Having an air conditioner installed typically takes one day and consists of mounting the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, the piping, and drilling through the wall for the cable entry. The installation requires specialized knowledge of refrigeration technology, which is why you always need a certified technician for connecting the refrigerant. In this article, you will read step-by-step how the installation works, how long it takes, and what to look out for.

What are the steps involved in an air conditioning installation?

An air conditioning installation consists of a fixed sequence of steps: first, the indoor unit is mounted, then the outdoor unit is placed, next the piping is laid, and finally, a hole is drilled in the wall for the passage of refrigerant lines, condensate drain, and electrical cables. Only then is the system filled and tested.

Specifically, the installation process looks as follows:

Determine location: The technician determines the ideal location for both the indoor and outdoor units, taking into account air circulation, pipe length, and construction.
Install indoor unit: The indoor unit is mounted on the wall with a wall bracket, at the correct height for optimal air distribution.
Drilling a hole in the wall: A hole of typically 60 to 80 mm is drilled for the passage of pipes. This is a crucial part of the installation.
Installing pipes: The refrigerant line, condensate drain, and electrical wiring are routed from the inside to the outside and neatly concealed.
Installing the outdoor unit: The outdoor unit is placed on the ground, a bracket, or the roof and connected to the pipes.
Filling and testing the system: The technician checks for leaks, tops up the refrigerant if necessary, and tests the entire system.

Would you like to explore in advance which air conditioner suits your situation? Via the air conditioning selection wizard you will quickly find a suitable system.

How long does it take to install an air conditioner?

Installing a standard split air conditioner takes an average of four to eight hours. For a simple installation with a short pipe length and an accessible wall, you are usually finished within half a day. More complex situations, such as multiple indoor units or a hard-to-reach outdoor unit, can take a full workday or longer.

Factors that influence the installation time include:

The thickness and material of the wall (concrete takes more time than drywall)
The distance between the indoor and outdoor unit
The number of indoor units in a multi-split system
The accessibility of the installation location
Whether a suitable electrical connection is already present

Preferably schedule the installation on a day when you can be at home and the room is clear. This way, the technician can work undisturbed and you will not have to wait for access.

Which hole needs to be drilled in the wall for an air conditioner?

For an air conditioning installation, a hole of is usually made 60 to 80 millimeters diameter drilled into the wall. This hole is intended for the passage of the refrigerant line, the condensate drain, and the electrical wiring. The exact diameter depends on the brand and model of the air conditioner and the number of pipes that need to pass through the hole.

The hole is preferably drilled slightly outward at an angle so that condensation runs off naturally and does not enter the wall. After installation, the hole is sealed with a cable gland or sealant to keep out drafts and moisture.

For reinforced concrete walls or thick masonry structures, drilling this hole is a job that requires precision. Diamond drilling ensures a clean, dust-free hole without cracks in the surrounding structure. Do you want to know what drilling costs in your situation? Then use the pricing tool for a quick indication.

Are you allowed to install an air conditioner yourself, or do you need a technician?

In the Netherlands, you need a certified technician for the complete installation of a split air conditioner. Working with refrigerants is legally reserved for F-gas certified technicians. Anyone handling refrigerant without certification acts in violation of European regulations and may lose the manufacturer's warranty.

What you are allowed to do yourself is preparatory work such as determining the location, clearing the space, and in some cases drilling the through-hole. However, the actual connection of the refrigerant line and commissioning the system is always work for a professional.

In addition to the legal obligation, there is also a practical reason to call in a technician: faulty installation can lead to leaks, reduced efficiency, or damage to the unit. Correct installation pays off in a longer lifespan and lower energy costs.

How much does it cost to have an air conditioner installed?

The total cost of having an air conditioner installed consists of two parts: the price of the unit itself and the installation costs. The installation costs for a standard split air conditioner typically range between 200 and 500 euros, depending on the complexity of the installation, the pipe length, and the accessibility of the location.

Also take into account any additional costs for:

Extra pipe length beyond the standard supplied length
Brackets or frames for the outdoor unit on a roof or facade
Electrical modifications if no suitable circuit is available
Drilling in heavily reinforced concrete or thick walls

Always request a detailed quote before agreeing to anything, so that you are not faced with any surprises. Via the Contact page you can easily request more information.

What should you consider when choosing the installation location?

The location of your air conditioner largely determines how well the system performs. A good installation location ensures efficient cooling or heating, minimal pipe length, and a long lifespan for the device. Pay attention to the following points when making your choice:

Location of the indoor unit

Height: Mount the indoor unit high on the wall so that cooled or heated air can circulate properly.
Free space: Ensure sufficient space around the unit for unobstructed airflow.
No direct sunlight: Avoid locations where the unit is exposed to direct sunlight, as this affects the temperature measurement.
Proximity to the through-hole: The shorter the pipe length to the outside, the more efficient and cheaper the installation.

Location of the outdoor unit

Ventilation: The outdoor unit needs space to dissipate heat. Ensure there is at least half a meter of free space around the unit.
Shelter: Protect the unit from direct rainwater from above, but never block the air outlet.
Noise disturbance: Take neighbors and bedroom windows into account. Outdoor units produce noise during operation.
Stable subsoil: The unit must be level on a sturdy surface or bracket to minimize vibrations.

How De Betonboorder helps with your air conditioning installation

Having an air conditioner installed requires more than just a technician. One of the most underestimated steps is drilling the through-hole in the wall. Especially with concrete, reinforced concrete, or thick masonry structures, this is work that requires precision, the right equipment, and experience.

We will help you with this in a concrete way:

Professional drilling: We drill holes of the correct diameter (60 to 80 mm) with diamond core drills, for a low-dust and precise result.
Suitable for all materials: Reinforced concrete, aerated concrete, natural stone, or masonry, we work with any material.
Minimal collateral damage: Thanks to diamond drilling, the surrounding structure remains completely intact.
Tidy workplace: After drilling, we leave the room clean and tidy.
Quickly realized: In many cases, we can schedule a professional within two working days.

Do you want to properly prepare your air conditioning installation and have the drilling work carried out professionally? Contact us and we'll take care of it for you.

Having air conditioning installed: how does the installation proceed step by step?