Air conditioning installation and servicing

Yes. Almost every system we install is a reverse cycle unit, which means it is an air source heat pump. In winter it moves heat from outside into the room, which is far more efficient than an electric heater, and in summer it does the same job in reverse.

It depends on what the unit does. Permitted development rights in England cover air source heat pumps, and one of the conditions is that the unit is not used solely for cooling. A reversible system that heats as well as cools can therefore fall under permitted development if it also meets the limits on the size of the outdoor unit and where it is sited. A cooling only unit does not, and needs a planning application. Flats, listed buildings, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites carry further restrictions. We check this for your property before we quote. We check the position at survey and tell you before we quote, rather than after the unit is on the wall.

Modern inverter units are quiet, and most of the noise people worry about comes from the outdoor unit. Where it sits matters more than the specification, so we plan the position away from bedroom windows and neighbouring boundaries and use anti vibration mounts.

Once a year for a domestic system, more often for offices, shops and server rooms or anywhere dusty. Cleaning the filters and coils keeps the air clean and the running cost down, and regular checks catch a slow refrigerant loss before it becomes an expensive repair.

Often yes, but you will usually need the freeholder or managing agent to agree to the outdoor unit position, and some leases are strict about it. We can advise on what is realistic and provide the details you need to make the application.

Yes. A multi split system runs several indoor units from one outdoor unit, which keeps the outside of the building tidy and is usually the right answer for a house or a small office. We will size it so all the rooms can run at once rather than only one at a time.

In cooling mode it does remove some moisture, which is usually welcome in a humid London summer. The air is recirculated and filtered rather than being staled, and keeping the filters clean is what makes the difference to how the room feels.

For whole house heating and hot water, an air source heat pump with radiators or underfloor heating is the better system, and it qualifies for government grant support. Air conditioning suits individual rooms, extensions, offices and anywhere you also want cooling. We are happy to advise on which fits your property.

Yes, and a large part of our work is commercial. We hold the accreditations needed to design, install and certify commercial heating, hot water and gas plant, and we have completed projects in schools and churches as well as offices, restaurants, care homes, hospitals, apartment blocks and multi occupancy buildings. We are used to working in occupied buildings and will plan the work around term times, services and opening hours.