FAQ
Got questions about air conditioning, heat pumps, maintenance, or repairs? We’ve compiled answers to the most common queries from our customers.
If you don’t see your question here, feel free to contact us directly – we’re happy to help!
Air Conditioning Installation FAQs
How do I know what size air conditioning unit I need?
Getting the size right isn’t just about comfort—it’s about confidence. The wrong choice can leave you living with a system that’s noisy, inefficient, and expensive to run… and the worst part? You won’t always realise until the bills and frustration pile up.
The internet will happily give you “rules of thumb” or one-size-fits-all calculators. But your home isn’t average, and neither should your comfort be. Orientation to sunlight, insulation quality, air tightness, window types, ceiling height, layout, and even your daily habits all play a role. Ignore one, and you’re already compromising.
That’s why our clients don’t take chances. We take the time to personally assess every factor, on-site, with the same attention to detail we’ve built our reputation on. We’re not here to sell you a unit—we’re here to engineer the exact conditions you want to live in, year after year, for the lowest running cost possible.
Our customers will tell you: once you’ve had us design your system, you’ll never risk letting anyone else guess
How long does an installation take?
Most residential installations can be completed within one day, while larger commercial projects may take several days depending on complexity.
Will the installation be messy?
No – our technicians work neatly and discreetly, concealing all pipework and wiring where possible. We also clean the area before we leave.
Do you provide a warranty?
Yes. Every installation comes with up to a 7-year manufacturer warranty on equipment, plus our own workmanship and design guarantees.
Heat Pump FAQs
What’s the difference between an air source and a ground source heat pump?
An air source heat pump takes heat from the outside air (even in winter) and uses it to warm your home. It’s quicker to install, usually costs less upfront, and works well for most properties.
A ground source heat pump takes heat from the ground using buried pipes. The ground stays at a steady temperature year-round, so it’s very efficient—but it needs more space for installation and costs more initially.
We install both and can recommend the best option for your home based on space, budget, and efficiency goals.
Are heat pumps energy-efficient?
Absolutely—and the difference shows up in your bills. While traditional systems burn fuel to create heat, heat pumps work smarter by moving heat from the air or ground into your home.
That means for every €1 of electricity you put in, you can get €3–€5 worth of heat out. In other words, you’re paying less to get more, month after month, year after year.
Every day without a heat pump is a day you’re spending more than you need to. We design and install systems that keep you warm, cut your running costs, and protect you from rising energy prices.
Not all installations deliver the same efficiency—ours are tailored, tested, and optimised so you get every euro of saving the system is capable of.
Can you retrofit a heat pump to an older system?
Yes. We specialise in retrofitting and upgrading legacy systems so they run efficiently, quietly, and with minimal disruption.
- Proper survey first: room by room heat loss, radiator or UFH checks, hot water demand, controls, and electrics
- Right sizing and setup: low flow temperatures, weather compensation curves, smart zoning and schedules that match how you live
- Reuse where it makes sense: we keep pipework and emitters that pass our checks, and only recommend targeted changes with a clear payback
- Commissioned correctly: balanced flows, quiet operation, and verified performance rather than default settings
- Proof at handover: simple before and after comfort and energy snapshots you can keep
- Guaranteed outcome: we guarantee the equipment and the design, with up to 7-year warranties when serviced annually
- Optional extras: IAQ audit and a light touch optimisation layer that learns your home and trims waste between visits
How a Heat Pump Works – The Water Pump Analogy
Think of a heat pump like a water pump. A water pump moves water from a lower level to a higher one. Because water naturally flows downhill, you need a pump—powered by electricity—to push it uphill.
Heat behaves in a similar way. It naturally flows from warmer areas to cooler ones. A heat pump, powered by electricity, works against that natural flow, moving heat from a colder place to a warmer place—such as from outside your home into your living space.
Here’s the important part: the electricity isn’t acting as the source of heat. The heat already exists in the air, ground, or water outside your home. The electricity’s role is simply to move it.
Because of this, a heat pump can deliver several times more heat energy into your home than the electrical energy it uses—often 3 to 4 times more. You’re not paying to generate heat; you’re paying to relocate it.
Maintenance & Repairs FAQs
How often should my system be serviced?
For most homes, once a year is right. An annual visit keeps efficiency high, protects warranties, and catches small issues early.
Simple guide
- Residential air conditioning or heat pumps: every 12 months, ideally before the main season you use it for
- Homes with heavy use, pets, or dust: consider a check every 6 months
- Commercial offices and retail: twice a year, with filter checks every 3 months
- AHUs and larger systems: two to four times a year, filters on a quarterly schedule
Every system is different
Duty, environment, and control settings vary from site to site, so the most cost-effective interval is not always annual. In some cases, slightly more frequent servicing actually lowers total cost, because it keeps flow temperatures, airflow, and filtration where they should be, which cuts energy use, reduces breakdown risk, and extends lifespan.
We can help you decide with an optional live insights layer that watches simple performance markers and flags when service will save more than it costs. We are happy to discuss this, and we welcome proving the concept with a short trial and a clear before and after report.
We send friendly reminders, and we document each visit to keep your warranty valid.
What happens during a maintenance visit?
Here is what you can expect, with a tidy finish and minimal disruption.
- Arrival and brief chat
We ask how the system has been behaving, note any hot or cold spots, noise, or control issues. - Safety and visual checks
Covers electrics, casings, fixings, drains, and a quick look at plant surroundings. - Clean and replace where needed
Filters are cleaned or replaced, coils are cleaned if performance would benefit, drains are cleared, outdoor units are cleared of debris. - Airflow and water flow verified
We measure supply and return temperatures, confirm airflow or pump flow, and balance if required so comfort is even and quiet. - Refrigeration checks without waste
We check for leaks, verify charge and operating conditions, and record readings for your history. No unnecessary venting. - Controls and commissioning settings
We confirm setpoints, schedules, zoning, and weather compensation curves. We correct defaults that waste energy, then show you the simple changes that save money. - Performance snapshot
You get before and after readings for comfort and energy, so you can see the improvement, not guess it. - Small fixes on the spot
We tighten, re seat, tidy, and replace minor parts from the van if that will prevent a future callout. We repair first and only recommend replacement when the numbers make sense. - IAQ spot check, optional
Quick checks for temperature, humidity, and CO₂ to confirm ventilation is on track. For larger sites we can add particulate checks. - Paperwork and peace of mind
You receive a clear service report, warranty record, and, where required, F gas log entries. We also note any future items with an honest priority rating.
Every system is different
Duty and environment vary, so the most cost effective interval is not always annual. Our optional live insights layer watches simple performance markers and flags when a visit will save more than it costs. We are happy to discuss this, and we welcome proving the concept with a short trial.
Can you repair older HVAC systems?
Yes—and it’s one of the things we’re known for. Our engineers have the skills and experience to work on both modern and older “legacy” systems that many companies won’t touch.
We don’t believe in replacing equipment just because it’s not brand new. If it can be repaired safely and cost-effectively, we’ll get it running at its best—saving you the expense of an unnecessary replacement.
What if my system breaks down unexpectedly?
We know breakdowns never happen at a convenient time—that’s why we offer rapid-response repairs to get you back up and running with minimal downtime. Our experienced engineers arrive prepared, diagnose quickly, and aim to fix the problem on the first visit whenever possible.
When you call us, you’re not just getting speed—you’re getting expertise that ensures the repair lasts.
Warranty & Aftercare FAQs
What does the warranty cover?
Our up to 7-year warranty covers both parts and labour for any faults arising from the installation.
Do you offer maintenance plans?
Yes. We offer customised servicing plans for homes and businesses that keep your system efficient all year. Plans include scheduled visits, priority callouts, filter management, warranty paperwork, and clear reports.
Optional remote insights and optimisation (VORA-enabled):
Add a light monitoring layer that gives us live performance markers, helps us spot drift early, and lets us fine tune schedules and setpoints with your permission. The result is fewer breakdowns, fewer site visits, faster fixes, and lower energy use. We are happy to start with a short trial and prove the savings.
Still Have Questions?
Didn’t find the answer you were looking for?
- Free quotes
- Expert advice
- Fast, reliable service
Contact Burns Air Conditioning today and we’ll be happy to help.
What our customers say...
Why Choose
Burns Refrigeration
& Air Conditioning?
- 25+ years of HVAC expertise – trusted by homeowners and businesses Nationwide
- Industry-leading up to 7-year warranty – unmatched reliability and aftercare.
- Tailored solutions for every space – from compact homes to large commercial facilities.
- Repair-first approach – saving you money with cost-effective servicing.
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Competitive pricing & transparent quotes –
no hidden costs, ever.