Question 1

How much does aircon installation cost in South Africa in 2026?

Accepted Answer

A 9,000–12,000 BTU midwall split unit costs R8,000–R14,000 fully installed (unit + back-to-back installation), and an 18,000–24,000 BTU unit runs R13,000–R22,000. Ducted / central systems start around R45,000 and rise with the number of zones. Installation cost depends on pipe-run length, wall type, and whether electrical work is needed.

Question 2

What is SAQCC Gas and why does it matter for aircon?

Accepted Answer

SAQCC Gas (South African Qualification and Certification Committee for Gas) registers technicians authorised to work with refrigerant gas. By law, anyone handling refrigerant — installing, re-gassing, or decommissioning an air-conditioner — must be SAQCC Gas registered and carry a valid card. FlowLeads only refers to registered technicians, which protects your warranty and is required for safe, legal gas handling.

Question 3

How often should I service my air conditioner?

Accepted Answer

Service your aircon at least once a year — ideally before summer. Regular servicing (cleaning filters and coils, checking gas pressure and drainage) keeps it running efficiently, lowers your electricity bill, and prevents costly compressor failures. Units in dusty areas or used heavily may need servicing twice a year.

Question 4

How long does a split-unit aircon installation take?

Accepted Answer

A standard back-to-back midwall split installation takes 3–5 hours for a single unit. Installations needing long pipe runs, trunking, core drilling through face-brick, or electrical work take longer. Ducted systems take 1–3 days depending on the number of indoor units and ceiling access.

Question 5

Why is my air conditioner not cooling properly?

Accepted Answer

Common causes are low refrigerant (a leak needing re-gas), clogged filters or coils restricting airflow, a failing compressor or capacitor, or a blocked drain. A registered technician will diagnose the fault before quoting — never just keep re-gassing a unit, as repeated gas loss points to a leak that must be fixed.

Question 6

What size air conditioner do I need for my room?

Accepted Answer

As a rough guide: a 9,000 BTU unit suits a small bedroom or office (up to ~18 m²), 12,000 BTU suits a standard lounge/bedroom (up to ~25 m²), 18,000 BTU suits a large open-plan room (up to ~40 m²), and 24,000 BTU+ suits very large spaces. Sun exposure, ceiling height, and insulation also matter — a technician will confirm the right size on site.

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