
What Happens During a Professional Air Conditioning Installation
Think AC installation is just mounting a unit? See what actually goes into a proper fit and why it changes performance more than you think.
RightAir Solutions is a company that specialises in commercial air conditioning services.
Installing air conditioning involves much more than simply placing a unit on the wall. It is a carefully planned sequence of steps built around engineering precision, preparation, and thorough system checks. From the initial site survey to the final handover, each phase is focused on maintaining the integrity of your home while ensuring reliable, quiet, and efficient performance – both in the short term and across the system’s lifespan.
Installation day starts with a team that knows the property and the plan. They have reviewed your layout, anticipated the challenges, and come prepared. Every task is deliberate, shaped by prior planning and technical requirements.
Engineers follow strict standards like F-Gas compliance, UK ventilation codes, and the installation guidelines provided by manufacturers. These rules influence performance, running costs, and how smoothly the system integrates with your home.
RightAir Solutions often handles installations in London’s older buildings, where small differences in layout or structure demand a thoughtful approach.
Some people assume air conditioning installation is a quick or superficial job. In reality, even small shortcuts – like skipping a survey or rushing the pressure test – can lead to performance issues, noise problems, or reduced system life.
Pro Tip: Always request a commissioning report at the end of the installation to ensure all system checks are verified.
Before any tools come out, an engineer visits your home to assess its layout, calculate load requirements, and plan the best approach. They examine power access, indoor and outdoor unit locations, and options for discreet pipework routing.
Everything from airflow to structural constraints is considered. The survey stage allows for early decisions that prevent delays later. Standards like BS 7671 help shape those choices.
Homes in areas like Hampstead or Queen’s Park often present specific challenges such as thick walls, limited access, or planning restrictions. A company like RightAir Solutions brings experience with those conditions and ensures the design works with the building.
During this phase, engineers also assess the suitability of different system types – such as split systems or ducted configurations – depending on the layout and end use.
The day starts with preparation rather than tools. Installers lay dust sheets, apply protective film to floors, and gently move any nearby furniture. Every effort is made to protect your property before the first drill is used.
They also explain which areas will be accessed and what to expect during the process. A clean workspace reflects respect for your home and helps the work proceed efficiently.
Prepare your home ahead of time:
Move valuables or breakables away from planned work areas.
Secure pets in a quiet room away from the team.
Clear space near windows or walls where indoor or outdoor units will be installed.
Make sure someone is available to answer questions if needed.
Need an expertly installed system that works flawlessly from day one? We handle everything from survey to handover with total care.
With preparation complete, engineers mount the units. The indoor unit is fixed in place on a wall bracket and positioned to allow balanced airflow. It is aligned for both appearance and performance.
Outside, the condenser is fitted on brackets or anti-vibration pads. This step reduces operational noise and supports system longevity. Engineers ensure there is enough space around the unit for airflow and to prevent overheating.
In densely built areas, every millimetre matters. That is why engineers follow manufacturer placement rules and take time to get it right. For multi-split systems or complex installations, outdoor unit placement becomes even more important.
Pipework and cabling are routed in ways that are functional and unobtrusive. Engineers avoid tight bends that could restrict refrigerant flow. They preserve the building fabric by planning routes that avoid damage.
Drainage pipes are angled to allow smooth flow. Insulation is applied to improve energy retention and reduce noise. Decorative trunking is used where routes pass through visible areas.
In homes with shared courtyards or close neighbours, noise planning is essential. Installers choose locations that limit sound reflection. In some cases, they may refer to manufacturer-rated noise levels when selecting models.
Pro Tip: Regular maintenance after installation improves efficiency and helps avoid unexpected issues.
Once everything is connected, engineers test the system. A vacuum pump removes air and moisture from the refrigerant lines. These elements can cause corrosion or performance issues if left inside.
Next comes the leak test. Nitrogen is used to pressurise the system and detect any leaks. A drop in pressure signals a problem that must be resolved before the refrigerant is added.
These steps are quiet but crucial. A properly sealed and balanced system is more efficient, safer, and more reliable.
A poorly installed system is more likely to fail early. Here are a few issues that can arise:
Water dripping due to incorrect drain line angles.
Vibrations and rattling from poorly mounted units.
Refrigerant loss through untested joints.
Moisture in pipes leading to internal damage.
These problems are avoidable. Professional installation addresses them before the system is ever turned on.
After technical checks, the system is powered on. Engineers test every function – cooling, heating, airflow, and fan settings.
Airflow meters help measure how air is distributed across the room. Controls are tested for responsiveness. One final electrical safety check is completed.
These steps ensure the system performs to specification. In many cases, a commissioning report is produced. This confirms the system has been tested and that it meets all safety and performance standards.
Quiet, efficient and designed to suit your space. Our engineers install systems built for long-term comfort.
Before the team leaves, they show you how the system works. You learn how to switch modes, adjust settings, and clean the filters. They also offer seasonal usage tips to keep things running smoothly.
Maintenance guidance is provided as well. Planned preventative maintenance keeps systems efficient, lowers energy usage, and preserves warranty coverage.
Before the installers leave, here is what they typically walk you through:
How to operate your remote or wall-mounted control.
Demonstration of cooling, heating, and fan modes.
How to clean and access filters.
Seasonal usage suggestions (e.g. switching modes).
When and how to schedule your first maintenance service.
This short review helps you feel confident from the start.
RightAir Solutions is known for taking this final step seriously. It is not a rushed moment. It is a final opportunity to make sure everything is understood and ready.
How long does installation take? Usually one full day, depending on the property layout and type of system.
Will there be visible pipework or cables? In most cases, pipework is routed discreetly using trunking or hidden paths planned during the survey.
Do I need to be home the entire time? Ideally yes, especially for the first walkthrough and final handover. Some stages can be managed without you, but key handoff moments benefit from your presence.
A survey helps avoid surprises and ensures your system fits your space and needs perfectly.

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RightAir Solutions
At RightAir Solutions, we provide air conditioning services to domestic and business customers for heating and cooling units. We also supply and fit commercial AC and HVAC services with our insured, qualified and experienced London team of air con engineers.