An air conditioning installation takes an average of 4 to 8 hours for a standard split-unit system, depending on the complexity of the project and the type of home. For monoblock air conditioners, the installation time can be shorter because no outdoor unit needs to be installed.

Why does poor planning cost you more time than you think?

Many owners underestimate the preparation time required for a air conditioning systemWithout proper planning, you run the risk that the installer will have to stop halfway through due to unexpected obstacles, such as thick concrete walls, electrical wiring inside the wall, or a missing power supply. This can mean your installation takes longer than one day and extends to several days, with all the associated extra costs. By having the location thoroughly inspected beforehand and scheduling any necessary drilling work, you prevent unnecessary delays and ensure the installation is done right the first time.

How do unexpected drilling problems cause costly delays?

Drilling holes for air ducts and pipes is often the most time-consuming part of an air conditioning installation. When installers encounter reinforced concrete, thick natural stone walls, or unexpected metal structures, the drilling work can take hours longer than planned. This means not only extra labor costs but often also that the installation has to be spread over several days. By having the type of wall material to be drilled into determined in advance and engaging the right drilling specialist, you ensure that the drilling work proceeds efficiently and without surprises.

How long does it take to install a split-unit air conditioner?

The installation time for a split-unit air conditioner varies between 4 and 8 hours for a standard installation. This timeframe includes placing both the indoor and outdoor units, drilling holes for the piping, laying the refrigerant lines and electrical connections, and testing the system.

For a simple installation in an average home where the outdoor unit can be placed close to the indoor unit, 4 to 5 hours is usually sufficient. More complex situations, such as installations requiring long pipe runs or drilling through thick walls, can take up to 8 hours.

With monoblock air conditioners, installation time is often shorter because no outdoor unit needs to be installed. These systems only require two holes to the outside for the air intake and exhaust, meaning the installation can usually be completed within 3 to 6 hours.

Which factors determine the lifespan of an air conditioning installation?

Several factors influence how long an air conditioning installation takes:

Type of air conditioning system: Split units require more time than monoblock systems due to the outdoor unit and longer piping runs.
Wall material: Drilling through concrete takes longer than through brick or drywall.
Distance between units: The further the outdoor unit is from the indoor unit, the more time is required for laying the pipes.
Electrical facilities: If a new circuit needs to be installed, this takes extra time.
Accessibility: Difficult-to-reach locations for the outdoor unit extend the installation time.
Number of units: Multi-split systems with multiple indoor units require more installation time.

The installer's experience also plays an important role. Experienced technicians work more efficiently and can resolve unexpected situations more quickly, which shortens the total installation time.

What happens during the air conditioning installation process?

The air conditioning installation process consists of various steps that are carried out systematically:

Preparation and inspection (30-60 minutes): The installer inspects the locations, measures distances, and checks the electrical facilities.
Indoor unit placement (45-90 minutes): Mounting the bracket and hanging the indoor unit at the desired location
Drilling work (30-120 minutes): Drilling holes for pipes through walls, depending on material and thickness
Outdoor unit placement (30-60 minutes): Installing the outdoor unit on the roof, balcony, or against the facade
Pipework (60-180 minutes): Laying of cooling pipes, electrical cables, and condensate drain
Electrical connections (30-60 minutes): Connecting the electrical connections and, if necessary, installing a new circuit.
Fill and test (45-90 minutes): Filling the system with coolant and extensively testing all functions
Finishing and cleaning up (15-30 minutes): Sealing holes and cleaning up the workplace

These steps can be partially carried out in parallel by experienced installation teams, which shortens the total lead time.

How long does it take to drill for an air conditioning installation?

Drilling is often the most time-consuming part of an air conditioning installation. The time required depends heavily on the material and the thickness of the walls:

For brick walls, drilling a standard hole (approximately 6-8 cm in diameter) takes between 15 and 30 minutes per hole. For concrete walls, this can increase to 45 minutes to an hour per hole, especially with reinforced concrete where special diamond core drills are required.

Monoblock air conditioners require two larger holes (160-200 mm diameter) for the air intake and exhaust. These holes take more time to drill: 30 to 60 minutes per hole in brick and 60 to 90 minutes per hole in concrete. The use of water-cooled drills and dust extraction can speed up the process and ensures a neater finish.

With split-unit systems, multiple smaller holes are usually required for the various pipes, which can mean a total of 1 to 3 hours of drilling, depending on the route and the number of passages.

How De Betonboorder helps with air conditioning installations

We specialize in the professional drilling work required for air conditioning installations, particularly for monoblock systems. Our services include:

Precision drilling: We drill the exact holes your air conditioning installation requires, with diameters between 160 and 200 millimeters.
All materials: Whether it concerns brick, concrete, natural stone, or even reinforced concrete, we have the right equipment.
Dust-free working: With our powerful extraction systems and water-cooled drills, we ensure a clean workplace.
Quick planning: We will contact you within 24 hours. touch with and often we can start within two days
Complete finish: Includes facade grilles and sealing, so your installation looks professional.

By having the drilling work carried out by specialists, you save time during the air conditioning installation and prevent damage to your home. Contact us today for a no-obligation quote for your drilling work.

How long does an air conditioning installation take?