The best air conditioning company in London for your job is one whose engineers hold F gas qualifications, that surveys the space before quoting, sizes the system properly, explains the planning and grant rules that apply, and can service what it installs. Be Cool Refrigeration, which publishes this site, installs, repairs and maintains air conditioning for homes and businesses across London. This guide sets out what to look for in any company you are considering, including us.
We have put Be Cool first because this is our own site. The checks below apply to every company you ask for a quote, and they are the questions we would expect to be asked ourselves.
At a glance
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| F gas qualified engineers | Required by law for installing, servicing and leak checking systems with F gas refrigerants |
| A site survey before the quote | Sizing, unit positions, pipe routes, drainage and electrics all depend on the building |
| Proper sizing | Oversized and undersized systems both cost more to run and wear faster |
| Planning and permitted development advice | Outdoor units in London often need checks on listed buildings, conservation areas and noise |
| Grant knowledge, for homes | Air-to-air heat pumps can qualify for a £2,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant in some homes |
| Commercial obligations | F gas leak checks and records, and TM44 inspections on larger systems |
| Service and repair after installation | Someone needs to maintain the system for years |
Be Cool Refrigeration (that's us)
Be Cool Refrigeration designs, installs, repairs and maintains air conditioning across London, alongside commercial refrigeration and cold rooms. We work on wall-mounted, cassette, ducted and VRF systems for homes, offices, shops, restaurants and healthcare premises, from brands including Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric. Examples of our work are on the site, including the St Albans Hospital installation, an office cooling upgrade for PHA Group, six cassette units in High Holborn and a VRF comfort cooling installation. You can see more on our projects page and read what customers say on our testimonials page.
Our services are set out on our air conditioning installation, repair and maintenance pages.
What to look for in any London air conditioning company
F gas qualifications
Most air conditioning uses F gas refrigerants such as R32 or R410A. GOV.UK says anyone installing, servicing or maintaining these systems, checking them for leaks or recovering their gas must hold their own F gas qualification, even if they work for someone else. Ask who will do the work and what certification they hold. Our guide to F gas regulations explains the wider rules.
A proper survey and sizing
A reliable quote starts with a visit. The company should measure the rooms, look at insulation, glazing and heat sources, check where the indoor and outdoor units can go, how the pipes will run, where the condensate will drain and what the electrical supply can take. Be wary of a firm price for a system it has not seen. Our guide to air conditioner sizing explains why sizing matters.
Planning, permitted development and noise
Outdoor units on London buildings often raise questions: listed buildings, conservation areas, flats, and noise for neighbours. A good company will tell you what applies before work starts. Our guides to planning permission for air conditioning and air conditioning in listed buildings cover the rules.
Grants for homes
The government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £2,500 towards an air-to-air heat pump, which is what most reversible air conditioning systems are, in eligible homes. GOV.UK points homeowners to MCS certified installers, so if the grant matters to you, ask whether the company is MCS certified and whether your home qualifies. Our guide to air-to-air heat pump grants explains the conditions.
Commercial obligations
For businesses, the company should understand the paperwork that comes with the system: F gas leak checks and records for systems above the threshold, and TM44 air conditioning inspections for larger systems. Our guide to TM44 inspections covers when they apply.
A clear, written quote
Compare quotes on what they include: the equipment and its capacity, the installation work, pipe lengths, condensate pumps, electrical work, making good, commissioning and the warranty terms offered by the manufacturer and installer. Our guide to installation costs sets out what drives the price.
Aftercare
An air conditioning system needs regular servicing to stay efficient, keep its warranty and avoid breakdowns. Ask whether the company services and repairs what it installs, and what a maintenance plan includes.
Red flags
- A price given without seeing the building.
- No mention of F gas certification, or vague answers about who does the refrigeration work.
- Pressure to commit on the day.
- No advice on planning, noise or where the outdoor unit can go.
- A quote that does not say what equipment, capacity or brand is included.
Questions people ask about choosing an air conditioning company
How do I choose an air conditioning company in London?
Look for F gas qualified engineers, a site survey before the quote, proper sizing, clear advice on planning and grants, a written quote that sets out what is included, and a company that services what it installs.
Do air conditioning engineers need to be qualified?
Yes. GOV.UK says anyone installing, servicing or leak checking systems containing F gas must hold their own F gas qualification.
Can I get a grant for air conditioning?
In some homes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £2,500 towards an air-to-air heat pump in eligible properties, and GOV.UK points homeowners to MCS certified installers. Ask the installer whether your home qualifies.
What should an air conditioning quote include?
The equipment and capacity, installation work, pipe runs, condensate drainage, electrical work, making good, commissioning, and the warranty terms. Compare like with like.
Who is Be Cool Refrigeration?
Be Cool Refrigeration is a London company that installs, repairs and maintains air conditioning, commercial refrigeration and cold rooms, and publishes this site. Our projects page shows examples of our work.
Getting a quote
Whichever company you choose, use the checks above. If you would like Be Cool to look at your project, our quote page is the place to start.
Last updated: 4 November 2026
Written by
Ali Elm
Ali is the Head of Operations at Be Cool Refrigeration with over a decade of hands-on experience in HVAC and commercial refrigeration. He oversees every installation, repair, and maintenance project, making sure the work meets the highest standards. Ali holds full F-Gas certification and has worked across residential, commercial, and industrial refrigeration systems throughout London and the South East. When he is not on site, he writes these guides to help business owners and homeowners understand their cooling systems better.