A low price isn’t a good deal if the job it describes is smaller than the one you need. The gaps tend to show up on installation day: a longer pipe run, an electrical upgrade, an extra bracket. A clear written quote stops that happening.
Use this checklist to read any quote, ours included. If a line is missing, ask the installer to add it in writing.
The exact unit
The quote should name the brand, the model of both the indoor and outdoor unit and the capacity in kW. “2.5 kW wall unit” isn’t enough. With the model you can check the efficiency, the noise level, the refrigerant and the manufacturer’s warranty for yourself, and compare like with like.
The installation work
- Where each unit goes, ideally marked on photos or a sketch.
- The pipework route and length included, and whether any trunking will be visible inside or outside.
- Core drilling through the wall, and making good around it.
- The outdoor unit mounting: wall bracket, ground stand or roof frame, and anti-vibration mounts.
- The condensate drain: where the water goes, and whether a pump is needed. See condensate pumps.
Electrical work
Air conditioning usually needs its own circuit and a local isolator by the outdoor unit. The quote should say whether the circuit is included, where it runs from and whether any consumer unit work is needed. A new circuit is notifiable building work unless it’s done by a registered competent person; we carry it out under our NICEIC approval. Our Part P guide explains why this matters.
“Electrics by others” can be fine, but then you need a separate quote for it before you can compare totals.
Want it done properly? AirCon Doctor installs, repairs and services air conditioning and heat pumps across London and the South East, from our base in East Grinstead. We’re an F-Gas certified company and NICEIC approved. Get a fixed-price quote.
Commissioning and F-Gas records
Commissioning means pressure testing the pipework, evacuating it, charging or releasing the refrigerant, and checking the system runs as it should. It should be in the price, not an extra.
The refrigerant work must be done by a company that holds F-Gas certification, with engineers who hold their own qualifications (company certification and engineer qualifications on GOV.UK). The quote should confirm the F-Gas documentation is included. Ours always is.
Warranty, handover and paperwork
Ask whose warranty applies and for how long. For most installers, the warranty on the equipment is the manufacturer’s, and terms vary by brand and product. For example, Daikin’s standard warranty on split air conditioning is 2 years. Check whether the manufacturer asks for annual servicing to keep the warranty in place. We explain the manufacturer’s warranty brand by brand on your quote, and make no extra promise of our own.
At handover you should get the electrical certificate, the F-Gas record, the manual and a walk-through of the controls. Our warranty guide covers what’s typically included and excluded.
Price, VAT and timing
The quote should give a fixed price and state whether VAT is included and at what rate. For homes, HMRC’s Notice 708/6 can zero-rate air source heat pumps until 31 March 2027, and HMRC says most air conditioning units are air source heat pumps, but it depends on the facts. We confirm the VAT on your quote. It should also say how long the price is valid, the deposit and payment terms, and how long the job will take.
Red flags
- No survey and no photos asked for before pricing.
- No model named, only a size.
- No mention of F-Gas certification or documentation.
- Electrics, drilling or brackets left vague.
- A warranty promise that isn’t tied to the manufacturer’s published terms.
- No company details or contact address.
Our typical ranges are on the prices page, and the cost guide shows what moves a job within them. Our guide to finding a good engineer has more questions worth asking.
Quick answers
Should an air conditioning quote name the model?
Yes. The brand and model of both indoor and outdoor units let you check efficiency, noise, refrigerant and warranty, and compare quotes fairly.
Is F-Gas documentation an extra?
It shouldn’t be. Recording the refrigerant work is part of a proper installation and should be in the price.
Do I need a site survey before a quote?
For anything beyond a simple job, yes. For straightforward rooms, good photos of the room, outside wall and consumer unit can be enough.
What warranty should I expect?
Usually the manufacturer’s warranty, which varies by brand. Ask the installer to state it on the quote along with any servicing conditions.
Related services
More advice
- How Much Does Air Conditioning Cost in the UK? 2026 Complete Guide
- How to Find a Good Air Conditioning Engineer Near You
- What Happens at an Air Conditioning Site Survey
- Air Conditioning Warranty: What Is and Isn’t Covered
- Air Conditioning Installation: What to Expect on the Day
- All advice
This guide is general information, checked against the sources linked on 30 October 2026. It isn’t legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, grants and product ranges change, so check the current position before you rely on it.