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Quick answer
Air conditioning installation is a job for a qualified engineer. It involves fixing an outdoor unit to your wall or to the ground, running refrigerant pipework through your property, installing one or more indoor units, and connecting everything to your electrical supply. A typical single room installation takes half a day. OVO handles the whole process from survey to commissioning.
Can I install air conditioning myself?
Technically you can fit the brackets and indoor unit housing yourself, but the refrigerant pipework and electrical connection must be carried out by a qualified engineer. In the UK, anyone handling refrigerants must hold an F-Gas certificate. Attempting this work without the right certification is illegal and will void your warranty. It can also be dangerous.
How does the installation process work?
Step 1: Survey
Before any work starts, an engineer surveys your home. They'll assess the best location for the outdoor unit, the routing for the pipework, your electrical supply, and the right system size for each room. This is the most important step. A poorly designed system won't perform well regardless of how well it's installed.
Step 2: Preparing the installation
The engineer will identify the route for the refrigerant pipes, power cables, and drainage. In most homes this means a small core drill through an external wall. They'll also fix the outdoor unit bracket to the wall or prepare the ground mount.
Step 3: Fitting the indoor unit
The indoor unit is fixed to the wall at a height that allows effective air distribution. Most wall-mounted units sit high on the wall so cool air circulates down into the room. The engineer connects the refrigerant pipe, power cable, and condensate drain at this stage.
Step 4: Installing the outdoor unit
The outdoor unit is mounted on the pre-fitted bracket or ground stand. The refrigerant pipes are connected and the unit is wired into the electrical supply. Outdoor units need reasonable airflow around them and shouldn't be boxed in or positioned directly under a window.
Step 5: Commissioning
The engineer pressurises and vacuum tests the refrigerant circuit to check for leaks, then charges the system with refrigerant. They'll run the system through its modes, check temperatures, and confirm everything is working correctly before handover.
How long does installation take?
| System | Typical installation time |
|---|---|
| Single split (1 room) | 4 to 8 hours |
| Multi-split (2 to 3 rooms) | 1 to 2 days |
| Multi-split (4 to 5 rooms) | 2 to 3 days |
| Ducted system | 3 to 5 days |
What do I need to prepare?
Before the engineer arrives:
• Clear the area around where the indoor unit will be fitted
• Ensure access to your consumer unit
• Check any relevant lease or planning conditions if you're in a flat or conservation area
• Let your neighbours know if scaffolding or working at height is involved
What happens after installation?
Your engineer will walk you through how to use the system, including the remote control, modes, and recommended temperature settings. They'll leave you with a commissioning certificate and warranty documentation.
Most manufacturers recommend an annual service to keep the system running efficiently. OVO offers ongoing maintenance as part of our aftercare package.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need planning permission to install air conditioning?
Most domestic split and multi-split systems are permitted development. Exceptions apply to listed buildings, some conservation areas, and certain flats. Your engineer will advise before installation starts.
Will installation damage my walls?
There will be a small core drilled through an external wall for the pipework. This is typically 65 to 80mm in diameter and is neatly made good after the pipes are run. Internal walls aren't usually affected.
How noisy is the outdoor unit?
Modern outdoor units are very quiet, typically around 45 to 55 decibels at one metre distance. That's roughly the level of a quiet conversation. Positioning matters though, and your engineer will site the unit to minimise any noise impact on you or your neighbours.