Project Overview
Sunnamusk London, a well-established fragrance and lifestyle brand, contacted Plumb London after the complete failure of the air conditioning system at their commercial premises in Whitechapel, E1. What began as a fault diagnosis and repair enquiry progressed into a full system replacement. We supplied and installed a new Daikin Sky Air R32 system across two working days, delivered on time, fully commissioned, and with minimal disruption to the client’s business.

The Client’s Brief
The client’s priority was straightforward: restore a comfortable working environment as quickly and reliably as possible. Their existing Mitsubishi split system had failed entirely, leaving the commercial space without climate control. Their requirements were:
- A fast, professional response to diagnose the fault
- A cost-effective solution, with repair explored before replacement was considered
- Minimal disruption to day-to-day business operations
- A high-quality, reliable replacement system built for long-term performance
- Full compliance documentation appropriate for a commercial premises
Our Survey & Recommendations
Our engineer carried out a full assessment of the existing Mitsubishi split system on attending site. The findings were clear: the high-pressure line was cold and the low-pressure line was running hot, a strong indicator of low refrigerant charge. The system had a confirmed refrigerant leak and had been operating in a degraded state before the complete failure.
We recommended a pressure test, leak repair, and refrigerant recharge as the logical first step. The existing units were manufactured in 2024 and were still relatively new, so we advised against immediate replacement at that stage. The system deserved a fair diagnostic before any capital expenditure on new equipment was considered. This reflects our standard approach: honest, evidence-based advice, not a push towards the most profitable outcome.
Planning & Preparation
Following the survey, we presented a detailed repair quote covering refrigerant recovery, pressure testing, system evacuation, and a full recharge to manufacturer specification. After reviewing the options, the client made an informed commercial decision to proceed with full system replacement rather than repair. Given the nature of their business premises and their focus on long-term reliability, this was a reasonable position.
As this was a commercial site, full RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement) and TAPS documentation were required before works could commence. Our team prepared these in-house, so every health, safety and compliance obligation was met before a single tool was lifted.
The Work We Carried Out
- Decommissioned the existing Mitsubishi indoor and outdoor units
- Safely recovered all refrigerant in accordance with current F-Gas regulations
- Supplied and installed a new Daikin Sky Air wall-mounted indoor unit (10kW)
- Supplied and installed a new Daikin Sky Air Advance R32 10kW external condenser unit, positioned in the existing outdoor location
- Fully removed the existing refrigerant pipework and made good as required
- Installed new refrigerant and condensate pipework following the existing route
- Installed new communication cabling between the indoor and outdoor units
- Completed all control and communication connections to Daikin manufacturer specification
- Carried out a vacuum test to remove moisture and non-condensable gases from the system
- Fully commissioned the system in accordance with Daikin manufacturer guidelines
- Carried out rigorous operational testing to confirm safe and correct performance
- Completed a full client handover, including system demonstration, controls walkthrough and routine maintenance guidance
- Removed all waste and left the site clean and tidy
A formal written testimonial was not obtained following this project. The works were completed to the client's satisfaction, on time, and in full accordance with the agreed scope. We're proud of the outcome and happy to discuss it with prospective clients on request.
Timeline & Completion
The works took two days and were completed within the timeframe communicated to the client at the outset. The project was planned and sequenced to minimise disruption to the commercial premises, and the site was handed back clean and fully operational on completion.
Challenges & How We Solved Them
A refrigerant leak on a relatively new system
The existing Mitsubishi system had only been installed in 2024, so a complete failure at this stage was unusual. Diagnosing a refrigerant leak on a near-new system required careful assessment, to make sure we weren’t recommending unnecessary expenditure. Our engineer took a measured approach and recommended repair as the first option, which let the client make a fully informed decision rather than being pushed towards replacement prematurely.
Commercial compliance requirements
Working in a commercial retail environment brings a layer of regulatory obligation that residential projects don’t have. Full RAMS and TAPS documentation were required before works could begin. We prepared all of this in-house rather than outsourcing or delaying, keeping the programme on track and meeting full compliance without any administrative burden falling on the client.
Pipework removal and reinstatement
Removing the existing refrigerant pipework and installing new runs needed careful planning, so the finished result was neat, properly supported, and followed the original route without unnecessary disruption to the building fabric. New pipework was installed cleanly, with all fixings, brackets and ancillary materials supplied and fitted to a professional standard.
A seamless transition to a new system
Replacing a failed system in a commercial setting leaves no room for extended downtime. Our team worked methodically to make sure the new Daikin system was fully commissioned, tested and handed over within the agreed two-day window, restoring a comfortable environment for staff and customers without delay.
The Finished Result
On completion, the client was left with a brand-new Daikin Sky Air R32 system, chosen for its efficiency, reliability and build quality. The indoor unit was installed cleanly in the existing position, the external condenser was fitted securely in its original location, and all new pipework and cabling were routed neatly throughout. The system was fully commissioned to Daikin’s manufacturer guidelines, rigorously tested, and handed over with a full demonstration and controls walkthrough. The commercial space was returned to a comfortable, climate-controlled environment, properly this time, and built to last.
Project Investment
Total project cost: £6,629.02 plus VAT. This represented a sound commercial investment in the long-term comfort, reliability and energy efficiency of the client’s premises. By choosing a Daikin Sky Air R32 system, one of the most respected product lines in the commercial air conditioning market, the client secured a system designed for consistent performance and low long-term running costs. For a commercial premises where a comfortable environment directly affects both staff productivity and customer experience, a fully installed, compliant and commissioned system of this calibre represents strong value. All pricing was transparent and itemised, with no hidden costs.
Why Choose Plumb London
- Honest advice, always. We recommended repair before replacement on this project, because that was the right call, not the profitable one
- Commercial compliance handled in-house. RAMS, TAPS and F-Gas obligations are our responsibility, not yours
- Premium products, properly installed. We work with leading manufacturers including Daikin, Vaillant and Worcester Bosch, and install to manufacturer specification every time
- Delivered on time. Two days quoted, two days taken. That is how we operate
- Fully accredited. Our engineers are F-Gas certified and work in full compliance with industry regulations across all air conditioning and refrigeration work
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a refrigerant leak always be repaired, or does it always mean replacement?
Not at all. In many cases, a leak can be located, repaired, and the system recharged successfully, restoring it to full working order. We always assess repair viability first. On this project, we recommended repair before the client chose to upgrade. The right answer depends on the system’s age, condition, and the cost comparison between repair and replacement.
What is the Daikin Sky Air R32 system, and why is it a good choice for a commercial space?
The Daikin Sky Air range is designed specifically for small to medium commercial applications. R32 refrigerant has a lower global-warming potential, making it a more environmentally responsible choice. The system is energy efficient, quiet in operation, and backed by strong manufacturer support, making it well suited to retail, office and hospitality environments.
What are RAMS and TAPS, and why are they required for commercial work?
RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement, and TAPS refers to the associated task planning documentation required before carrying out works in a commercial or higher-risk environment. These documents set out how works will be carried out safely, what risks are present, and how they’re mitigated. They’re a standard requirement for commercial projects and protect both the contractor and the client.
How long does a commercial air conditioning installation typically take?
This varies with the size and complexity of the system. A single split system replacement in a commercial setting, as carried out here, typically takes one to two days. We provide a clear programme estimate before works begin and hold to it.














