Frequently asked questions — air conditioning Bolton & North West
We've answered the questions our customers ask most often about air conditioning installation, servicing, repairs, TM44 inspections, and maintenance in Bolton and across the North West. Can't find what you're looking for? Call us on 01204 968000 or get in touch online.
Controlled Temperature - Services
Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
We are based at Deakins Business Park, Egerton, Bolton, BL7 9RP. We serve residential and commercial customers throughout the North West, including Bolton, Manchester, Wigan, Bury, Chorley, Blackburn, Warrington, Preston, Leigh, Horwich, Farnworth, Salford, Rochdale, Oldham, Burnley, and all surrounding towns. If you’re unsure whether we cover your area, just call us on 01204 968000.
How long have you been in business?
Controlled Temperature Air Conditioning Ltd has over 20 years of experience in the air conditioning industry. We are a family-run business based in Bolton and have built our reputation across the North West through quality workmanship, honest advice, and reliable after-care.
Are your engineers qualified and certified?
Yes. All our engineers hold F-Gas (2079) certification, which is a legal requirement for anyone in the UK who handles refrigerant gases. Our team is also trained and accredited by leading manufacturers including Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic, Toshiba, Samsung, and LG. You can have complete confidence in our technical competence and legal compliance.
Which air conditioning brands do you install and service?
We are accredited installers and service engineers for all major manufacturers, including Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic, Toshiba, Samsung, and LG. We can also service and repair systems from other manufacturers — contact us with your system details and we’ll confirm whether we can help.
How much does air conditioning installation cost in the North West?
The cost of air conditioning installation depends on the type of system, the number of indoor units, and the complexity of the installation. As a guide, a single split system for a typical room starts from approximately £1,300 + VAT, including supply and fitting. Multi-split systems covering multiple rooms start from around £2,500 + VAT. We provide a detailed, itemised written quote after a free no-obligation site survey — so you’ll know the exact price before any work begins.
General & about the company
How much does air conditioning installation cost in the North West?
The cost of air conditioning installation depends on the type of system, the number of indoor units, and the complexity of the installation. As a guide, a single split system for a typical room starts from approximately £1,300 + VAT, including supply and fitting. Multi-split systems covering multiple rooms start from around £2,500 + VAT. We provide a detailed, itemised written quote after a free no-obligation site survey – so you’ll know the exact price before any work begins.
Do you offer a free survey before installation?
Yes – every installation starts with a free, no-obligation site survey. One of our engineers will visit your property, assess the space, recommend the most suitable system, and provide a transparent written quote. There’s no pressure to proceed and no charge for the survey. Call 01204 968000 or use our contact form to book yours.
What is a split system and is it right for my home or office?
A split system consists of one indoor unit connected to one outdoor unit. It’s the most common type of air conditioning for individual rooms — whether that’s a living room, bedroom, home office, or small commercial space. If you need to cool or heat multiple rooms, a multi-split system (one outdoor unit connected to multiple indoor units) is usually more cost-effective. We’ll advise on the best option for your property during the free site survey.
How long does air conditioning installation take?
A single split system installation typically takes one day. A multi-split system covering two or three rooms usually takes one to two days depending on the complexity of the pipework routes. We always work cleanly and leave your property as we found it – no mess, no damage.
Do I need planning permission to install air conditioning?
under permitted development rights. However, there are exceptions: listed buildings, conservation areas, and some flats or leasehold properties may have restrictions. Commercial installations may also require landlord or building management approval. We will advise you on any planning considerations during your free site survey.
Installation
How often should I service my air conditioning system?
We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally serviced at least once a year. Annual servicing keeps the system running efficiently, extends its lifespan, maintains the manufacturer’s warranty, and ensures refrigerant levels and electrical connections are safe. For commercial systems used more intensively, bi-annual servicing is advisable. Our maintenance plans offer cost-effective annual cover with priority booking.
My air conditioning is not cooling properly — what could be wrong?
The most common causes of reduced cooling performance include a dirty air filter, low refrigerant level (which can indicate a leak), a blocked condenser unit outdoors, or a faulty compressor. Some of these can be resolved quickly by a service visit. If your system is blowing warm air, making unusual noises, or displaying a fault code, call us on 01204 968000 and we’ll arrange a rapid call-out to diagnose and resolve the issue.
Do you offer same-day call-outs for breakdowns?
Yes. We offer rapid call-out cover across Bolton and the North West. In most cases we can attend the same day or next day for breakdowns. Call 01204 968000 as early as possible and we’ll do everything we can to get to you quickly. Our engineers carry a comprehensive range of parts to maximise the chance of a first-visit fix.
Can you service air conditioning systems you didn't install?
Yes. We service and repair all makes and models of air conditioning systems, regardless of who originally installed them. Whether it’s a Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic, Toshiba, Samsung, LG, Fujitsu, or any other brand, our F-Gas certified engineers can carry out a full service, fault diagnosis, and repair.
Servicing & repairs
What is a TM44 inspection?
A TM44 inspection is a statutory energy efficiency inspection for air conditioning systems in commercial buildings. It is a legal requirement under the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2012. Any building with air conditioning systems with a combined output exceeding 12kW must be inspected by an accredited assessor every five years. The inspection assesses the efficiency of the system and produces a formal report with recommendations.
Does my building need a TM44 inspection?
Your building requires a TM44 inspection if it has air conditioning or mechanical ventilation systems with a combined output of more than 12kW. This applies to most commercial buildings including offices, retail units, warehouses, schools, and healthcare premises. The inspection must be repeated every five years. Non-compliance can result in fines from your local authority. If you’re unsure whether your building is affected, contact us and we’ll confirm.
How much does a TM44 inspection cost?
TM44 inspection costs vary depending on the size of the building and the number of air conditioning systems to be assessed. Contact us with details of your property and we’ll provide a competitive, transparent quote. All our TM44 inspections are carried out by a fully accredited assessor and include the formal written report required for compliance.
TM44 inspections
What does your maintenance plan include?
Our annual maintenance plans include a full engineer service visit, filter cleaning, refrigerant level check, electrical connection inspection, and a system performance report. Plan holders also receive priority booking for call-outs and a discount on any repair parts required. Plans start from £60 per year per system and represent the most cost-effective way to keep your air conditioning running reliably year after year.
Do you offer maintenance contracts for commercial premises?
Yes. We provide tailored maintenance contracts for commercial customers including offices, retail units, restaurants, and warehouses across the North West. Commercial contracts can include bi-annual visits, emergency call-out cover, and compliance documentation. Contact us to discuss a contract that fits your premises and budget.
Maintenance plans
Do you work with both residential and commercial customers?
Yes – we work with homeowners and businesses of all sizes across the North West. Residential projects include split system installations for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and home offices. Commercial projects include offices, retail units, server rooms, restaurants, gyms, warehouses, and healthcare settings. Whatever the scale of your project, we have the experience and accreditations to deliver it.
Can air conditioning be used for heating as well as cooling?
Yes. Modern inverter air conditioning systems are heat pumps – they can both cool in summer and provide highly efficient heating in winter. They are typically three to four times more energy-efficient than a traditional electric heater. This makes air conditioning an increasingly popular year-round heating and cooling solution for both homes and businesses in the UK.