7 Questions to ask an air conditioning company BEFORE you get air conditioning so that you don’t LOSE YOUR COOL AFTERWARDS
1. What qualifications do you have?
To handle air conditioning systems an installer MUST have certification under the F-GAS REGULATIONS and be registered with a recognised body, e.g. REFCOM. If they don’t have this qualification, they probably don’t understand the hazards associated with e.g. handling refrigerant gases and could pose a threat to you and your family / associates.
2. Can you provide testimonials?
Most reputable companies will be more than happy to provide a testimonial. After all, recommendation by an independent third party is very powerful.
3. What brand equipment will you supply?
As the saying goes “you get what you pay for.” This applies equally to air conditioning equipment. A number of manufacturers have invested significantly in making their equipment to an excellent standard so that the users can enjoy it for many years to come. In addition, they have put in place an infrastructure in the UK to enable parts to be easily sourced as well as offering a great technical support service. It goes without saying that the peace of mind afforded by this level of commitment comes at a premium. On the other hand, some distributors rely on selling cheap imported equipment whose lifespan is questionable and availability of support and parts is virtually non-existent (invariably they will break down when you need them most). Look out for the following premium brands, and where possible stick to these: Daikin, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, Hitachi, Samsung.
4. Does it have inverter technology?
Most modern systems utilise “inverter” technology. What this means is that they are extremely energy efficient and the compressor (the “engine” and usually most expensive part of the system) is less likely to fail. Systems that are non-inverter are considerably cheaper because manufacturers are moving away from this technology and looking to reduce their stocks. If you are offered a non-inverter unit I would question the motives of your supplier (are they really offering you a solution that is in YOUR interests?).
5. Will you do a cash deal and knock off the VAT?
If the answer is yes, what does this say about the integrity of the supplier? More importantly for you, did you know that if the transaction is “off the books,” the equipment is unlikely to be covered by a warranty AND the public liability insurance (if the supplier has any) will not apply – so, if you or your family is injured then...for the sake of a few pounds.
6. Are you insured?
Air conditioning installation involves: brazing (a form of welding), drilling, electrical works and gas handling. All of these are potential hazards that can harm you or your property. Any self-respecting company that deals in the above will have public liability insurance. If they haven’t or aren’t prepared to show you evidence of this, WALK AWAY.
7. Can you get me some cheap second hand kit?
If the answer’s yes, WALK AWAY. Why? Because:
(i) Ask yourself how the kit became second hand – not many companies / individuals would dispose of RELIABLE working equipment.
(ii) There is a science behind equipment selection that takes into account room sizes, orientation, windows, people, air infiltration etc. The chances of someone having a RELIABLE second hand unit that is PERFECTLY SUITED to your circumstances are low. Unless of course they want to give you something that’s unreliable and not appropriate to the room in the first place.
(iii) In case you need a third reason, the equipment component of the installation price is usually not the major component. It is the labour element that is more significant as this takes into account the specialist skills, insurances etc required to deliver.
For further information about your air conditioning requirements, contact us on londonnw@mail.aireserv.com or 020 8427 4672.
