Air conditioning questions

Air conditioning installation costs vary depending on the type of system, the size of your property, and the number of units required. A single split system typically costs between £1,500 and £3,500, while multi-split systems for multiple rooms can range from £3,000 to £8,000. Ducted systems for whole-house cooling are usually £5,000 to £15,000. The final price depends on factors like property size, insulation, number of rooms, and whether you need heating capabilities. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and 0% APR finance options are available to help spread the cost. Get a free quote to see the exact price for your home.

Most air conditioning installations take just 1-2 days to complete. A simple single split system can often be installed in a single day, while multi-split or ducted systems may require 2-3 days depending on complexity. The installation process includes mounting the indoor and outdoor units, running refrigerant lines, electrical connections, and system testing. We can often install as soon as the next day if you order before 3pm. Our experienced engineers work efficiently to minimise disruption to your home, and we'll ensure everything is working perfectly before we leave.

In most cases, you don't need planning permission for air conditioning units in England, Scotland, and Wales. However, there are some exceptions. If your property is listed, in a conservation area, or you live in a flat, you may need planning permission. The outdoor unit must also comply with certain regulations - it shouldn't be installed on a wall facing a highway, and it must be positioned to minimise noise impact on neighbours. We'll check all requirements during your free consultation and handle any necessary planning applications on your behalf. Our team is experienced in navigating local planning requirements.

A split system consists of one indoor unit connected to one outdoor unit, perfect for cooling a single room or open-plan space. A multi-split system has one outdoor unit connected to multiple indoor units (typically 2-5), allowing you to cool different rooms independently with individual temperature controls. Multi-split systems are ideal for homes with multiple bedrooms or separate living areas, as they offer greater flexibility and efficiency. Each indoor unit can be controlled separately, so you only cool the rooms you're using. While multi-split systems cost more initially, they're more energy-efficient than running multiple separate units and can save money in the long run.

Yes! Many modern air conditioning systems are reversible and can provide both cooling and heating. These are often called heat pumps or air-to-air heat pumps. They work by reversing the refrigeration cycle to extract heat from outside air and transfer it indoors, even when it's cold outside. Air conditioning heating is highly efficient, typically providing 3-4 units of heat for every unit of electricity used, making it much more efficient than traditional electric heaters. This makes it an excellent year-round solution for maintaining comfortable temperatures in your home. Our experts can help you choose a system that provides both cooling and heating capabilities.

Running costs depend on several factors including the size of your system, how often you use it, your electricity tariff, and the efficiency rating of the unit. A typical 2.5kW split system running for 8 hours a day during summer might cost around £1-2 per day, or £30-60 per month. Modern inverter air conditioning units are highly energy-efficient and can reduce running costs by up to 40% compared to older models. Using a programmable thermostat and only cooling rooms you're using can significantly reduce costs. Reversible systems that also provide heating can be more cost-effective than traditional heating methods. We can provide an estimate of running costs based on your specific system and usage patterns.

Modern air conditioning units are designed to be quiet, with indoor units typically operating at 19-40 decibels - quieter than a normal conversation. The outdoor unit will produce more noise (around 50-65 decibels), similar to a dishwasher. However, modern inverter technology and sound-dampening features have significantly reduced noise levels. The outdoor unit is positioned away from living areas, and we can help you choose the quietest location. Some premium models operate as quietly as 16 decibels indoors. If noise is a concern, we can recommend specific models and optimal placement to minimise any disturbance.

Yes, regular maintenance is important to keep your air conditioning system running efficiently and prolong its lifespan. Basic maintenance includes cleaning or replacing filters every 1-3 months, which you can do yourself. We recommend a professional service once a year to check refrigerant levels, clean coils, inspect electrical connections, and ensure optimal performance. Well-maintained systems can last 15-20 years and operate more efficiently, saving you money on energy bills. Neglecting maintenance can lead to reduced efficiency, higher running costs, and potential breakdowns. We offer maintenance packages to keep your system in perfect condition year-round.

Air conditioning can be installed in most rooms, but there are some considerations. The room needs space for the indoor unit (typically mounted on a wall or ceiling), and there must be a suitable location for the outdoor unit nearby. The outdoor and indoor units need to be connected by refrigerant pipes, usually within 15-20 metres of each other. Rooms with good insulation and fewer windows will be more efficient to cool. Bedrooms, living rooms, and home offices are popular choices. We'll assess your property during the free survey to determine the best locations for both indoor and outdoor units, ensuring optimal performance and minimal disruption.

An inverter air conditioning system uses variable-speed compressor technology that adjusts its power output based on the cooling or heating demand. Unlike traditional fixed-speed systems that turn on and off, inverter systems continuously adjust their speed to maintain the desired temperature. This results in more consistent temperatures, faster cooling, quieter operation, and significantly better energy efficiency - typically 30-40% more efficient than non-inverter systems. Inverter systems also reduce wear and tear on components, leading to longer lifespan and lower maintenance costs. Most modern air conditioning systems use inverter technology, and we recommend it for optimal performance and energy savings.

We offer comprehensive warranties on all our air conditioning installations. Typically, the equipment comes with a manufacturer's warranty of 5-7 years, covering parts and labour. We also provide a workmanship warranty covering the installation itself, usually for 2-5 years depending on the system. This means if anything goes wrong with the installation, we'll fix it at no extra cost. Extended warranties are often available for additional peace of mind. All our installations are completed by qualified, certified engineers, and we use only high-quality equipment from trusted manufacturers. We'll provide full warranty documentation when your system is installed.

Yes, modern air conditioning systems can significantly improve indoor air quality. They filter out dust, pollen, allergens, and other airborne particles through built-in filters. Many systems also include advanced filtration technologies like HEPA filters or ionisers that can remove even smaller particles, bacteria, and viruses. Air conditioning also helps control humidity levels, reducing the risk of mould and mildew growth. Some systems include dehumidification modes specifically for this purpose. Regular filter cleaning or replacement is essential to maintain air quality benefits. If air quality is a priority, we can recommend systems with enhanced filtration features.

The size (cooling capacity) of air conditioning unit you need depends on several factors: room size, ceiling height, insulation quality, number of windows, and heat-generating appliances. Cooling capacity is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) or kW. As a rough guide, a small bedroom (10-15m²) typically needs 2-3kW, a medium living room (20-30m²) needs 3-5kW, and larger open-plan spaces may need 5-8kW or more. An undersized unit will struggle to cool the space, while an oversized unit will cycle on and off frequently, reducing efficiency. Our free survey includes a professional assessment to determine the exact size needed for each room, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.

Yes, we offer flexible finance options to make air conditioning more affordable. We provide 0% APR finance on selected systems, allowing you to spread the cost over 12, 24, or 36 months with no interest charges. This means you can enjoy the comfort of air conditioning immediately while paying in manageable monthly instalments. Finance is subject to credit checks and approval, and terms may vary. Our team can discuss the best finance option for your situation during your free consultation. We also accept all major credit and debit cards, and bank transfers for full payment.

If your air conditioning system breaks down, we're here to help. All our installations come with a comprehensive warranty covering both parts and labour. If a fault occurs within the warranty period, we'll repair it at no cost to you. We also offer extended warranty and maintenance packages that include priority call-out service. For urgent issues, we aim to respond within 24-48 hours, and our engineers are available to diagnose and fix problems quickly. We use only genuine manufacturer parts and our certified engineers have extensive experience with all major brands. Even after the warranty period, we provide competitive repair and maintenance services.

Instead of carrying out potentially disruptive and delaying location assessments, at iHeat we aim to make the quotation process as quick and efficient as possible, we do this by offering a free, instant online quote. After answering some simple multiple choice questions regarding your home, our iHeat quote software algorithm rapidly and accurately determines which systems would be ideal for you.

We offer next day installation, from our expert engineers.

Generally yes, our engineer will arrive with the materials required to carry out the installation. In some cases if certain materials are in low supply in your area, they may get delivered separately and will arrive after our installer is present on site.

Each air conditioning installation is a unique undertaking with a number of contributing variables, but as a guide we advise that it could take up to 1 full day.

We ask that our customers please make sure all rooms that will be used during an installation are fully accessible, clear and clean prior to our engineer’s arrival.

iHeat subcontracts expert engineers, who have undergone a full onboarding process, including DBS checks.