipment to the property
3. Indoor and outdoor units installed
4. Pipework run and connected
5. System tested and handed over

Single room installations are usually completed in one day. Multi split systems across several rooms may take two to three days.

Why Commissioning Matters

Commissioning is often overlooked but is one of the most important parts of the installation. This involves:

• Checking refrigerant levels
• Testing for leaks
• Calibrating performance settings
• Confirming noise levels meet regulations

Without proper commissioning, even a high-quality system may not perform as expected.

Benefits of Choosing a Complete Service

A full installation service provides peace of mind that everything is handled correctly. This includes:

• Compliance with UK Building Regulations and F-Gas laws
• Correct system sizing for your property
• Long-term efficiency and reliability
• Warranty cover for both equipment and workmanship

At ClimateWorks, we make sure every installation includes all the essentials. Our teams provide clear breakdowns so you know exactly what is and is not included.

References

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

Author Bio

Dr Julian Carter is Technical and Compliance Director at ClimateWorks. With more than 25 years of experience in air conditioning, refrigeration, and ventilation, he advises on compliance, planning, and system performance. Julian has worked on residential and commercial projects across Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire. He also serves as a visiting professor at a UK university, lecturing on building services engineering, sustainable system design, and energy efficiency. His blend of industry expertise and academic insight ensures that every ClimateWorks project meets the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and comfort.

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