Air Conditioning Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you ever needed to know about air conditioning. Can’t see your question? Send it through and we’ll update our FAQ right away!

Choose a Category

  • Can you supply temporary portable air conditioners whilst you install our system?

    Yes. As well as being the UK’s leading installers, we also have the largest range of portable air conditioning units. If we are carrying out an installation for you, we can provide mobile hire units at a reduced rate.

  • Who will supervise and manage my installation?

    However large or small the project, it will be fully managed by our experienced supervisors or senior engineers. We do not compromise on the quality of supervision, whether we fit one unit or 100 units.

  • Do we need planning or any other permission before we start?

    This is dependent upon the size of the installation and will vary from property to property. For example, in a conservation area, it is necessary to have Local Authority permission. Alternatively, you may require permission from your Landlord if you do not own your property. We always recommend that the Landlord and/or Local Authority is informed of your intention to fit air conditioning and that you receive written authorisation confirming they have no objections. We can assist you by providing drawings and technical details when you apply to your Local Authority or Landlord.

  • Can work be carried out at weekends, etc.?

    We are happy to provide installations during evenings or on weekends. However, the cost would be greater than for an installation during normal working hours. Please let us know if you have any time constraints or restrictions on working hours, and we will advise you accordingly.

  • How long will my installation take?

    This depends on both the complexity and size of the installation; it could vary from a single day to several weeks for larger commercial installations. We will, however, give you an indication of how long the installation will take when we provide you with our quotation. As a rule of thumb, each individual unit takes approximately one to one and a half days to install.

  • When can you install the system?

    When you give us the ‘go-ahead,’ we order the equipment immediately. In most cases, we can have the units fully installed within two weeks. Please note that as with all weather-related industries, lead times can vary according to demand. Watch the video below our experienced personel do an air conditioning installation.

  • What kinds of rooms can you air condition?

    Almost any room can be air-conditioned with the right design. That includes bedrooms, lounges, conservatories, loft conversions, offices, shops, restaurants, healthcare spaces, schools, and server rooms. The real question isn't whether a room can be air-conditioned, but which system best fits that room and how the installation should be designed. That is where an experienced surveyor makes all the difference.

  • Can air conditioning be retrofitted into an existing home or business?

    Yes, absolutely. Most of the systems we install are on retrofit projects rather than brand-new builds. The design is tailored to minimise disruption and keep the finished installation as neat and unobtrusive as possible. Retrofitting is where experience really shows, because the challenge is usually not the equipment itself but how to route pipework, drainage, and electrics cleanly through an existing building. That is something our team deals with every day.

  • Do you offer supply-only air conditioning units?

    No. We believe fitted air conditioning should be properly specified, professionally installed, commissioned, and handed over by qualified engineers. That is the best way to protect performance, reliability, appearance, and warranty. We are not interested in selling boxes and walking away; we want the system to work properly for years, which is why we provide a full installation service rather than supply only.

  • Will I need planning permission or landlord approval?

    Sometimes, yes - especially in flats, listed buildings, conservation areas, leasehold properties, or buildings with managing agents. Getting permission is the client's responsibility, but we can usually provide technical information, drawings, and equipment details to support the application. We are used to working with these situations, particularly in London, so we can normally point out the likely issues early and help you avoid wasting time on the wrong type of system.

  • How soon can you install once I approve the quote?

    That depends on the time of year, stock availability, and the size and complexity of the project. Once you give us the go-ahead, we move the job into scheduling and give you the earliest practical installation date. If the project is urgent, tell us, and we will always do our best to help. Because we have been trading since 1986, we understand that clear communication on timing matters just as much as the quotation itself.

  • How long does a typical installation take?

    A straightforward single-room installation is often completed in around one to one-and-a-half days per unit. Larger, more complex, or multi-room projects naturally take longer, especially where there is more pipework, electrical work, access equipment, or ceiling and builder coordination involved. We will always be realistic with you about programme and disruption. Good installations are not rushed, because the finish and reliability matter just as much as speed.

  • Can you install at weekends or out of hours?

    Yes, that can often be arranged for clients who need it. The main thing to bear in mind is that out-of-hours work usually costs more than standard weekday installation, and it may need to be booked further ahead. It is particularly common for offices, retail, and other commercial spaces where access is easier outside normal trading hours. If timing is critical, tell us early, and we will build the programme around that as far as possible.

  • Can you provide temporary portable cooling while a fitted system is being installed?

    Yes. Because we also provide portable air conditioning, we can often arrange temporary cooling while a permanent system is being installed or while you are waiting for repair work. That can be especially helpful for bedrooms during warm weather, occupied offices, or critical rooms that cannot simply be left to overheat. It is one of the advantages of using a company that handles both fitted and portable solutions rather than just one side of the market.