Fixed price air conditioning installation: what a real fixed price includes
A genuine fixed price names the exact model, lists everything included and every extra on its own line, and doesn't change unless you agree to extra work. It should come after a survey or good photos, not a phone call. Here's how to read air conditioning quotes, compare them line by line and spot the ones to avoid.
- before any fixed price
- Free survey
- how long our written quotes last
- 30 days
- refundable in the 14-day cancel period
- 20% deposit
- one room, fitted, inc. VAT
- From £1,850
Quote, estimate or fixed price?
The words matter. Citizens Advice puts it simply: a quote, sometimes called a fixed estimate, is a promise to do the work at an agreed price. An estimate is the trader's best guess at what the work will cost.
With a quote, the trader can't charge more unless there's a good reason, such as extra work you were told about and agreed to pay for, or a price that was obviously a mistake. They can't charge more just because their own costs have gone up since the quote. So the first thing to check on any air conditioning price is whether it's a quote or an estimate.
Why a survey or photos come first
Two homes with the same size bedroom can need very different installs. The price depends on things nobody can see over the phone: where the outdoor unit can go, how far the pipes have to run, whether the wall is easy to drill, where the condensate water can drain, what your electrics will take, and whether the job needs planning or freeholder consent.
That's why we survey before we fix a price. For some simple jobs, clear photos of the room, the wall inside and out, and your consumer unit are enough. A quote given without either is really an estimate, whatever it's called, because the installer will find out what the job involves on the day.
What a genuine fixed price should include
For a standard home install, every one of these should be on the quote or clearly included.
- The indoor and outdoor model numbers, and the cooling and heating output in kW
- The length of refrigerant pipe included, in metres, and the route it takes
- The outdoor fixing: wall bracket or ground stand, and anti-vibration mounts
- How the condensate water drains: by gravity to an outside point, or with a pump
- The electrical connection: an existing fused spur, or a new circuit with its certificate
- Making good: the hole sealed inside and out, and neat trunking outside
- Nitrogen pressure test, vacuum and commissioning in cooling and heating
- An F-Gas record of the refrigerant, from an F-Gas certified company
- Manufacturer warranty registration, and the length of cover for that model
- The installer's own workmanship guarantee
- The price, with VAT shown clearly: included for homes, or added for businesses
- The deposit, when the balance is due and your cancellation rights
How to compare air conditioning quotes line by line
Lay the quotes side by side and go down this list. A cheaper total often means something is missing, not a better deal.
| Line | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Unit model and kW | Full model numbers for both units, not just the brand | Ranges within one brand differ in noise, efficiency and price |
| Pipe run | Metres included and the cost per extra metre | A low headline price can include very little pipe |
| Outdoor position | Where it goes, how it's fixed, and any access tower | Height and access are some of the biggest cost differences |
| Electrics | Existing spur or new circuit, and who certifies it | A new circuit in a home is notifiable work under Part P |
| Condensate | Gravity drain to where, or a pump | Water has to go somewhere, and pumps cost extra |
| Making good | Hole sealed, trunking outside, any decorating | Decorating is often excluded, so check before you compare |
| Commissioning | Pressure test, vacuum, checks in cooling and heating | Skipped tests can lead to leaks and early faults |
| F-Gas | Company certificate and the body that issued it | Only certified companies and engineers may install these systems |
| Warranty | Manufacturer cover for that model, who registers it, and workmanship cover | Cover can depend on registration and yearly servicing |
| VAT and payment | Inc. VAT or + VAT, deposit size, when the balance is due | A price that leaves out VAT isn't comparable with one that includes it |
If a line is missing from a quote, ask the installer to add it in writing before you compare totals.
What a fixed price usually leaves out
A good quote says what isn't included, so nothing comes as a surprise. These are the usual exclusions.
- Decorating beyond making good around the hole
- Builder's work, such as boxing in or chasing pipes into finished walls, unless it's listed
- Planning application, Lawful Development Certificate or freeholder fees
- Parking charges, which in central London we add at cost
- Changes you ask for after accepting the quote, such as a different position or model
What can fairly change a fixed price
Very little, if the survey was done properly. The fair reasons are: you ask for something different, such as moving the unit or upgrading the model; a consent comes back with conditions, such as a council or freeholder asking for a different position; something hidden turns up that nobody could have seen at the survey, such as a cable or pipe in the drilling route; or the quote has expired. Ours are valid for 30 days.
How the installer handles it is what counts. A good one stops, shows you the problem, gives you the change in writing with its price, and lets you decide before carrying on. A price should never simply be higher on the final invoice.
Red flags in an air conditioning quote
Any one of these is a reason to ask more questions before you pay anything.
- A firm price with no survey and no photos of your home
- No model number, only a brand name or "2.5 kW unit"
- No mention of F-Gas certification, or no answer when you ask which body certifies them
- Nothing itemised: one total with no pipe length, electrics or condensate details
- A total far below every other quote with no explanation of what's left out
- Pressure to sign today, or no mention of your 14-day right to cancel
- A large payment up front, or payment in full before the work is finished
- Payment only in cash, with no written quote or receipt
- A cooling-only unit for a home: since 29 May 2025 it can't be permitted development, so it needs planning permission
Deposits and payment stages
For homeowners, we take a 20% deposit when you accept the quote, and never more than 25%. The balance is due on completion, once the system is installed, commissioned and handed over to you. Nothing is due for work we haven't finished.
If you agree the contract at home or at a distance, you can cancel within 14 days under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, and we refund your deposit in full. We only start inside those 14 days if you ask us to in writing. Business installs are quoted on separate commercial terms, set out with the quote.
How we give you a fixed price
Send the basics
Rooms, rough sizes and your postcode through the quote form. Photos of the walls inside and out help.
Free survey
We measure, plan the pipe route and outdoor position, and check your electrics, drainage, planning and any freeholder consent.
Written fixed price
The exact models, everything included, every extra on its own line and the manufacturer warranty for your model. Valid for 30 days.
Book your date
A 20% deposit books the install, refunded in full if you cancel within the 14-day cancellation period.
Pay on handover
The balance is due once the system is installed, commissioned and handed over. The price is the one on your quote.
Fixed price and quote questions
What does fixed price air conditioning installation mean?
It means the installer promises to do the work described for the price on the quote. Citizens Advice calls this a quote, as opposed to an estimate, which is only a best guess. A fixed price should name the exact models and list what's included, so you know exactly what the price buys.
Can an installer charge more than the quote?
Not without a good reason. Citizens Advice gives two: extra work you were told about and agreed to pay for, or a price that was obviously a mistake. An installer can't charge more because its own costs went up after quoting.
How do I compare air conditioning quotes?
Line by line, not by the total. Check the model numbers, the pipe length included, the outdoor fixing, the electrics, the condensate route, commissioning, F-Gas certification, the warranty and whether VAT is included. If one quote leaves a line out, ask for it in writing before comparing.
Can I get an air conditioning quote without a survey?
For some simple jobs, yes: clear photos of the room, both sides of the wall and your consumer unit can be enough for a fixed price. For multi-splits, ducted systems and anything with a long pipe run or a high outdoor position, a survey is needed. Ours is free.
How long is an air conditioning quote valid?
Ours are valid for 30 days from the date on the quote. After that we check the price again, mainly because equipment prices change. Other installers set their own periods, so check the date on each quote.
How much deposit should I pay for air conditioning?
We take 20% of the install price, never more than 25%, with the balance due on completion and handover. For a contract agreed at home or at a distance, you can cancel within 14 days and get the deposit back in full.
Why are some air con quotes so much cheaper?
Usually because they include less: a shorter pipe run, no outdoor bracket, no electrics, a value-range unit, or VAT left out. Sometimes the cheaper quote is an estimate rather than a fixed price. Compare what's included before you compare totals.