Air Conditioning Repair Guide
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02/07/25, 14:04
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Air Conditioning Repair Guide
Scope of Works
Attend site and take F-Gas logbook details; isolate electrics and remove panels.
Run diagnostic tests (pressure, temperature-split, fault codes).
Trace refrigerant leaks with UV dye or electronic sniffer and repair joints.
Replace faulty parts (capacitor, PCB, fan-motor, sensor, compressor, etc.).
Evacuate system, recharge with correct refrigerant charge, and pressure-test.
Clean coils, condensate drain and filters; reset controller parameters.
Issue service/repair report and F-Gas certificate; advise on future maintenance.
Typical Cost (VAT incl.)
Charge type | Low £ | High £ | Notes |
Call-out / minimum | 60 | 180 | Freeztech £60 inc. first 30 min; weekday call-out typically £130–£180 freeztech.comCheckatrade |
Labour per hour | 30 | 60 | Engineer £30–£60/hr; Freeztech lists £44/hr Checkatradefreeztech.com |
Materials (parts & gas) | 50 | 400 | Capacitor £12–£28; compressor £110–£460 – typical repairs fall within this band Airtasker |
Disposal (refrigerant/parts) | 20 | 60 | Licensed recovery & waste fees |
Extras (emergency, weekend, roof access) | 50 | 250 | Weekend call-out up to £220; additional refrigerant £35–£130 Checkatrade |
TOTAL (most jobs come in here) | 250 | 800 | Split-unit leak fix or PCB/fan replacement |
Time on Site
Typical: 1 – 3 hours for diagnosis and common part swap.
May extend if: outdoor unit on roof or balcony, severe leak requiring nitrogen pressure-test, specialist part ordered, or multiple indoor heads share the same condenser.
Questions to Ask Your Tradie
Are you F-Gas certified and will I receive an updated logbook entry?
Does the quote cover call-out, labour, refrigerant and any spare parts?
Will you pressure-test and guarantee the repair for at least 12 months?
What refrigerant type will you use and is it compatible with my system?
Do you carry common spares on the van or could a second visit be needed?
How much extra is an out-of-hours or weekend emergency?
Can you benchmark efficiency after repair so I can compare running costs?
How to Avoid Surprises
Confirm parking close to both indoor and outdoor units for heavy vacuum pump.
Provide clear access to loft, roof terrace or side passage before arrival.
Tell the engineer if the system is still under manufacturer warranty (parts may be free).
Check householders’ or block-management permission for refrigerant handling.
Verify outdoor unit model/serial numbers in advance for accurate parts pick-up.
Ask for photographic evidence of leaks or damaged components before authorising extra spend.
All prices are 2025 UK averages, inclusive of VAT. Always obtain a fixed written quote for your specific system and fault.
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