Any work done to your home should be seen as an investment. A long term addition that adds value and improves your standard of living. As such, that work should be carried out by professionals who prioritise quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
An air conditioning installation is no different. It involves skilled workmen installing complex systems to ensure optimal performance and comfort.
While it’s often a cheaper option, choosing a less professional or inexperienced installer can lead to multiple problems, including:
To avoid these pitfalls, it's essential to research and choose a reputable company with a strong track record.
Quality is key for domestic air conditioning - both in terms of the equipment used and the workmanship involved in the installation process.
Opting for cheaper equipment may save money in the short term, but it often leads to subpar performance and higher maintenance costs down the line.
Check the installer works with commercial grade equipment from reputable manufacturers like Fujitsu, Mitsubishi and Panasonic. This will ensure optimal performance, energy efficiency, and system longevity.
Quality of workmanship is also key to performance. A skilled technician will install each component following manufacturer specifications and industry best practices. They can only do this if they have experience of working with commercial grade equipment.
As well as quality, you’ll also want to ensure the safety of your family, your property and the technicians working in your home.
Look for companies that prioritise health and safety training for their employees and have the accreditations to prove it. The ACRIB SKILLCard is a good indicator here.
Issued by the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB), it proves that technicians are covered by current F-Gas certification, and have passed a health and safety awareness assessment.
You should also verify the company holds the necessary insurance policies to protect you and your property in the event of accidents or damages - like public liability insurance.
Warranties on both parts and labour give assurance that a company stands behind its work. They offer peace of mind that you’re covered in the event that something should go wrong.
Parts are guaranteed by the manufacturer. Warranty periods here vary but if you’re having high-quality equipment installed you should expect to be covered for at least 3 years - the longer the better.
Warranties on labour come from the installer. These cover the workmanship involved in the installation process, and typically last for a year.
The length of each warranty should be clearly communicated before any work begins. Check these, along with associated terms and conditions.
Without appropriate cover, you could be vulnerable to unexpected expenses for repairs or replacement parts.
Before you agree to any work, make sure you’re given a clear and comprehensive quote. This should outline all expenses and the steps required to complete the job.
Look for a transparent breakdown of costs relating to equipment and labour, as well as additional fees and exclusions. Knowing all costs upfront will protect your budget.
Equally important is transparency regarding the works involved.
A reputable company will provide a detailed outline of the installation process, including the timeline, the tasks to be completed, and any potential disruptions to your daily routine.
The reputation of an installer speaks volumes. A company with a solid reputation is likely to have earned it through years of high quality service.
And this goes beyond workmanship. It covers the whole customer journey, from initial consultation to post-installation support.
Online reviews are a good indicator of reputation. Referrals from family and friends are also a good way to find a trusted installer.
For complete peace of mind, look for the TrustMark guarantee - the only government endorsed scheme for UK tradespeople.
This lets you know that the company in question has had its practices thoroughly vetted, and that it’s committed to good customer service, technical competence and trading practices. It also offers you a level of protection, ensuring that you have recourse in the event of any issues or disputes.
By investing in a professional company, you can ensure that your domestic air conditioning installation is done right first time.
You’ll benefit from peace of mind, knowing that your home comfort needs are in capable hands. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of efficient, reliable cooling (and heating) for years to come.
At Loughborough Air Conditioning, we’ve been installing domestic air con systems for over 20 years. We take great pride in our standards of service, with a fully trained and accredited team of friendly technicians.
