Air conditioning installation on the French Riviera

Which system suits your property?

Single-split

One indoor unit connected to one outdoor unit. It suits a single room or an open-plan space, and it is usually the simplest option to install.

Multi-split

Several indoor units share one outdoor unit. It suits flats and small houses where outdoor space is limited or only one unit is likely to be approved.

Ducted

A concealed unit sends air to several rooms through ducts, leaving only discreet grilles in view. It needs ceiling space, so it is best planned during a renovation or in a new build.

Permissions to check first

In a copropriété, ask the managing agent (syndic) whether the work must go to the owners' general meeting. Meetings are often held only once a year, so check the date early. If the unit stays within a private part of the building and does not change the building's appearance, approval may not be needed, but read the co-ownership rules first.

If the work changes the building's outward appearance, ask the town hall whether a déclaration préalable is needed. Neighbour-noise rules also apply, so the position of the outdoor unit matters as much as its noise rating. In Monaco, ask your building manager and the local authorities instead.

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.

Replacing a system instead? See air conditioner replacement.