Everything you need to know about AC installation, heat pumps, servicing, and working with Kelvara.
Installation
A single split system installation typically costs between £1,200 and £2,000 for a domestic property, depending on unit size, brand, and installation complexity. Twin-zone systems start from £2,100, three-zone from £2,900. Commercial installations are quoted on application. All Kelvara quotes are free and returned within 24 hours. See our full pricing →
Most single split system installations take 4–6 hours. Twin or triple-zone systems typically take a full day. We'll always confirm the exact timeframe during your free site survey.
In most cases, no. Residential AC installation is usually considered permitted development. Exceptions apply to listed buildings, conservation areas, and some flats. We'll flag any concerns during your survey and advise accordingly.
Any engineer handling refrigerants must hold City & Guilds 2079 (F-Gas Category 1) and be REFCOM registered. For R32 and other A2L flammable refrigerants, City & Guilds 6187-316 is also required. Kelvara engineers hold both qualifications — you can ask to see certificates before any work begins.
We install and service all major brands: Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Fujitsu, LG, and Samsung. We'll recommend the best brand for your property, usage, and budget. See the brands we work with →
Servicing & Repairs
We recommend an annual service — ideally in spring before the cooling season. A full service includes refrigerant checks, filter and coil cleaning, electrical inspection, and performance testing. Regular servicing extends unit lifespan and keeps it running efficiently. Book an AC service from £175 →
The most common causes are a dirty filter, low refrigerant (indicating a leak), a frozen evaporator coil, or a faulty compressor. Start by cleaning or replacing your filter. If the issue persists, book a fault diagnosis — our engineers usually identify and fix the problem in a single visit.
A useful rule of thumb: if the repair cost exceeds 50% of a new unit's price, replacement is usually the better investment — especially for units older than 10 years. We'll give you an honest assessment rather than push unnecessary work. Read our full guide →
We prioritise urgent breakdowns and can often attend the same day, depending on engineer availability in your area. Call us on +44 7346 813648 and we'll give you an honest answer on timing straight away.
Heat Pumps
An air source heat pump (ASHP) extracts heat from outside air to heat your home and hot water — producing 3–4 units of heat per unit of electricity used. They can be excellent value if your property is well insulated and you're eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant (£7,500). We offer free consultations to assess suitability.
Yes. Modern inverter split systems operate in both cooling and heating mode, making them efficient year-round solutions. In heating mode they act as heat pumps, extracting warmth from outside air even on cold days. How heat pumps work →
Costs & Running
Modern inverter split systems are very efficient. A typical 2.5kW unit costs approximately 30–50p per hour to run at current UK electricity rates. Running costs vary with usage and your energy tariff. We can recommend the most energy-efficient models during your free quote.
F-Gas (fluorinated greenhouse gas) regulations restrict the use of high-GWP refrigerants. If your system needs a refrigerant top-up, the cost of refrigerant has increased significantly due to F-Gas phase-down legislation. Newer systems using R32 are less affected. We always explain any refrigerant costs upfront. F-Gas explained →
About Kelvara
We cover the South East including Croydon, Sutton, Epsom, Kingston, Wimbledon, Bromley, and surrounding areas across Surrey, South London, and Kent. See all areas →
