Frequently Asked Questions

• Can air conditioning provide heating as well as cooling?

  Yes, modern air conditioning systems provide both heating and cooling. These units are known as heat pumps and work efficiently throughout the year. In summer, they extract warm air from your home and release it outside, cooling your living space. During winter, the process reverses, drawing heat from the outside air and transferring it indoors.

  Air conditioning systems are highly efficient at heating, often using less energy than traditional electric heaters or gas boilers. This makes them a cost-effective solution for maintaining comfortable temperatures all year round.

• What type of air conditioning units are there?

  There are several types of air conditioning units suitable for homes:

  Wall-Mounted Units - The most popular choice for domestic properties. These units are fixed to the wall and provide efficient heating and cooling for individual rooms.

  Multi-Split Systems - Perfect if you want to control temperatures in multiple rooms. One outdoor unit connects to several indoor units, allowing independent temperature control in each room.

  Ceiling Cassette Units - Typically used in commercial settings but suitable for larger domestic spaces. These fit flush with the ceiling for a discreet appearance.

  Portable Units - Temporary cooling solutions that can be moved between rooms. While convenient, they're less efficient than fixed installations.

  We specialise in wall-mounted and multi-split systems, working primarily with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries equipment to guarantee quality and reliability.

• What are the benefits of air conditioning?

  Air conditioning offers numerous benefits for your home:

  Year-Round Comfort - Heating in winter and cooling in summer from a single system.

  Energy Efficiency - Modern units are highly efficient, potentially reducing your energy bills compared to traditional heating methods.

  Improved Air Quality - Built-in filters remove dust, pollen, and allergens, creating a healthier indoor environment.

  Better Sleep - Maintaining optimal bedroom temperatures can improve sleep quality significantly.

  Increased Property Value - Air conditioning is an attractive feature for potential buyers.

  Quiet Operation - Modern systems run quietly, so they won't disturb your daily activities or sleep.

• Do I need planning permission for air conditioning?

  In most cases, installing air conditioning on a domestic property falls under permitted development rights, meaning you won't need planning permission. However, there are some exceptions:

  You may need permission if your property is a listed building, located in a conservation area, or if the outdoor unit will be installed on a wall facing a highway.

  We recommend checking with your local planning authority if you're unsure. Our team can advise you during the free consultation and help you understand any restrictions that might apply to your property.

• Will investing in air conditioning increase the value of my home?

  Yes, air conditioning can increase your property's value and appeal to potential buyers. As summers get warmer and energy efficiency becomes more important to homeowners, air conditioning is increasingly seen as a desirable feature rather than a luxury.

  Properties with air conditioning often sell faster and can command higher prices, particularly in areas where summer temperatures regularly become uncomfortable. The energy efficiency of modern systems is also attractive to environmentally conscious buyers.

• Is air conditioning cost efficient?

  Modern air conditioning systems are significantly more cost efficient than older models. Heat pump technology means they can produce three to four times more energy than they consume, making them one of the most efficient heating and cooling solutions available.

  Your running costs will depend on factors like the size of your property, how well insulated it is, and how often you use the system. However, many homeowners find their energy bills decrease after installing air conditioning, particularly if they're replacing old electric heaters.

  Regular servicing also helps maintain efficiency, keeping your running costs as low as possible.

• What's the maintenance on air conditioning?

  Air conditioning systems require minimal maintenance, but regular servicing is important to keep them running efficiently. We recommend an annual service to check refrigerant levels, clean filters, inspect electrical connections, and make sure all components are working correctly.

  Between professional services, you can maintain your system by:

  Cleaning Filters - Most units have washable filters that should be cleaned every few months.

  Keeping The Outdoor Unit Clear - Make sure leaves, debris, and plants don't obstruct the outdoor unit.

  Checking For Unusual Noises - If you notice strange sounds, contact us for a quick inspection.

  With proper maintenance, your air conditioning system should provide reliable service for 15 to 20 years.

• How much does air conditioning installation cost in Kent?

  The cost of air conditioning installation varies depending on several factors, including the number of units you need, the type of system, the complexity of the installation, and the brand you choose.

  As a rough guide, a single wall-mounted unit for one room typically starts from around £1,500 to £2,500 including installation. Multi-room systems will cost more but offer better value if you want to control temperatures throughout your home.

  We offer free home visits and quotations, so you'll receive an accurate price based on your specific requirements. There are no hidden costs, and we'll explain exactly what's included in your quotation.

• How long does air conditioning installation take?

  Most single-unit installations can be completed in one day. The typical installation time is between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the complexity of the work and the accessibility of the installation location.

  Multi-room systems may take longer, typically 1 to 2 days depending on how many units you're having fitted. We'll give you a clear timeframe when we provide your quotation, so you know exactly what to expect.

  Our engineers work efficiently and respectfully, minimising disruption to your home. We'll also clean up thoroughly once the installation is complete.

• What is the best air conditioning brand?

  We specialise in Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) air conditioning systems and hold the prestigious 3 Diamond Dealer accreditation. This makes us experts in MHI products, and we're able to offer a 7-year warranty on all MHI installations.

  MHI is renowned for reliability, energy efficiency, and quiet operation. Their systems are designed to last and come with excellent manufacturer support. While other brands are available, we recommend MHI for their quality and the extended warranty we can provide.

• Can I install air conditioning myself?

  We strongly advise against DIY air conditioning installation. Installing an air conditioning system requires specialist knowledge, qualifications, and equipment. Incorrect installation can result in:

  Poor Performance - The system won't heat or cool efficiently.

  Safety Risks - Refrigerant gases must be handled carefully and legally.

  Warranty Issues - Manufacturer warranties typically require professional installation.

  Legal Requirements - Working with refrigerants requires F-Gas certification.

  Our qualified engineers can install your system safely and correctly, giving you peace of mind and full warranty protection.

• How noisy is air conditioning?

  Modern air conditioning systems are remarkably quiet. Indoor units typically operate at around 19 to 30 decibels, which is quieter than a whisper. You'll barely notice the sound during normal operation.

  Outdoor units are slightly louder but still much quieter than older models. Most produce around 40 to 60 decibels, similar to a normal conversation. We position outdoor units carefully during installation to minimise any noise impact on you and your neighbours.

• Do air conditioning units need to be serviced every year?

  Annual servicing is recommended to maintain efficiency, prevent breakdowns, and prolong the lifespan of your system. Regular maintenance catches small issues before they become expensive problems and keeps your air conditioning running at peak performance.

  During a service, we'll clean filters, check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections, and test all components. This takes around an hour and can save you money in the long term by reducing running costs and avoiding costly repairs.

  Some manufacturers also require proof of regular servicing to maintain warranty coverage, so it's worth keeping up with annual maintenance.

• What size air conditioning unit do I need?

  Choosing the right size unit is crucial for efficiency and comfort. An undersized unit will struggle to heat or cool your space, while an oversized unit will cycle on and off frequently, wasting energy.

  The size you need depends on:

  Room Size - Measured in square metres.

  Ceiling Height - Higher ceilings require more powerful units.

  Insulation - Well-insulated rooms need less power.

  Windows - Large windows and sun exposure affect heating and cooling requirements.

  Room Usage - Kitchens generate more heat than bedrooms.

  During our free home visit, we'll assess these factors and recommend the perfect size unit for each room.

• Can air conditioning help with allergies?

  Yes, air conditioning can significantly help with allergies. Modern systems include filters that capture dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne allergens, removing them from the air you breathe.

  By keeping windows closed and running your air conditioning, you prevent outdoor allergens from entering your home. The constant air circulation and filtration create a cleaner, healthier indoor environment.

  For maximum benefit, we recommend cleaning or replacing filters regularly according to the manufacturer's guidelines.