Areas We Cover in Central London

We also cover North London, West London, and South West London.

Central London Considerations

A large proportion of Central London falls within conservation areas. We assess planning status at survey stage and design accordingly — we have never had an installation refused on planning grounds. For period properties, see our guide to AC in Victorian properties. For flats and mansion blocks, see our London flats AC guide. All engineers carry F-Gas certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you cover all Central London postcodes?
Yes — W1, WC1, WC2, EC1-EC4, SW1, SW3, SW7, SE1, N1, NW1, E1 and all surrounding postcodes.

What does a Central London installation cost?
Costs are the same as elsewhere in London. See our full cost guide.

Book a Survey in Central London

Call 020 7870 2333 for a free survey. Or visit our installation page.

Simply Air Conditioning London — F-Gas certified installation across all London zones since 2009.

Daikin Systems We Install in London

For residential installations, see our domestic installation page. For offices and commercial premises, see commercial installation or office AC installation.

Daikin Warranty and Servicing

When installed by an authorised installer and serviced annually, the Daikin warranty extends to five years on parts and compressor. All engineers are F-Gas certified. Annual servicing is required to maintain the extended warranty. We cover Central, North, West, and South West London.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Daikin worth the extra cost over budget brands?
Yes — total cost over 10 years usually favours Daikin. See our cost guide.

Do you install Daikin VRV commercial systems?
Yes. We install and service Daikin VRV for offices, retail, and commercial properties across London.

Get a Daikin Quote

Free survey and quote for Daikin installation: 020 7870 2333. Or visit our AC installation page.

Simply Air Conditioning London — Daikin authorised installer. F-Gas certified since 2009.

What to Look for in a Bedroom AC Unit

Noise Level

Look for units rated below 22dB(A) in sleep mode. Daikin Perfera and Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-LN both operate at around 19-21dB(A) at minimum speed — genuinely quiet in a sleeping room.

Correct Sizing

A typical London bedroom of 15-20m² needs a 2.5kW system. Correct sizing at survey stage is critical — an undersized unit runs continuously and never achieves the set temperature.

Whole-House Residential Installations

For whole-house cooling, a multi-split system serves multiple rooms from one outdoor unit. See our domestic installation page. For flats, see our London flats AC guide. For period properties, see our Victorian properties guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What brands do you recommend for bedrooms?
Daikin Perfera and Emura for quiet operation. Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-LN for ultra-low noise. Both carry strong warranties when installed by an F-Gas certified engineer.

Can I install AC in a rented home?
Only with landlord consent. For tenants, see our London flats guide.

Book a Survey

Free surveys for bedroom and whole-house residential installations: 020 7870 2333. We cover Central, North, West, and South West London.

Simply Air Conditioning London — F-Gas certified residential installation since 2009.

Portable vs Fixed Split: A Comparison

For London flats specifically, see our complete guide to AC in London flats. For period properties, our Victorian properties guide covers installation constraints.

When a Fixed Installation Is the Better Choice

If you own your property and plan to stay more than one summer, a fixed domestic installation recovers its cost within two to three years. We cover all London zones — Central, North, West, and South West London.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a portable AC cool a whole flat?
Not effectively — suited to single rooms up to 25m². See our London flats AC guide for whole-flat solutions.

Are portable AC units allowed in rented flats?
Yes — no permanent installation required. For permanent cooling, freeholder consent is typically needed for a fixed system.

Ready for a Permanent Solution?

Call us for a free survey: 020 7870 2333. A wall-mounted split can typically be installed within a week. Visit our installation page for full details.

Simply Air Conditioning London — F-Gas certified installation and servicing since 2009.

What Is an AC Regas?

Refrigerant does not get used up in normal operation — if a system is low, it has a leak that must be found and repaired before the gas is topped up. This is a legal requirement under F-Gas regulations and the only approach that makes the repair last.

Signs Your AC Needs Regassing

• Not cooling as well as it used to
• Running continuously without reaching the set temperature
• Ice forming on the indoor unit or refrigerant lines
• Hissing or bubbling sounds near the unit

The Regas Process

We locate the leak using electronic detectors and UV dye. All engineers carry F-Gas certification. We work with all refrigerant types across Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu, and all other major brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an AC regas cost in London?
A regas including leak detection, repair, and top-up typically costs £200-£350. See our full cost guide for context.

Can you top up without fixing the leak?
No — illegal under F-Gas regulations and won’t last.

My AC has R22 — what are my options?
R22 cannot legally be topped up. A new installation is required. Our cost guide covers current replacement prices.

Is my system worth repairing or replacing?
Systems over 12-15 years old are often better replaced. We provide honest advice and free quotes for domestic or commercial replacement installations.

Book a Regas

Call 020 7870 2333 for same-day bookings across Central, North, West, and South West London.

Simply Air Conditioning London — F-Gas certified since 2009. 24hr emergency callout available.

Maintenance is the complement to a good air conditioning installation — the two together determine the long-term value of your system.

What an Annual AC Service Includes

How Often Should AC Be Serviced?

Residential systems used seasonally: once per year, ideally in spring. Office and commercial systems in continuous use: every six months. Server rooms may require more frequent checks given the critical nature of the environment.

Maintenance and Manufacturer Warranty

Most AC manufacturers — including Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, and Fujitsu — require evidence of annual servicing to honour warranty claims. A skipped service can void your warranty.

What If a Fault Is Found?

If our engineer identifies a fault during a service visit, they will advise on repair options and costs. For systems beyond economic repair, we provide quotes for a replacement installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an AC service cost in London?
A full annual service for a single-unit residential system costs £150–£200. See our cost guide for full pricing context.

Can I service my own AC?
Filter cleaning can be done by the owner. Gas checks and electrical work require an F-Gas certified engineer.

What happens if refrigerant is low?
Low refrigerant indicates a leak. We locate and repair the leak, then recharge the system — see our repair service for details.

Book Your Annual Service

Book a service or enquire about a maintenance contract: 020 7870 2333. We cover all London zones including Central, North, West, and South West London.

Simply Air Conditioning London — F-Gas certified installation, servicing and repair since 2009.

If a repair is not cost-effective, we can advise on a new installation — often the better investment for systems over 12–15 years old.

Common AC Faults We Fix

Our Repair Process

Diagnosis

Our engineers carry diagnostic equipment for all major brands — Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu, Samsung, LG, Panasonic, and others. All our engineers are F-Gas certified.

Transparent Pricing

You receive a clear quote for the repair before any work proceeds. No surprises on the invoice.

When Replacement Makes More Sense

If a system is more than 12–15 years old and requires a major component replacement, a new domestic installation or commercial installation is often more cost-effective. We will advise honestly. See our cost guide to understand what a new installation involves.

Preventing Future Breakdowns

Most AC faults are preventable with regular annual servicing. A service catches low refrigerant, blocked drains, and dirty coils before they cause a breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an AC repair cost in London?
Minor repairs typically cost £80–£150. Gas recharges cost £150–£300. Major component replacements vary — we quote before proceeding.

Is it worth repairing an old AC unit?
If a system is over 12–15 years old and requires a major repair, a new installation is often the better long-term investment.

Can you repair AC in a listed building?
Yes. Repairs do not require planning permission. For installation in period properties, see our Victorian properties guide.

Book a Repair

Call 020 7870 2333 for same-day or next-day repair bookings. 24hr emergency line available.

Simply Air Conditioning London — F-Gas certified repair and installation since 2009.

Air Conditioning Installation Costs in London (2026)

For domestic installations, wall-mounted splits are the most common and cost-effective choice. For commercial installations, ceiling cassettes and VRV systems suit larger spaces.

What Affects the Price?

System Capacity (kW)

Larger rooms need more powerful systems. Correct sizing at survey stage is the single most important factor in getting value from an air conditioning installation.

Pipework Runs

Short, clean pipework runs cost less. Period properties require more careful routing — see our guide to AC in Victorian properties for details.

Brand

We install and recommend Daikin as the default — the combination of reliability, efficiency, and warranty support is unmatched. Mitsubishi Electric and Fujitsu are strong alternatives.

Annual Running Costs

A correctly sized inverter split unit running 8 hours per day for four summer months typically costs £80–£180 per year in electricity. All our installed systems qualify for the extended manufacturer warranty when serviced annually — see our maintenance and servicing page.

Annual Service Cost

A full annual AC service costs £150–£250 depending on system size. This covers filter cleaning, refrigerant pressure check, coil inspection, and drainage test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is air conditioning expensive to run in London?
Not with a modern inverter system. Running costs are typically £100–£200 per year for a single-room split used through summer.

Are cheaper quotes safe to accept?
Be cautious of quotes significantly below market rates. F-Gas certification is a legal requirement — unqualified installations are illegal and void insurance.

What about flats?
See our guide to AC for London flats for specific cost considerations around freeholder consent and shared buildings.

Get a Fixed-Price Quote

We provide fixed-price, all-inclusive quotations after a free site survey. Call 020 7870 2333 or book via our installation page.

Simply Air Conditioning London — F-Gas certified installation, servicing and repair since 2009.

This guide covers everything you need to know before booking — from system types and installation timelines to costs and what distinguishes a professional installation from a poor one.

Which AC System Is Right for Your London Property?

The most common system installed in London homes and offices is a wall-mounted split unit. For a full overview of system options and services, visit our air conditioning installation page. One indoor unit on the wall, one outdoor condenser — typically on a rear wall, flat roof, or side return.

For homes, see our domestic air conditioning installation service. For business premises, see commercial AC installation.

The Installation Process Step by Step

Free Site Survey

Every installation starts with a free survey. We visit your property, assess room size, wall construction, ceiling height, and the most practical position for both indoor and outdoor units. Pipework routes are agreed before any work begins.

Quotation

You receive a fixed-price quotation covering all labour, materials, refrigerant, and commissioning. For a breakdown of costs, see our AC installation cost guide for London.

Installation Day

The indoor unit is wall-mounted and connected to the outdoor condenser via a refrigerant line set. Pipework is clad in external trunking or concealed internally where possible.

Commissioning

The system is pressure-tested, charged with refrigerant, and run through full operational tests. All our engineers are F-Gas certified, as required by law.

How Long Does Installation Take?

A single-room wall-mounted split takes four to six hours. Multi-room systems take one to three days. We cover all of London — including Central London, North London, West London, and South West London.

What Makes a Good Installation?

The quality of an AC installation is mostly invisible. Good pipework routing, correct sizing, secure brackets, and a properly commissioned system determine long-term reliability. After installation, annual maintenance keeps the system running at peak efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need planning permission to install air conditioning in London?
In most cases, no. For period properties, see our guide to AC in Victorian and period properties.

Can air conditioning be installed in a flat?
Yes — see our complete guide to AC in London flats for details on freeholder consent and condenser placement.

Does AC require annual servicing?
Yes. An annual air conditioning service keeps the system efficient and maintains the manufacturer warranty.

Can you install in winter?
Yes. Installation is possible year-round.

Book a Free Survey

The first step is a free, no-obligation site survey. Call us on 020 7870 2333 or visit our installation page to book.

Simply Air Conditioning London — F-Gas certified installation, servicing and repair since 2009. 24hr emergency callout: 020 7870 2333.

Period properties do present real challenges: solid brick walls, sash windows, ornate cornices, and in many cases, conservation area restrictions or listed building status. But none of these make AC installation impossible. They just mean the job needs planning, experience, and the right approach.

This guide covers everything you need to know — from which systems suit period properties best, to how planning permission actually works, to what a professionally managed installation looks like from start to finish.

What Makes Victorian and Period Properties Different

Understanding the constraints is the first step. Here is what separates a period property installation from a standard modern build.

Solid Brick Walls

Victorian and Georgian houses were built with solid brick or rubite walls, not the cavity walls found in post-1930s construction. This affects two things: where pipework can be routed, and where outdoor units can be placed. Core drilling through solid masonry is straightforward for an experienced team, but it takes longer and requires more care than drilling through a cavity wall.

Sash Windows and Original Joinery

Sash windows are often original features and frequently listed or covered by conservation conditions. Routing pipework through or around window frames needs careful thought. In most cases, pipework is run internally or through discreet external channels that preserve the appearance.

High Ceilings and Larger Room Volumes

Victorian rooms tend to have high ceilings — 3 to 4 metres is common in many London terraces and townhouses. This is actually an advantage for some system types, particularly ceiling cassettes and high-wall splits. It is also worth knowing that higher ceilings mean larger air volumes, so correct system sizing matters more than in a modern build.

Conservation Areas

Around a third of London’s buildings sit within a conservation area. This does not mean you cannot install AC. It means the outdoor unit (the condenser) may need to be positioned where it is not visible from the street, or that permitted development rights may be removed, requiring planning consent.

Listed Buildings

A Grade I or Grade II listed building requires Listed Building Consent for any works that affect its character. This applies to internal alterations as well as external ones. It is an extra step, not an insurmountable barrier — we have completed AC installations in listed properties across London.

Which AC Systems Work Best in Period Properties

For most Victorian homes, a wall-mounted split system is the most practical choice. For properties where aesthetics are paramount, a concealed ducted system leaves virtually no visible hardware. See our AC installation cost guide for a full breakdown by system type.

Planning and Permissions: A Practical Guide

Permitted Development Rights

In England, fitting a condenser unit is generally covered by permitted development — no planning permission needed — provided the unit is not visible from a highway, the property is not listed, and permitted development rights have not been removed by an Article 4 Direction.

Conservation Areas

Being in a conservation area does not automatically require planning permission. Rear-mounted condensers are approved routinely because they are not visible from the street. Where an Article 4 Direction has removed permitted development rights, a prior approval or householder planning application is required.

Listed Buildings

Listed Building Consent is required for works affecting the fabric or character of a listed building. We assist with this process — providing drawings and technical specifications for your application. Grade II listings are regularly approved for discreet AC installations. Allow 8 to 12 weeks for the consent process.

What typically gets approved: rear-mounted condensers not visible from the street; internal pipework through service voids; wall-mounted indoor units away from listed features; concealed or ducted systems with minimal visible impact.

What typically does not: condensers on front elevations of listed buildings; works that damage original stonework or architectural details.

The Installation Process in a Period Property

Step 1: Free Site Survey

We assess rooms, wall construction, ceiling heights, loft or floor void access, and the best position for the outdoor unit. We also check planning status — conservation area, listed building — at this stage.

Step 2: System Design

We specify the right system and capacity, accounting for high ceilings, solid wall heat loss, and aesthetic constraints. Pipework routes are designed to avoid original features wherever possible.

Step 3: Consents (If Required)

If planning permission or listed building consent is needed, we support the process with the technical documentation required.

Step 4: Installation

Our team core-drills through solid masonry where required, routes pipework through agreed routes, and mounts indoor and outdoor units. We take care around period features: cornices, coving, dado rails, sash window frames. Where pipework runs on an external surface, it is clad in trunking painted to match. Internally, pipework is concealed in boxing or ceiling voids where access allows.

Step 5: Commissioning and Handover

Pressure-tested, charged with refrigerant, and run through full operational tests. We walk you through the controls.

Victorian Conversion Flats: Different Considerations

If you own a leasehold flat in a Victorian conversion, you will typically need freeholder or managing agent consent, agreed outdoor unit placement, and consideration of shared fabric. Noise transfer between floors is also factored into the system design.

Victorian conversions tend to have solid floors and walls between flats, which helps with heat retention and makes individual room systems easier to size accurately.

For a full guide, see our complete guide to AC in London flats.

Real Installations Across London

Kensington and Chelsea. Stucco-fronted terraces and townhouses, often listed and within conservation areas. All pipework routed to the rear; concealed ducted systems popular here for aesthetic reasons.

Chiswick and Richmond. Large Victorian and Edwardian semis with generous rear gardens. Straightforward condenser placement; wall-mounted splits serving individual rooms or multi-splits for the whole house.

Islington and Hackney. Victorian terraces in conservation areas. Rear-mounted systems standard. Over a dozen installations in Islington conservation areas without a refused application.

Notting Hill and Fulham. Conversion flats and maisonettes in period buildings. Freeholder negotiation required but entirely achievable.

Why Use a Specialist for a Period Property

An installer without period property experience will make assumptions that cost you time, money, or original features. Look for: F-Gas certification (legally required), demonstrable experience with Victorian and listed buildings, knowledge of conservation planning requirements, and a careful approach to original features.

At Simply Air Conditioning London, we have completed 74+ London installations, a significant proportion in period and conservation area properties. F-Gas certified, fully insured, operating since 2009.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you install air conditioning in a Victorian house?

Yes, done regularly across London. The key considerations are solid brick walls, pipework routing, and outdoor unit placement.

Do I need planning permission for AC in a Victorian terrace?

In most cases, no — covered by permitted development. If in a conservation area, it depends on whether an Article 4 Direction applies.

Can you install AC in a listed building?

Yes. Listed Building Consent is required (typically 8 to 12 weeks) but is routinely approved for well-designed, discreet installations.

What is the best type of AC for a Victorian house?

A wall-mounted split system for most properties. A concealed ducted system where aesthetics are paramount.

Can you hide the pipework?

Yes. Externally, pipework is clad in painted trunking. Internally, routed through ceiling or floor voids where possible, or boxed in on surfaces.

How long does installation take?

One day for a single-room installation. Two to three days for a whole-house installation. Add 8 to 12 weeks if listed building consent is required.

Will air conditioning damage original features like cornices?

Not if installed by an experienced team. We design pipework routes to avoid original features. Positioning is agreed before any drilling begins.

Does air conditioning work well in rooms with high ceilings?

Yes, if correctly sized. Victorian high-ceiling rooms have larger air volumes — accurate sizing at survey stage is essential.

Book a Free Survey for Your Period Property

The first step is a free site survey. We visit your property, assess the best system, check planning status, and provide a clear quotation with no obligation.

Call us on 020 7870 2333 or visit simplyairconditioninglondon.co.uk to book.

Simply Air Conditioning London — F-Gas certified installation, servicing and repair since 2009. 24hr emergency callout: 020 7870 2333.

Air Conditioning Installation for London Properties

Simply Air Conditioning London installs discreet, high-efficiency systems in period properties across the capital — with no damage to original features.

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