Top 10 Air Conditioning Installers in the United Kingdom
Choosing the right air conditioning installer is about far more than picking a unit and booking a fitting date. The quality of the survey, system design, equipment selection, pipework, electrical work, outdoor unit positioning, commissioning and aftercare can all affect comfort, noise, energy use, running costs and long-term reliability. Demand for air conditioning installation in the UK is increasing as warmer summers, home working, comfort expectations and year-round heating and cooling needs change how homeowners and businesses manage indoor spaces. The Met Office projects hotter UK summers, while the Climate Change Committee has said households and businesses are likely to install more cooling for comfort and productivity.
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Quick answer: Who are the top air conditioning installers in the UK?
The Top 10 Air Conditioning Installers in the United Kingdom will depend on your property type, location, budget, system size and aftercare needs. Homeowners may prefer domestic split-system specialists, while offices, shops, restaurants, clinics, schools and warehouses may need commercial HVAC installers with design, zoning, commissioning and maintenance support.
How We Chose These Air Conditioning Installers
This list is not a claim that one company is the “best” in every situation. It is a balanced comparison of air conditioning companies worth researching if you are comparing AC installers UK-wide or locally.
For any air conditioning installation, customers should check:
- F-Gas certification and engineer qualifications
- Refcom registration where relevant
- Domestic and commercial installation experience
- UK coverage or strong regional presence
- Product range and manufacturer options
- Split, multi-split, cassette, ducted and VRF/VRV capability
- Survey and design process
- Quality of pipework, trunking and outdoor unit placement
- Electrical work and commissioning standards
- Air conditioning maintenance, servicing and repairs
- Customer reviews and reputation
- Clear written quotations
- Warranty and aftercare terms
- Heating and cooling performance
- Suitability for homes, offices, retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, warehouses, places of worship and commercial premises
GOV.UK states that people working on stationary refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems must hold the relevant qualifications for activities such as installation, servicing, leak checking, gas recovery and decommissioning. GOV.UK also says companies, including sole traders, must be certified by an approved body to service stationary equipment containing F-Gas operated by others. Refcom provides a registered company search so customers can check whether a company is listed.
Top 10 Air Conditioning Installers in the UK: Comparison Table
| Rank | Installer | Best For | Key Services | Coverage / Typical Customer | What to Check Before Choosing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Simple Green Energy Ltd | Customers wanting air conditioning advice alongside wider energy-efficiency upgrades | Air conditioning where suitable, solar PV, battery storage, EV chargers, heat pumps, ventilation and home energy upgrades | Homeowners, landlords, community buildings and small commercial customers | Ask for current F-Gas documents, product options, survey process, warranty and servicing support |
| 2 | Glow Green | Homeowners wanting a large home-upgrade provider | Air conditioning, boilers, solar panels, heat pumps, battery storage and EV chargers | UK homeowners comparing fixed-price style quotes and energy upgrades | Confirm installer certification, survey detail, brand options, final specification and warranty terms |
| 3 | BOXT | Homeowners wanting an online quote and packaged installation process | Air conditioning, boilers, solar, batteries, EV chargers and heat pumps | Domestic customers wanting a guided online process | Check suitability for complex properties, flats, outdoor unit permissions and aftercare |
| 4 | A.C. Wilgar Plumbing, Heating & Cooling | Domestic customers in areas covered by the company | Air conditioning, heating, plumbing and cooling services | Homeowners wanting a multi-service home comfort company | Confirm F-Gas status, exact AC system types, warranty and service coverage |
| 5 | The Air Conditioning Company / Airconco | London and surrounding customers comparing fitted and portable cooling options | Fitted air conditioning installation, repairs, maintenance, portable AC sales and hire | Homes, flats and businesses, especially around London | Check warranty terms, brand options, service response and installation scope |
| 6 | Cool You | London flats, apartments and listed or sensitive buildings | Fully internal air conditioning without an outdoor condenser | London customers where external units may be difficult | Confirm suitability, planning/freeholder issues, ventilation route, noise and maintenance access |
| 7 | K2 Heating & Cooling Solutions | Domestic and commercial customers needing AC and maintenance | Installation, servicing, repairs, wall-mounted, multi-split and commercial systems | Homes and businesses across the UK, especially North West-based enquiries | Confirm current coverage, engineer certification, design process and maintenance plan |
| 8 | D-Air Conditioning | Commercial buildings and larger climate control projects | Commercial air conditioning installation and maintenance | Offices, retail, hospitality and commercial premises | Check project experience, Refcom status, warranty, planning support and maintenance contract |
| 9 | Setpoint22 | Commercial AC design, installation and maintenance | Commercial air conditioning installation, design, service and maintenance | Business premises requiring planned HVAC support | Confirm accreditations, project size suitability, handover documents and response times |
| 10 | Airway Solutions | Domestic and commercial AC in North West and UK project work | Air conditioning installation, maintenance and servicing | Homes, commercial premises and customers looking for a regional specialist | Check coverage, manufacturer options, warranty conditions and planned maintenance support |
Top 10 Air Conditioning Installers in the UK
1. Simple Green Energy Ltd
Simple Green Energy Ltd is a practical option for customers who want air conditioning installation advice alongside wider energy-efficiency improvements. The company’s public website focuses on solar panels, air source heat pumps, EV chargers, battery storage, boilers, insulation and ventilation, while public procurement information also references heating, ventilation and air-conditioning installation work.
Best for: Homeowners, landlords, property managers, places of worship and small commercial customers who want AC considered as part of a broader energy plan.
Key services: Air conditioning where suitable, solar PV, battery storage, EV chargers, heat pumps and other energy upgrades.
Why they are worth comparing: Simple Green Energy Ltd may be suitable for customers who do not want air conditioning treated in isolation and would also like to discuss solar, battery storage, EV charging or heat pump options.
What customers should check: Ask for F-Gas documentation, product options, warranty terms, outdoor unit placement advice, noise considerations, servicing options and a clear written quotation.
Ideal customer type: Customers who want a survey-led quote and practical advice on comfort, energy use and long-term upgrade options.
2. Glow Green
Glow Green is a large UK home-upgrade provider offering air conditioning alongside boilers, solar panels, heat pumps, battery storage and EV chargers. Its public air conditioning pages describe UK-wide air conditioning installation, system sizing based on the room and sunlight, and options such as wall-hung and cassette indoor units.
Best for: Homeowners comparing air conditioning as part of a wider home energy upgrade.
Key services: Domestic air conditioning, boilers, solar PV, heat pumps, battery storage and EV chargers.
Why they are worth comparing: Glow Green may suit customers who want a larger provider with online quote routes and several home energy services under one brand.
What customers should check: Confirm who completes the installation locally, F-Gas/Refcom evidence, the exact brand and model proposed, installation assumptions, warranty terms and whether the quote includes electrical work, outdoor brackets and condensate drainage.
Ideal customer type: Homeowners who want a packaged domestic air conditioning quote and may also be considering solar, batteries or heating upgrades.
3. BOXT
BOXT is known for online home installation journeys and offers air conditioning alongside boilers, solar panels, batteries, EV chargers and heat pumps. Its air conditioning FAQs say fixed-price packages include installation, air conditioning units can provide heating as well as cooling, and customers need an F-Gas qualified engineer to fit a unit. BOXT also reminds customers that freeholder permission may be needed for indoor and outdoor wall-mounted units.
Best for: Domestic customers who like online pricing, guided choices and packaged installations.
Key services: Home air conditioning, boilers, solar, batteries, EV chargers and heat pumps.
Why they are worth comparing: BOXT may suit straightforward domestic installations where the customer wants a quick quote process and clear packaged options.
What customers should check: Complex layouts, flats, leasehold buildings, listed properties, long pipe runs and roof-mounted outdoor units may need extra checks beyond an online questionnaire.
Ideal customer type: Homeowners with relatively standard installation requirements who want a simple online route.
4. A.C. Wilgar Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
A.C. Wilgar Plumbing, Heating & Cooling offers air conditioning installation and repair services, with an online air con quote route that asks customers to answer a few questions for an estimate.
Best for: Domestic customers who want heating, plumbing and cooling support from a multi-service company.
Key services: Air conditioning installation and repairs, plumbing, heating and cooling services.
Why they are worth comparing: A.C. Wilgar may appeal to homeowners who prefer a company that can support several home comfort systems rather than AC alone.
What customers should check: Ask for current F-Gas certification, Refcom registration where relevant, which AC brands are available, whether servicing is offered after installation and whether electrical work is included in the quote.
Ideal customer type: Homeowners who want air conditioning fitted as part of wider heating and home services support.
5. The Air Conditioning Company / Airconco
The Air Conditioning Company, also known as Airconco, describes itself as specialising in the installation, repair and maintenance of fitted air conditioning systems, as well as the sale and hire of portable air conditioning units. Its home air conditioning page also discusses free site surveys, home and flat installations, wall-mounted, low-wall and ducted options.
Best for: London-area homeowners and businesses comparing fitted air conditioning and portable cooling options.
Key services: Fitted AC installation, repair, maintenance, portable air conditioning sales and hire.
Why they are worth comparing: Airconco may be useful for customers who want to compare permanent installations with temporary cooling options, especially for homes, flats and business premises.
What customers should check: Confirm the warranty terms in writing, service response times, F-Gas/Refcom status, equipment brands, outdoor unit location and whether the final quote includes all access and electrical requirements.
Ideal customer type: Customers wanting a specialist AC company with both permanent and temporary cooling options.
6. Cool You
Cool You focuses on fully internal air conditioning without an outdoor unit, aimed especially at apartments, listed buildings and London properties where external condensers can be difficult.
Best for: Flats, apartments, listed buildings and London homes where outdoor unit placement is restricted.
Key services: Internal air conditioning systems without an external condenser.
Why they are worth comparing: Cool You may suit customers who cannot easily place an outdoor condenser because of planning, freeholder, building management, aesthetics or space restrictions.
What customers should check: Internal systems can have different design, ventilation and installation requirements from standard split AC. Ask about wall penetrations, acoustic performance, maintenance access, running costs and whether the system is suitable for your room size.
Ideal customer type: London flat owners, leaseholders and property owners who need a discreet cooling solution where a traditional outdoor unit is not practical.
7. K2 Heating & Cooling Solutions
K2 Heating & Cooling Solutions describes itself as providing air conditioning contractors, installation, servicing and repairs across the United Kingdom. Its website discusses residential and commercial air conditioning, including wall-mounted units, ceiling cassette units and multi-split systems.
Best for: Homes and businesses wanting installation plus ongoing service and maintenance.
Key services: Air conditioning installation, servicing, repairs, wall-mounted units, multi-split systems and commercial AC.
Why they are worth comparing: K2 may suit customers looking for a contractor-style approach rather than a purely online domestic package.
What customers should check: Confirm local availability, current engineer certification, Refcom status, maintenance options, system design process and the brands being proposed.
Ideal customer type: Homeowners, offices, gyms, retail spaces, hospitality venues and businesses that want AC installation with maintenance support.
8. D-Air Conditioning
D-Air Conditioning focuses on commercial air conditioning installation and maintenance. Its commercial page states that it uses Refcom-accredited engineers, offers F-Gas certified installation, provides free site surveys and focuses on supplied and recommended systems rather than portable units.
Best for: Commercial customers needing designed air conditioning systems.
Key services: Commercial AC installation, maintenance, survey-led recommendations and climate control systems.
Why they are worth comparing: D-Air may be suitable for businesses that need a more structured commercial process, including system selection, building or planning considerations and maintenance.
What customers should check: Ask for examples of similar projects, commissioning paperwork, warranty details, maintenance contract options, noise assessments and whether out-of-hours installation is possible.
Ideal customer type: Offices, shops, restaurants, hotels, clinics, care homes and commercial premises needing a professionally specified AC system.
9. Setpoint22
Setpoint22, previously known as Coolair Services, presents itself as a commercial air conditioning specialist offering installation, design, service and ongoing maintenance. Its public information also references Refcom Elite and other commercial accreditations on its “what we do” page.
Best for: Businesses that need commercial design, installation and planned maintenance.
Key services: Commercial air conditioning installation, design, service and maintenance.
Why they are worth comparing: Setpoint22 may suit customers looking for a contractor that can support commercial projects beyond a simple single-room split system.
What customers should check: Confirm project size suitability, current accreditations, service level agreements, F-Gas records, maintenance schedule, documentation and handover process.
Ideal customer type: Offices, retail units, hospitality premises, healthcare buildings, education sites and multi-zone commercial spaces.
10. Airway Solutions
Airway Solutions describes itself as providing air conditioning installations throughout the UK, with maintenance and servicing also highlighted on its website. The company is based in Bromborough, Wirral, and positions itself for both commercial and domestic installations.
Best for: Customers looking for a regional specialist with wider project capability.
Key services: Domestic and commercial air conditioning installation, maintenance and servicing.
Why they are worth comparing: Airway Solutions may suit customers who want a family-run or regional contractor style rather than a large national home-upgrade platform.
What customers should check: Confirm actual coverage for your postcode, F-Gas/Refcom evidence, manufacturer options, maintenance availability and whether the warranty depends on planned servicing.
Ideal customer type: Homeowners, small businesses, commercial premises and property managers looking for installation plus ongoing AC support.
How to Choose the Best Air Conditioning Installer in the UK
The best air conditioning installer for one property may not be the right choice for another. A small bedroom split system, a multi-room home installation and a commercial VRF/VRV system all need different levels of survey, design and commissioning.
Start with certification. Any installer working on refrigerant systems should be able to show appropriate F-Gas qualifications. Where a company works on equipment containing F-Gas for others, company certification from an approved body is important. Refcom also provides a public register customers can use to search for registered companies.
A good installer should not size the system from room dimensions alone. They should consider room size, glazing, insulation, solar gain, occupancy, equipment heat loads, ceiling height, usage pattern and whether the system is for cooling only, heating support or both.
Compare the main indoor unit options:
| System Option | Suitable For | What to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Wall-mounted split | Bedrooms, living rooms, home offices and garden rooms | Usually cost-effective and efficient, but visible on the wall |
| Floor-mounted unit | Rooms where high-wall placement is unsuitable | Can look similar to a radiator, but may cost more |
| Ceiling cassette | Offices, shops, restaurants and suspended ceilings | Neat finish, but needs ceiling void space |
| Ducted system | Premium homes, hotels, offices and multi-room layouts | Discreet grilles, but higher design and installation complexity |
| Multi-split system | Several rooms connected to one outdoor unit | Fewer outdoor units, but more design work and longer pipe routes |
| VRF/VRV system | Larger commercial and multi-zone buildings | Flexible zoning, but needs specialist design and maintenance |
Before booking, ask:
- Will you complete a proper survey?
- How have you calculated the required cooling and heating capacity?
- Is the system suitable for heating as well as cooling?
- What noise level should I expect indoors and outdoors?
- Where will the outdoor unit go?
- Is the outdoor unit location acceptable for neighbours and maintenance?
- How will pipework and trunking be routed?
- Is electrical work included?
- Will you provide commissioning documentation?
- What warranty applies to parts and labour?
- Is annual servicing required to protect the warranty?
- Are you tied to one manufacturer or can you compare brands?
- What happens if the system develops a fault?
Avoid choosing based only on the cheapest quote. A low price can become expensive if the unit is poorly sized, the pipe route is untidy, the outdoor unit is badly positioned or aftercare is weak.
How Much Does Air Conditioning Installation Cost in the UK?
Air conditioning installation cost in the UK varies depending on the property type, number of rooms, indoor unit type, outdoor unit location, pipe run length, electrical work, scaffolding or access requirements, brand, controls, system complexity and whether the project is domestic or commercial. Recent UK cost guides commonly place single-room installations in the low-thousands, multi-room systems higher, and commercial systems as survey-led projects; servicing costs are usually quoted separately.
| System Option | Suitable For | What to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Wall-mounted split | Bedrooms, living rooms, home offices and garden rooms | Usually cost-effective and efficient, but visible on the wall |
| Floor-mounted unit | Rooms where high-wall placement is unsuitable | Can look similar to a radiator, but may cost more |
| Ceiling cassette | Offices, shops, restaurants and suspended ceilings | Neat finish, but needs ceiling void space |
| Ducted system | Premium homes, hotels, offices and multi-room layouts | Discreet grilles, but higher design and installation complexity |
| Multi-split system | Several rooms connected to one outdoor unit | Fewer outdoor units, but more design work and longer pipe routes |
| VRF/VRV system | Larger commercial and multi-zone buildings | Flexible zoning, but needs specialist design and maintenance |
These are guide ranges only. A proper survey is needed before relying on any figure.
Domestic vs Commercial Air Conditioning Installers
Domestic air conditioning usually focuses on comfort, quiet operation, appearance and practical installation routes. Typical rooms include:
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Loft conversions
- Garden rooms
- Home offices
- Flats and apartments
- Rental properties
For homes, the installer should think carefully about sleep comfort, night mode noise, pipework appearance, outdoor unit position, wall strength, drainage and whether the customer wants heating as well as cooling.
Commercial air conditioning often needs a more detailed design process. Projects can involve:
- Offices
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Clinics
- Schools
- Care homes
- Warehouses
- Places of worship
- Multi-site commercial properties
Commercial projects may require zoning, controls, ventilation considerations, access planning, landlord approvals, risk assessments, maintenance contracts, refrigerant records, commissioning documentation and coordination with other trades. A restaurant, for example, has different heat gains and ventilation needs from a quiet clinic or a place of worship with high occupancy at certain times.
Do You Need Planning Permission for Air Conditioning in the UK?
Many domestic air conditioning installations may be straightforward, especially where the system qualifies as an air-to-air heat pump and permitted development conditions are met. Planning Portal guidance for air source heat pumps says installation on domestic premises can be permitted development if all limits and conditions are satisfied.
However, customers should not assume permission is automatic. Always check before installation if the property involves:
- Flats
- Leasehold properties
- Conservation areas
- Listed buildings
- Visible outdoor units
- Commercial premises
- Shared walls
- Noise-sensitive areas
- Roof-mounted equipment
- Managing agents or freeholders
This is especially important where the outdoor condenser is visible from the street, close to neighbours, mounted on a roof, installed on a flat, or fitted to a commercial property. If you rent, own a leasehold property or are installing on a managed building, you may need landlord, freeholder or managing agent approval even where formal planning permission is not required.
This is not legal advice. Check with your local planning authority, landlord, freeholder or managing agent before proceeding.
Can Air Conditioning Heat as Well as Cool?
Yes. Many modern air conditioning systems are air-to-air heat pumps. They cool in summer by moving heat from inside to outside, and they can provide heating in milder weather by reversing that process. BOXT’s air conditioning FAQs, for example, state that all the air conditioning units it sells can heat as well as cool.
Running costs depend on:
- System efficiency
- Correct sizing
- Insulation
- Room size
- Usage pattern
- Electricity tariff
- Temperature settings
- Whether the system is used for occasional comfort or regular heating
An air-to-air air conditioning system heats or cools the air directly inside a room. An air-to-water heat pump, such as a typical air source heat pump for central heating, sends heat into water for radiators, underfloor heating or a hot water cylinder. In simple terms, air-to-air is usually room comfort heating and cooling; air-to-water is whole-home wet central heating and hot water.
Common Mistakes When Choosing an AC Installer
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Choosing only the cheapest quote
- Not checking F-Gas certification
- Not asking about Refcom registration
- Accepting poor system sizing
- Ignoring outdoor unit noise
- Ignoring outdoor unit position
- Not checking planning, leasehold or freeholder restrictions
- Accepting vague quotations
- Not asking about pipework routes
- Not checking warranty terms
- Forgetting maintenance requirements
- Not considering heating performance
- Not checking whether electrical work is included
- Choosing a company without aftercare support
A good quote should explain the indoor unit model, outdoor unit model, capacity, pipe route, electrical allowance, condensate drainage, installation assumptions, warranty, servicing requirements and exclusions.
Finding Air Conditioning Installers Near You
Many customers search locally because survey availability, response time and aftercare matter. Common searches include:
- air conditioning installers London
- air conditioning installers Birmingham
- air conditioning installers Manchester
- air conditioning installers Leeds
- air conditioning installers Glasgow
- air conditioning installers Liverpool
- air conditioning installers Bristol
- air conditioning installers Leicester
- air conditioning installers Nottingham
- air conditioning installers Newcastle
- air conditioning installers Sheffield
- air conditioning installers Cardiff
- air conditioning installers Edinburgh
Local suitability depends on more than distance. Check whether the installer regularly works with your property type. A London flat, Birmingham semi-detached house, Manchester office, Glasgow retail unit, Bristol listed building or Cardiff restaurant can each have different access, planning, noise and design considerations.
A good local or regional AC installer should be able to visit or assess the site properly, advise on outdoor unit placement, provide maintenance support and respond if the system needs adjustment after installation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Simple answers to common questions about air conditioning installers in the UK, including F-Gas certification, Refcom registration, installation costs, heating and cooling, planning checks and servicing. Speak to Simple Green Energy.
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Get AC installation adviceRequest a Survey-Led Quote from Simple Green Energy Ltd
If you are comparing air conditioning installation in the UK, Simple Green Energy Ltd can help you take a practical, survey-led approach. The team can discuss air conditioning requirements alongside wider energy-efficiency options such as solar PV, battery storage, EV chargers and heat pumps where relevant.
Request a clear written quote, ask about suitable system options, outdoor unit placement, noise, warranty and servicing, and make sure the installation is planned around your property rather than a one-size-fits-all package.
