If you're wondering what's actually involved in installing a Water Cooled air conditioning system, you're in the right place.

One of the most common questions we hear during video consultations and surveys is: "What does the installation actually look like?" Many people are concerned about the work involved, particularly when it comes to running pipework through walls and ceilings in their home.

This case study shows you exactly how we transformed an apartment with our Urban Designer Water Cooled system, from the first survey visit to the moment the system was switched on and keeping the property cool.

The Challenge: Cooling a High-Rise Apartment Without an Outdoor Unit

Jack had just moved into his new-build apartment and knew he wanted air conditioning for the summer months ahead. Like many apartment owners, he initially thought it wasn't possible.

"When we were first looking at solutions, we didn't think it was possible because of building regulations," Jack explains. "We looked around the internet for options that we could have for cooling in an apartment."

Living on the 9th floor of a high-rise building presented several challenges:

  • Building regulations preventing external condensers on the balcony
  • Strict management company rules about external alterations
  • A desire to maintain the clean, modern aesthetic of the new-build property
  • Three rooms that needed cooling throughout the summer

Jack needed a solution that would work within these restrictions whilst delivering the comfort and performance of a conventional air conditioning system.

The Solution: Urban Designer Water Cooled System

After discovering Urban Cooling online, Jack booked a survey to explore what was possible. Our team visited the property to assess the layout and recommend the best solution.

Why Water Cooled Was the Perfect Fit

Unlike conventional air conditioning systems that require an external condenser unit, our Water Cooled system is fully internal. This meant:

  • No building regulation hurdles. Everything stays inside the property
  • No external condensers. Maintaining the building's clean aesthetic
  • No management company approval needed. As there are no external modifications

"I think one of the biggest advantages of having a water-cooled Urban Designer unit compared to my old Mitsubishi one with an outdoor unit is that everything here is internal," says Jack. "You don't need to go through building regulations, even in a high-rise apartment. It's just all kept within, so it just cuts out a lot of the hassle."

The Result: A Cool and Comfortable Apartment

Today, Jack's apartment has air conditioning in every room, keeping the space comfortable throughout the summer without any visible external equipment or compromise to the building's appearance.

"The journey with Tony and his team has been really good," Jack reflects. "He arranged the date with me to come and look at the site itself, work out where the units were going to be, where we want the units, and what was best for the apartment. Essentially from there, his team just came, did the plumbing, did all the electricity, and made good everything afterwards as well. The process has been really smooth."

The Installation Process

The video above shows our installation team transforming Jack's apartment over the course of a few days. Here's what the process involved:

1. Planning and Preparation

Video Timestamp - 0:25 mins

Our surveyor worked with Jack to determine the optimal placement for the wall units in each room and identify the best location for the internal condenser unit (typically housed in a utility cupboard or storage space).

2. Routing Pipework and Cabling

Video Timestamp - 0:50 mins

The team carefully routed copper pipework and electrical cables between the internal condenser and each of the three wall units. This involved creating discreet access points through walls and ceilings to connect everything together.

3. Installing the Components

Video Timestamp - 1:15 mins

The internal condenser unit was positioned in Jack's utility area, with all connections made to the building's water supply and drainage. The three Urban Designer wall units were mounted in the chosen locations across the apartment.

4. Making Good

Video Timestamp - 3:17 mins

Once the technical work was complete, our team restored all walls and ceilings to their original condition - filling, sanding, and painting any access points so you'd never know the work had been done.

5. Testing and Handover

The system was fully tested, and Jack was shown how to control his new air conditioning using the Wi-Fi-enabled controls from his phone or tablet.

What Did Jack Value Most

Looking back on his experience, Jack highlights several key benefits:

No External Units

"From a design look, it looks a lot cleaner, and I think it's a great solution to having air conditioning, especially in the UK with the building regulations."

Effective Cooling

"We've got an air conditioning unit in every room. It cools down the house just like a normal conventional air conditioning would, and so there's really no cons to the solution here."

Peace of Mind

"I'm looking forward to using it during the summer. The air conditioning is just keeping the apartment nice and cool."

His Recommendation?

"For me, I'd definitely recommend it, especially if you live in an apartment. Just enquire, just make that first step and see what solutions they have for you."

Transparent Pricing

One aspect that gave Jack confidence from the start was our straightforward pricing structure.

"I think the quote is very standardised," he says. "It was just how many bedrooms you've got, and that's a fixed price. So it seems very open and transparent in terms of the pricing."

No hidden surprises. No unexpected costs. Just honest, upfront pricing based on your property's requirements.

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Is Water Cooled Air Conditioning Right for You?

If you're living in an apartment, listed property, or anywhere with restrictions on external modifications, a water cooled system could be the perfect solution.

You don't need to compromise on comfort or settle for portable units that barely make a difference. You can enjoy the same cooling performance as a conventional system, without any of the regulatory hassles or aesthetic concerns.

The video above shows you exactly what's involved, and as Jack discovered, the process is straightforward, professional, and delivers results that last.

Ready to Take the Next Step

If you’re considering air conditioning for your apartment or listed building, we understand it’s natural to want reassurance about the installation process. However, we hope now that you have seen an example Water Cooled Installation, you can now move forward with confidence.

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Urban Cooling's designer water cooled air conditioning units installed in a modern bedroom

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