5 important questions to ask an air conditioning installer

The decision to install new air conditioning is the first step towards enjoying in a far more comfortable and efficient indoor environment.  Having made this decision, the next step is to find a professional air conditioning installer. But where do you start? And what sort of questions should you be asking?

Air conditioning installations should always be carried out by qualified engineers as they require a range of skills, not least the expert handling of gases, electrics and pipework. 

To help make choosing an air conditioning installer easier, we’ve put together five key questions to ask, so that you can feel confident about who is installing your quality new air conditioning system.

1. What Certification do you hold?

This is one of the most important questions to ask.  Air conditioning installers must have F Gas certification because they are handling potentially dangerous gases. It is actually illegal to install air conditioning without holding F gas certification. To comply with regulations, both the company and its employees must have certification so ask to see both certificates.

Next, check that the certificates are authentic and valid by checking with the office of certification.  The official government certification can be issued by companies such as F Gas or Refcom.

By law all gas engineers must also be on the Gas Safe Register, which is as a licensing body. Before registration is granted, checks are made to ensure that those applying for, and holding, registration are appropriately qualified as gas safety competent.
 

2. What experience do you have installing air conditioning in my type of property?

This might seem like an odd question given that you have contacted an air conditioning company, but it’s very important. You should be asking:

How many installations of this type have you done? This is to gauge experience in your particular sector or building.

Do you carry out the work yourself?  You want to ensure that the work will not be sub-contracted, and if it is then you will want to ask why, and then ask to see the above certification for the sub-contractor.

Can you provide customer references? Again, it’s important that references are provided AND checked.  If the references are too far away to visit then you can either telephone or email, and get at least two references (particularly for domestic installations – commercial installations are more closely regulated and inspected).

3. Do you provide free quotations?

Free site surveys and free quotations are commonplace for most small or domestic installations.  For larger, commercial installations, their may be a nominal survey charge.

An air conditioning installer may be able to give you an indicative cost, but an accurate quotation will require a site visit.  The installer will discuss with you the different types of system options available to you, which will be dependent on the size and type of property. 

Be sure to outline any specific requirements, e.g. if you require fresh air ventilation or air purification, or even smart technology so that you can manage your system from your phone.

Your quotation should show the details of the system, and include installation. 

If your new system is a replacement for an old system, the price should include the removal of the old system, along with safe recycling of old refrigerant.

4. Will my new air conditioning system come with a warranty?

The short answer is yes.  All new equipment comes with a fixed term warranty.  The warranty will depend on the type of system being installed and will typically vary from 3 to 7 years.  It is important that you discuss the registration of the warranty with your air conditioning installer and receive the required registration details post-installation.

5. Does my new air conditioning system include service and maintenance?

Service and maintenance are key to ensuring the long-term efficiency, safety and reliability of any air conditioning system.   You can ask your air conditioning installer to include the cost for annual servicing or you can request a cost for maintenance at regular intervals after installation.

Installing new air conditioning is exciting, but it’s also an investment.  It will add value to a property and give you years of climate-controlled comfort.  Therefore, it’s important that you take your time, do your homework and find an air conditioning installer that is trustworthy, friendly and reliable.

Loop air conditioning is a highly-regarded air conditioning installer and we would be delighted to provide you with all of the above information, or further guidance, if required.