Ducted air conditioning in Inverness
Wind and salt air in the north of Scotland mean outdoor unit placement and protection need extra thought. For a renovation in Inverness, the best time to plan ducted cooling is before the plasterers arrive.
Ducted systems suit Inverness loft conversions and new extensions where ceilings are being boarded anyway. We cover Inverness and the rest of the Highlands, including Fort William and Alness. Coverage includes IV2.
Prices in Inverness
Guide prices around Inverness run from £4,845 to £13,295 per system including VAT. That sits a little below the UK middle, reflecting typical Highlands, Islands and North East Scotland labour rates. Quotes move with the length of the pipe run, where the outdoor unit can sit and how much electrical work the job needs. As an example, the Zoned option (motorised dampers or two units for separate floors or room groups) would typically be £6,645–£9,745 here.
Single zone
One ducted unit serving two or three rooms from a loft or void.
Zoned
Motorised dampers or two units for separate floors or room groups.
Whole home
Multiple ducted units with linear slot diffusers and smart control.
Guide prices show VAT at 20%. HMRC treats most fixed air conditioners and air-to-air heat pumps installed in homes as energy-saving materials, zero-rated until 31 March 2027 when we supply and fit them. If your installation qualifies, your quote shows 0% VAT and a lower price. Servicing, repairs, cleaning and controls are charged at 20%.
Planning and permissions
Scotland has its own permitted development rules for heat pumps and outdoor units, with stricter treatment of listed buildings and conservation areas. We check the current position for your property with you and, if needed, with the council.
The survey
The free survey is where the real price is set: room measurements, pipe and drain routes, electrical checks and the outdoor unit position, all written into your quote. On a survey in Inverness the engineer looks at room size, glazing, the route for pipes and drains, the electrics and where the outdoor unit can sit quietly, then the written quote follows.
What is included
What a job in Inverness covers:
- Commissioning with airflow balancing per grille
- Access hatch and condensate route planned in
- Concealed fan unit and outdoor unit sized to the zone
- Wall controller or app control
- Free survey with ceiling-void and loft inspection
Nearby
We also cover Dingwall (11 miles), Nairn (15 miles) and Alness (15 miles). See all services in Inverness or ducted air conditioning across the Highlands.