INDEPENDENT HOME AIR CONDITIONING GUIDANCE

Prepare a useful air conditioning survey brief

You do not need to choose equipment before asking questions. Gather ordinary observations safely and leave technical assessment to the appointed contractor.

Shropshire Aircon is an independent information and enquiry website operated by Stephen Meredith. We do not carry out installations. Enquiries are reviewed by the operator and any next steps are agreed separately.

1. Describe each room

List the spaces you are considering, approximate dimensions and any glazing or roof features that seem relevant. State what you know about insulation and mark unknown details as unknown. Do not infer a system size from the room's floor area.

Include the room's normal furniture layout and occupancy. A brief should explain how a space is used rather than simply label it “bedroom” or “office”. These observations help an initial conversation; they do not replace professional measurements or design.

2. Note times and aims

Explain when each room feels uncomfortable and whether heating, cooling or both are being considered. For several rooms, identify which are used together. Mention possible future spaces as possibilities rather than part of an already agreed design.

A useful hypothetical description is: “The office is used during the working day; two bedrooms are occupied overnight.” It gives the contractor a use pattern to assess without assuming what equipment should be selected.

3. Record constraints safely

Note any known access difficulties, potential outdoor areas and property restrictions. Photographs from normal, safely accessible positions can help explain the layout. You do not need to climb, reach a roof, open equipment or inspect electrical components.

Treat a possible route as a discussion point, not a final installation instruction. Walls, drainage, electrical work, maintenance access and the actual equipment can change the feasible options. Ask the contractor to assess the complete arrangement.

Useful photographs and information

• A general view of the room and normal furniture positions.
• Glazing and an ordinary view of accessible external areas.
• Existing drawings or building information you already hold.
• Known landlord, lease or planning restrictions, without guessing the outcome.

Do not send payment information, sensitive personal details or images of unrelated people. If sharing documents, include only what is needed for the project discussion.

4. List questions for the proposal

Ask who carries out the survey, what it covers and how the findings will be documented. Establish whether a fee applies and who you would appoint. This website's form does not arrange that appointment.

Request exact equipment references and an explanation of room allocation, capacity selection and intended operation. Ask about controls, sound information, simultaneous use and any relevant limitations. Keep assumptions about electricity use separate from output capacity.

Installation scope to check

Discuss indoor/outdoor positions, pipes, drainage, electrical work, access, visible finishes and making good. Ask who is responsible for property checks and any other professional work. The written scope should state what is included and excluded.

Commercial details to check

Establish the total price, VAT position, provisional items, programme and payment terms with the contractor. Ask how changes would be agreed. Request commissioning/handover details, maintenance advice and the written warranty terms from the relevant provider.

5. Choose and understand the next step

Read how an enquiry service uses your details before submitting. Here, Stephen Meredith reviews enquiries and replies by email to discuss possible next steps. No installer is automatically appointed and no survey or quote is guaranteed.

If an introduction is proposed, the intended recipient is explained and your agreement is requested before sharing contact details. You can decline. Any survey, design, installation contract and warranty are agreed separately with the contractor.

Keep a simple record

Save your original brief, the contractor's proposal and later agreed changes together. If room use or equipment positions change, ask whether earlier assumptions need revisiting. An initial enquiry should remain a useful description of your needs rather than be mistaken for an installation specification.

Use the cost checklist to compare proposals on the same basis and the installation guide to understand the stages. If a technical or permission question remains unresolved, identify who will answer it before accepting work.