Actual statement of events
★★★★★
CGR has completed his works in a very efficient and pleasant way.
Home / Air conditioning / How to Compare Air Conditioning Quotes
How to Compare Air Conditioning Quotes
What a good air conditioning quote includes, the red flags worth noticing, and the certification to check before anybody touches refrigerant in your home.
Check the certification first
Refrigerant work must legally be carried out by an F-Gas qualified engineer. This is not a trade body membership or a badge anyone can buy — it is a legal requirement, and an installer without it should not be handling refrigerant at all.
Ask to see it. Anybody qualified will show you without hesitating. Anybody who bristles at the question has told you what you needed to know.
What a proper quote spells out
- The exact make, model and capacity of each unit, not just "air conditioning unit"
- Where each indoor unit goes, and where the outdoor unit goes
- How the pipework is routed, and whether it is concealed or in trunking
- Whether making good is included
- Whether the electrical connection is included, or expected from your own electrician
- The warranty length and who registers it
- Whether commissioning and F-Gas paperwork are included
- Whether scaffolding or access equipment is included, if it is needed
A quote that says "supply and fit air conditioning" with a single figure is not a quote. It is a number, and it leaves every one of the above open to argument later.
Red flags
A price without a visit
The property drives the cost. A figure given without anyone looking is a figure that will change.
A large deposit up front
A deposit to secure equipment is normal. Most of the money before any work has happened is not.
Pressure to decide today
A price that expires at the end of the call is a sales technique, not a price. Good work is worth waiting a couple of days to think about.
No mention of vacuum testing
Ask how long they will hold the system under vacuum. It is the step that determines whether your system lasts fifteen years or four, and it is the easiest one to skip because nobody sees it.
A warranty that sounds too long to be true
Check whether it is the manufacturer's warranty or the installer's own promise. A manufacturer warranty stands whatever happens to the company that fitted it. An installer's own guarantee is worth exactly as much as the company's future.
Comparing like with like
If one quote is noticeably cheaper, find out what is different before assuming you have found a bargain. It is usually a smaller unit, a cheaper brand with a shorter warranty, the electrical work excluded, or making good left to you. Sometimes it is genuinely a better price. It is worth ten minutes to find out which.
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Every review here is a verified Checkatrade review, left after a real job. Many were written under our previous name, CGR Plumbing & Heating — same engineers, same standards, new name.
9.67/10
★★★★★
Checkatradefrom 266 reviews
Waste piping replacement
★★★★★
CGR were rectifying the waste piping for under our kitchen sink, and also removing the waste for our previous water softener. Very happy with their knowledge, quality of work, customer service and wouldn't hesitate to recommend their services. Also a huge bonus to have a 30 day guarantee on the works provided.
Toilet fixing
★★★★★
He is a polite and knowledgeable tradesman. He communicates clearly and executes the job as planned and agreed.
Replaced a hot water expansion vessel
★★★★★
I have a great experience dealing with CGR. From the start he was very professional and efficient. Even when he ran into a complication with the combination valves, he resolved the issue without complaint and to an excellent standard. Thank you CGR.
Fixing shower pressure
★★★★★
My shower pressure suddenly fell very low. I called CGR and they came to fix the problem. Not even a day later and my shower was fixed. Thank you for your quick and very professional service.
Fixed the bathroom basin tap
★★★★★
We always call them as they are reliable and honest.
Replaced pump and 3 way valve
★★★★★
Great team. Quick job. Impossible to complain and happy to recommend.
Boiler service
★★★★★
CGR Heating serviced my gas boiler and magna clean system. They were punctual and completed the work to a high standard. I would recommend them.
Boiler service
★★★★★
Very reliable and punctual. He's very tidy and gets on with his work quietly.
Emergency water leak in kitchen
★★★★★
We had an emergency water leak. CGR was able to attend very quickly and help to isolate and stop the leak. It was near the stopcock and underneath some kitchen drawers so it required some cutting of wood to access and took a few hours, but he worked hard to fix it and then cleaned up thoroughly afterwards.
Boiler and radiator fault repair
★★★★★
I had a boiler fault that was actually caused by an airlock in my central heating. Chaudray identified the potential issue quickly and clearly communicated the steps required to fix it. He carried out the work then and there, and the problem was solved. He was very courteous and tidy, too.
Gas safety certificate
★★★★★
CGR carried out gas safety review and boiler service at one of our rental properties. Arrived on time and explained all the checks they did. Thank you.
Replaced electric shower
★★★★★
CGR were very quick to respond and replaced the electric shower in one of our rented properties.
Cap gas pipe
★★★★★
Perfect, thanks.
Water main repair and gas pipe cap
★★★★★
Great communication before, and turned up early and friendly. Perfect job completed in time. Thanks.
Removing radiators
★★★★★
Quality of work, clarity and tidiness was excellent. Chaudray was clear about all the steps of work, fixed some historical issues as part of solving the job to the best standard, but checked, explained and gave options as he went.
Excellent service
★★★★★
Chaudhry messaged me promptly and was able to come the next day. He was really friendly and carried out the work quickly and to a high standard.
Boiler fixed
★★★★★
Very professional and competent.
Questions
What is F-Gas certification?
A legal requirement for anyone handling refrigerant. It is not optional and it is not a trade badge. Ask to see it before work starts.
Should I always take the cheapest quote?
Only once you know why it is cheapest. Often it is a smaller unit, a shorter warranty, or work excluded that you will pay for later.
Is a deposit normal?
A deposit to secure equipment is normal. Being asked for most of the money before work starts is not.
How do I know the warranty is real?
Check whether it is the manufacturer's warranty or the installer's own promise. A manufacturer warranty stands whatever happens to the installer.
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