Taylor Robinson
Managing Director · 2026-01-30
We have all seen the advert: "Full AC installation from £499." It sounds tempting, especially if you are working to a tight budget or a fixed client price. But in our experience, cheap air conditioning installations almost always cost more in the long run than doing the job properly from day one.
The first hidden cost is refrigerant leaks. A rushed installation with poor brazing, skipped nitrogen purging, or inadequate pressure testing will develop micro-leaks within the first twelve months. Refrigerant is expensive — R410A and R32 have not dropped in price — and repeated top-ups add up fast. A proper vacuum and pressure test takes an extra hour but can save hundreds of pounds over the system's life.
Electrical shortcuts are another common issue. Undersized cable, inadequate circuit protection, and shared supplies with other equipment lead to nuisance tripping, voltage drops, and in the worst cases, fire risks. We have been called in to rewire systems where the original installer used domestic-grade cable on a commercial three-phase supply. The remedial work cost more than the original installation.
Poor condenser placement is a mistake we see repeatedly. Condensers need airflow, service access, and protection from direct sunlight where possible. A condenser wedged into a tight lightwell with no clearance will overheat, cycle on high pressure, and fail prematurely. Moving a condenser after installation involves re-piping, re-wiring, and often scaffolding. Do it right the first time.
Commissioning shortcuts are perhaps the most expensive of all. A system that has not been properly commissioned will run inefficiently from day one. The compressors work harder, energy bills climb, and components wear out faster. Manufacturers' warranties often require proof of proper commissioning — skip this step and you might find yourself paying for a replacement compressor that should have been covered.
At Aboveboard Group, we price fairly for quality work. Our installations include proper pipework with nitrogen-purged brazing, full electrical design, correct condenser placement, and complete commissioning with documentation. We also offer ongoing maintenance contracts to keep systems running at peak efficiency for their full design life.
If you have been quoted a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Get a second opinion from a team that knows what proper installation looks like. We are happy to review specifications and tell you honestly where corners are being cut.