Air conditioning for period and listed homes across Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles
For period homes in Stornoway, we look at consoles in place of radiators and ducted units from the loft before anything else. If your home in Stornoway is Victorian, Edwardian or older, a console or concealed system often works better than a high wall unit. Wind and salt air in the north of Scotland mean outdoor unit placement and protection need extra thought.
Prices in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles
In the Highlands, Islands and North East Scotland, our guide range for air conditioning for period and listed homes is £1,445–£7,095 per home, one room upwards, including VAT. Quotes move with the length of the pipe run, where the outdoor unit can sit and how much electrical work the job needs. For reference, the Concealed option in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles (ducted unit from a loft or void serving one or two rooms) usually comes to about £3,045–£4,845. Travel, ferry or accommodation costs are not in these figures; they are quoted as a fixed amount in writing before you book.
Console
Low-level console in place of a radiator, rear outdoor unit.
Concealed
Ducted unit from a loft or void serving one or two rooms.
Mixed
Consoles downstairs and ducted upstairs on one system.
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%.
Listed building consent
Listed homes in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles need listed building consent from the council before any work, and permitted development does not apply to them. We plan low-impact routes, keep outdoor units out of sight and provide the details a consent application needs. 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
In Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles we often start with photos, room measurements and the make of any existing system, so the survey visit is focused and any travel cost can be quoted in writing first. Surveys in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles are arranged around travel. We confirm the date and any travel, ferry or accommodation cost in writing before you commit, then the survey covers rooms, pipe routes, electrics and noise as normal.
What is included
Included with air conditioning for period and listed homes across Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles:
- Console or concealed ducted options
- Pressure test, vacuum and commissioning
- Drawings and product data for consent applications
- Careful routes that avoid cornicing and panelling
- Work started only once consent is in place
- Survey by arrangement with features and fabric recorded
Towns in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles
Pick your town for local details, or see every service in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles.