Air conditioner replacement on the French Riviera

Signs it may be time to replace

• Breakdowns are becoming frequent, or a major part such as the compressor has failed.
• The system runs for long periods but rooms stay warm.
• Your electricity use has risen without another obvious cause.
• The outdoor unit is noticeably louder or visibly corroded.

Before deciding, ask for a written repair price and compare it with the cost of a new system, taking into account the age of the unit and whether parts are still available.

What a replacement quote should include

It should cover removal of the old unit, recovery of its refrigerant, and whether the existing pipework can be reused. A new unit may also change the appearance or noise of the installation, so check whether your earlier approval still applies.

What to check before you sign

• Refrigerant handling. In France, a company that handles refrigerant needs an attestation de capacité. Ask for a copy.
• Insurance. Ask for the installer's current insurance certificates, including garantie décennale where it applies to the work.
• Outdoor unit position. The quote should say where it goes, how the pipework runs and who obtains any approval.
• Warranty and servicing. Get the manufacturer's terms and the installer's own terms in writing, with the cost of annual servicing.

Replacement by town

• Nice
• Cannes
• Antibes
• Saint Tropez
• Grasse
• Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
• Beaulieu
• Monaco