The short answer
Get matched with an F-Gas-certified installer and compare like for like. A proper quote follows a survey, names the exact units and capacity, and itemises installation, pipework, electrics, commissioning and the manufacturer’s warranty. Expect roughly £1,500–£3,000 for a single split and £3,000–£6,000+ for a multi-split. Always check the installer is on the F-Gas Register — only certified engineers may legally install refrigerant systems.
A good air-con quote is more than a number — it is evidence that an installer has surveyed your home, sized the system correctly and will fit it legally and well. This guide explains how to find the right certified installer, what a complete quote must include, the questions worth asking, and the warning signs of a quote to avoid, so you can choose with confidence rather than on price alone.
Quotes at a glance
- Single split installed £1,500–£3,000
- Multi-split installed £3,000–£6,000+
- Quotes to compare At least three
- Must be F-Gas-Register certified
- Quote follows A proper site survey
- Key check Itemised, written, warranty stated
Start with an F-Gas-certified installer
Before you compare a single price, make sure every quote comes from an installer who can legally do the work. Under GB F-gas law, only an F-Gas-certified engineer, working for an F-Gas-registered company, may install, commission or service equipment containing refrigerant. You can verify a company on the F-Gas Register (run by bodies such as REFCOM). A cheap quote from someone who is not certified is not a bargain — it is an illegal installation that voids the warranty, may not meet building rules, and is far harder to put right later. Certification is the floor, not a luxury.
Insist on a survey first
A meaningful quote follows a survey, not a guess over the phone. The installer should assess the room size and aspect, glazing, insulation, heat sources and how the space is used, then size the system to that — see what size air con do I need. They should also look at where the outdoor unit can go, the length and route of the pipe run to the indoor unit, the electrical supply, and whether planning permission might apply — usually it does not for a domestic unit within permitted-development limits, but conservation areas and listed buildings are stricter. A quote produced without a survey is really just a ballpark, and ballparks change sharply — often upwards — once the engineer actually sees the job. Treat a firm price given without anyone visiting as a warning sign, not a convenience.
What a proper quote should include
Compare quotes line by line, not just on the bottom figure. A complete, professional quote names exactly what you are buying and what the installer will do.
- The equipment — make, model and cooling/heating capacity (in kW) of each indoor and outdoor unit.
- The installation — pipework run, brackets, drainage, core-drilling and making good.
- Electrical work — the dedicated supply, isolator and any consumer-unit work needed to power the system safely.
- Commissioning — pressure-testing, evacuation, charging and a performance test, with a certificate.
- Warranty & aftercare — the manufacturer’s warranty term and any servicing contract.
Watch for what a quote leaves out as much as what it includes. Common hidden extras are scaffolding or access equipment for a high outdoor unit, making good after core-drilling, a longer pipe run than assumed, electrical upgrades, and the removal of an old system. A quote that itemises these honestly may look dearer than one that stays vague, but it is the one that will not spring surprises on the day. Ask for the total to be a fixed price wherever possible, with any genuine variables clearly flagged.
| System | Typical installed cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Single split | £1,500–£3,000 | One room — bedroom, office |
| Multi-split | £3,000–£6,000+ | Several rooms, one outdoor unit |
| Portable | £300–£600 | Temporary or single-room cooling |
The questions worth asking
The right questions reveal a lot about a fitter. Ask to see their F-Gas registration. Ask how they have sized the system and why — an honest answer references the survey, not a sales target. Ask exactly what the price includes and what is extra, what the commissioning certificate covers, what the warranty requires you to do (usually annual servicing), and how disruptive the install is — see installation time. Confirm they will leave you the F-gas and commissioning paperwork. Ask too about aftercare: who you call if something goes wrong, whether they offer a service contract, and how response times work. A fitter who answers all of this clearly and in writing is one you can trust; one who is evasive about certification or paperwork is one to avoid. For the wider cost picture, see installation cost.
Comparing and deciding
Get at least three quotes and compare them on the same basis: same room, same capacity, same scope. The cheapest is rarely the best value once you weigh up certification, warranty, the quality of the survey and how clearly the work is described. Trust an installer who explains their reasoning, puts everything in writing and is happy to be checked on the F-Gas Register. This page is general guidance only; the figures here are typical 2026 market ranges, and a binding price can only come from a certified installer who has surveyed your property.
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Frequently asked questions
How many air-con quotes should I get?
At least three, compared on the same room, capacity and scope. That gives you a fair sense of the market rate and reveals any outlier that is too cheap to be safe.
How much does air-con installation cost?
Roughly £1,500–£3,000 for a single split and £3,000–£6,000 or more for a multi-split, depending on the units, pipe runs and electrical work.
How do I know an installer is legal?
Check they are on the F-Gas Register. Only F-Gas-certified engineers from registered companies may legally install refrigerant systems in Great Britain.
Should I just choose the cheapest quote?
No. Weigh certification, the quality of the survey, the warranty and exactly what is included. The cheapest quote often skips a survey or uses an unqualified fitter.
Sources & further reading
- GOV.UK — F-gas: guidance for users, producers and traders
- REFCOM / F-Gas Register — find a registered company
- The Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2015 (GB F-gas)
- Energy Saving Trust — choosing and using cooling
This guide is general information, not a site-specific survey or a substitute for a quote from an F-Gas-certified installer. Installation, servicing and refrigerant handling are legally restricted to F-Gas-certified engineers.