Frequently Asked Questions

Trusted Choice Since 2009

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Every quote is followed up with a thorough site survey

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Time

We believe in transparent and competitive pricing
Air conditioning units seem to have different capacities e.g., 3.5kW, which size do I need?

The capacity of the system you require will depend on the size of your room. There can be other factors e.g., sunlight, floor level, windows etc. Our team will take the time to understand your requirements and will recommend the appropriate size. Air conditioning systems are measured in kW’s (kilowatts). The higher the kW; the more cooling and heating the system can provide.  

NB. This kW capacity is different from the kW associated with the electrical input. Air conditioning is extremely energy efficient and runs at an energy coefficient of roughly ~1:4. Which means for every 1.0kW of energy you put in, you get 4.0kW out (which is incredibly efficient). We’ll always send you the exact product specifications and if you would like more information, ask our team.

There are many different air conditioning manufacturers and models, which one should I go for?

Our team will take the time to understand your requirements, and any preferences you may have e.g., aesthetics, air filtration, cost etc. and will always recommend the most appropriate system. Often, we will recommend a particular product because of its quality and the associated warranty that we can offer. As above, if you already have a specific preference, we can generate bespoke quotes to supply and install products from almost all manufacturers. Check with our team which we recommend. 

I know air conditioning is more commonly known to provide cooling, but will it heat my home in the colder months?

Absolutely, air conditioning is extremely effective on heating mode. In fact, two things: (1) we are extremely confident that you will use air conditioning just as much on heating as you will on cooling, and (2) we highly recommend using air conditioning in the colder months, because regular usage can improve the longevity of the system. No more cold winters we say. 

I have heard that air conditioning can filter the air in your room, is this true?

Air conditioning systems not only provide temperature control but also cleaner, healthier indoor air. They achieve this by filtering the air that circulates through the system. As the air from your space is drawn in, it passes through filters that capture dust, allergens, and various particles. These filters act like a sieve, removing impurities and improving the air quality. This means that the air you breathe indoors is not only at the right temperature but also fresher and free from many common irritants. Filtering the air is a valuable feature of air conditioning systems, contributing to a more comfortable and healthier environment for you and your family. 

Can air conditioning help with the humidity in a room, as in, dual purpose as a dehumidifier?

Air conditioning systems also play a significant role in managing indoor humidity. They work to reduce excess moisture in the air, especially in hot and muggy conditions. When warm air is drawn into the system, it passes over a cooling coil, causing the moisture in the air to condense into water. This process effectively removes humidity, leaving the air drier and more comfortable. Controlling humidity is essential because high humidity can make a space feel sticky and uncomfortable, while low humidity can lead to dryness and discomfort. Air conditioning strikes a balance, ensuring that the air in your home or workplace is not only at an ideal temperature but also at an optimal humidity level, making the environment much more pleasant and enjoyable. 

If I have air conditioning installed on the inside, do I need to have the outdoor condenser as well?

An outdoor condenser is a crucial component of an air conditioning. Cooling example: inside your home or building, the air conditioner cools the indoor air by absorbing heat. This heat needs to be released somewhere, and that’s where the outdoor condenser unit comes in. It is responsible for expelling the heat absorbed from the indoor air, transferring it outside. This process is essential for the air conditioner to function efficiently, as it ensures that the indoor space remains cool and comfortable. Without the outdoor condenser, the heat removed from your home’s interior would have nowhere to go, and the cooling process would be ineffective. 

Okay, that makes sense, so where will the outdoor condenser go? 

The outdoor condenser unit is typically located outside of your home or building. It is positioned in an outdoor space, such as a back garden, side garden, or on a flat roof. It’s important to ensure that the area around the condenser unit remains clear of obstructions, as good airflow is essential for its efficient operation. Landscaping, tall plants, or objects blocking the unit can restrict airflow and decrease the unit’s effectiveness. Our team will advise you on the best place, bespoke to your property layout. 

Will I need to obtain planning permission to have air conditioning installed?

Planning: in most circumstances, you do not need planning permission. General: in some circumstances, e.g., landlord, freeholder, building management company. With all permission requirements, we do not check this at point of purchase, so it is your responsibility to ensure you have the required permissions before your installation. If you have any concerns, we suggest speaking with your local council and or borough for specific information. 

I have my own installer, would SMILE be able to supply the units only?

No, as a business we provide a complete service as installation must be completed by an fGas qualified engineer. In addition, this prevents many difficulties with enacting your warranty – should this be needed. If supply and installation are completed separately, it can often be very difficult to enact your warranty. 

Does your quote include installation, or will this be an additional cost?

Yes, all of our quotes are for full supply and installation. This makes good on our promise of clear and transparent pricing. If you have any questions regarding the installation, please ask one our friendly team.  

Does your quote include VAT, or will this be an additional cost?

Air conditioning is currently part of the Government’s Green Initiative, therefore Domestic installation is exempt from VAT. If the project isn’t domestic, it may be subject. For transparency, all of our quotes indicate if there is additional VAT required – it will immediately proceed the cost with “+VAT”.  

Is my quote fixed, or will it change?
We typically provide you with two quotes.

Indicative Quote: this follows an initial conversation whereby we gauge an initial understanding on the requirements. This serves to provide you with an indicative amount that the project is likely cost, and is beneficial for comparative purposes.

Fixed Quote: if you would like to proceed to the free site survey, one our team will visit you so we can gauge a comprehensive understanding of the requirements. We will then provide you with a fixed quote, which is valid for two months.

If there are any changes necessary, we will inform you throughout, and this will never be done retrospectively.

Do I have to pay anything upfront?

It’s simple by design. There is no deposit required, it is full payment upon completion. 

How do I pay my invoice?

We accept multiple forms of payment, including: debit card, credit card, bank transfer, cheque & cash. 

Sorry, we can’t currently take American Express (AMEX).

Would I be able to pay my invoice in instalments?
Currently, we do not offer an instalment-based repayment method. However, as a business we are always looking at ways to improve our services and this could be something we look at in the future. Many of our customers choose to pay via their credit card, which offers them option to make the repayment over a longer term.
How long will it take for the engineers to complete the installation?

We typically allocate our engineers half a day per indoor unit, this ensures they have an appropriate amount of time to complete the work. Therefore, dependent on how many units you have decided upon, we will allocate according to that principle. We will always inform you on how many days we require, often it is just one day. 

Do I need to do, or prepare, anything before your engineers arrive?

No, there is nothing you need to do in advance unless we explicitly ask. That being said, we politely ask for the areas by the location of both the indoor and the outdoor units to be clear and easily accessible. A clear workspace allows our engineers to provide a much faster installation service. 

What warranty period will I get with my air conditioning units?

We always offer warranty, and so should any supplier/installer. The period depends on the manufacturer, but all the details regarding the warranty period will be provided in your free & fixed quote. Your warranty is then active from the date of installation. 

What happens if something goes wrong?

We are confident it won’t, given the quality of the systems we recommend and the quality of our engineers. However, in the event it does, we encourage you to contact our team for the first point of resolution. We will then work with you to resolve any issues.  

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