What happens on an air conditioning survey?

The right system depends on the rooms, the building and the route between indoor and outdoor units. A survey lets the installer size the system properly and give you a firm price rather than an estimate.

Some installers can quote from photos and measurements for simple single-room jobs. For multi-room or heating-focused systems, a visit is usually needed.

• Each room’s size, windows, orientation and insulation, to work out how much cooling or heating capacity it needs.
• Where the indoor units could go, for good airflow and away from beds and desks.
• Where the outdoor unit could go, including noise, access and planning considerations.
• The route for the refrigerant pipes, cable and condensate drain, and how much wall drilling is involved.
• Your consumer unit and electrical supply.
• Access for the work, such as whether ladders, a tower or scaffolding are needed.

A survey for one or two rooms usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. Larger homes take longer. Many installers survey free of charge, but it’s worth asking when you book.

• Decide which rooms you want to cool or heat, and whether you might add more later.
• Think about where you would and wouldn’t want indoor and outdoor units.
• Make sure the installer can get to the consumer unit and the outside walls.
• If you’re in a flat, a listed building or a conservation area, mention it. Our planning guide explains why.
• Have your questions ready. Our checklist of questions to ask an installer can help.

You should get a written, itemised quote showing the equipment, the work and the price. Compare it against other quotes on equipment and warranty as well as price. If you haven’t had a survey yet, send us an enquiry and we’ll pass it to checked installers who cover your area so they can arrange one.