Why Aircon Installations Go Wrong
A split unit air conditioner that is incorrectly installed will underperform, consume more electricity than it should, fail prematurely, and in some cases create a safety hazard. The South African aircon market includes highly professional operators and informal installers who have completed a basic course and bought a set of tools. The difference in installation quality is significant — and often invisible to the customer until months or years later.
Red Flag 1 — No Site Assessment Before Quoting
A reputable aircon company will conduct a site visit before quoting on any installation. The size of the unit required depends on the room dimensions, ceiling height, insulation, window area, orientation, and how the space is used. An installer who quotes over the phone based on the room size alone, without considering these factors, is either undersizing or oversizing the unit — both of which cause problems.
Ask for a written load calculation or at minimum a clear explanation of how the required capacity was determined.
Red Flag 2 — F-Gas / Refrigerant Handling Without Certification
Handling refrigerant in South Africa requires registration as a refrigerant handling technician. Ask every installer whether their technicians are registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) or hold an equivalent qualification. An installer who handles refrigerant without certification is operating illegally and is unlikely to have been trained to the standard required for a correct refrigerant charge — which directly affects unit performance and longevity.
Red Flag 3 — Unusually Low Price
A quote significantly below the other two or three you have received almost always means something has been omitted or will be done incorrectly. Common shortcuts taken by low-cost operators: undersized copper pipe that restricts refrigerant flow; inadequate pipe insulation; incorrect pipe routing that traps oil; shallow wall penetrations without proper weatherproofing; and reusing old refrigerant rather than charging fresh. None of these are visible after the installation is complete but all of them affect performance and lifespan.
Red Flag 4 — No Written Warranty on Installation
The unit manufacturer's warranty covers the equipment. It does not cover workmanship. A professional installer will provide a separate written warranty on the installation itself — typically one to two years. An installer who does not offer this has no intention of returning to fix problems that arise from their own work.
Also confirm whether the installer is an accredited installer for the brand they are supplying. Most major manufacturers (Daikin, Midea, Samsung, LG, Gree) require accreditation to honour the equipment warranty when a fault is attributed to installation.
Red Flag 5 — No Discussion of Drainage
A split unit indoor unit produces condensate water that must drain away. Condensate drainage that is incorrectly routed — draining into a wall cavity, pooling near electrical components, or backing up — causes water damage and mould. A professional installer will discuss where the condensate will drain and ensure it reaches an appropriate external drain point.
Ask specifically: where will the condensate drain to? Ask to see the completed drain routing before the installation is closed up.
Red Flag 6 — No COC for Electrical Work
Installing an air conditioner involves electrical work — a dedicated circuit breaker, wiring to the outdoor unit, and correct earthing. This electrical work must be done by a registered electrician, and a Certificate of Compliance must be issued for the electrical installation. An aircon company that completes the electrical work without a COC is non-compliant. You need this certificate for your insurance records and for any future property transfer.
What a Good Aircon Company Looks Like
A reputable South African aircon installer will visit the site before quoting, size the unit based on a room load assessment, employ certified refrigerant technicians, provide a written installation warranty, issue a COC for the electrical work, and be able to demonstrate brand accreditation. They will not quote blindly over the phone, will not be significantly cheaper than every other quote, and will answer technical questions directly rather than deflecting them.