Air conditioning installation quotes vary enormously — not just in price but in what they actually include. Understanding what a properly itemised quote should contain is essential for making a fair comparison and avoiding hidden costs that emerge on installation day. Here is a complete guide to what every quote should include.
What Must Be in Every Quote
Specific unit model: The quote should name the exact unit — brand, model number and capacity. “5kW wall-mounted unit” is not enough — you need “Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-AP50VG” or equivalent. This allows you to verify the specification, compare prices and check that the unit is appropriate for your room.
Pipework length: The quote should state how many metres of refrigerant pipework are included. A standard quote typically includes 3-5 metres. If your installation requires a longer run (outdoor unit on the opposite side of the house from the indoor unit), additional pipework will add to the cost and should be costed in the quote rather than discovered on installation day.
Electrical work: Air conditioning needs a dedicated electrical circuit with an isolation switch. The quote should state whether this is included and whether any consumer unit work is needed. “Electrical connection included” is vague — “dedicated 20A circuit from consumer unit included, isolation switch adjacent to outdoor unit included” is specific.
F-Gas certification and documentation: This is a legal requirement for any refrigerant-handling installation. It should be included as standard — not as an extra. Any quote that charges separately for F-Gas documentation, or does not mention it at all, is a concern.
Commissioning: Setting up and testing the system after installation. Should be included.
Operational training: Being shown how to use your system. Should be included.
Guarantee: What workmanship guarantee is provided and for how long.
Common Hidden Costs to Watch For
“Electrical work quoted separately”: Legitimate if the quote explains what the electrical work consists of and when a separate quote will be provided. A concern if electrical costs are not addressed at all until installation day.
Extended pipework: If your site survey has identified that the run from indoor to outdoor unit is longer than a standard installation, this should be costed in the original quote — not added as an extra when the engineer arrives.
Core drilling: Core drilling through external walls should always be included. Any quote that charges separately for core drilling is unusual and potentially concerning.
Making good: Sealing around pipework penetrations, painting trunking to match walls. Should be included.
Red Flags in a Quote
- No site survey carried out before quoting (impossible to quote accurately without seeing the property)
- No specific unit model named
- F-Gas documentation not mentioned or charged separately
- Very low price with vague inclusions — frequently leads to extras that bring the actual cost above a well-specified competitor’s quote
- No company registration number or insurance details provided
Our quotes are always fixed price, fully itemised and include all of the above as standard. Call 07833 053749 or request a free survey and quote.