The best time to have an air conditioner installed is between February and April, well before the summer heat begins. The installation period itself takes one day on average, but waiting times at installers increase rapidly in the spring as temperatures rise. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about air conditioning installation so that you head into the summer well prepared.

How early before summer should you have an air conditioner installed?

Plan an air conditioning installation preferably two to four months before the summerSo, between February and April. As soon as the first warm days arrive, demand among installers rises explosively. Anyone calling in May or June risks having to wait weeks, or even not being able to find an installer before the season starts.

Installers have more availability during the winter months and take the time for careful installation. Moreover, you can often choose from a wider range of appliances during that period, as popular models sell out quickly later in the season. By planning early, you also have more room to compare quotes and make the right choice for your situation.

An additional benefit of planning early: you can test the air conditioning and have any teething problems fixed before the real heat sets in. This way, you can be sure the system performs at its best when you need it most. Use the air conditioning selection wizard to determine in advance which type of device best suits your situation.

How long does an air conditioning installation take on average?

A standard air conditioning installation takes on average four to eight hours, which amounts to one working day. The exact duration depends on the type of system, the complexity of the pipe routing, and the accessibility of the desired locations inside and outside the building.

With a split air conditioner, the most common type for homes, the installer installs an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. This requires pipes to be routed through the wall. This drilling work requires precision, especially in concrete or masonry walls. A multi-split system with multiple indoor units can take two to three days to install.

Factors influencing installation time:

The type and thickness of the wall (concrete, stone, or wood)
The distance between the indoor and outdoor unit
The accessibility of the installation location
Whether preparations have already been made, such as a hole in the wall
The number of indoor units to be installed

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

The total cost of an air conditioning installation consists of two components: the price of the unit itself and the labor costs for the installation. Installation costs vary depending on the complexity of the work and the region. Would you like a quick indication? Then use the pricing tool for a targeted calculation based on your situation.

When budgeting the total costs, take into account:

The type of air conditioner (single-split, multi-split or portable)
The power of the device, matched to the room
Additional materials such as conduits and mounting hardware
Any modifications to the electrical installation
Costs for drilling through-holes in the wall

A portable air conditioner has no installation costs, but is less efficient and primarily suitable for temporary use. A fixed split air conditioner requires a one-time investment that pays for itself over the years through lower energy consumption and a more pleasant indoor climate.

What permits or permissions do you need for an air conditioning installation?

For most air conditioning installations in the Netherlands, no permit required, provided the outdoor unit meets certain conditions. However, there are situations where you need to arrange permission in advance, and it pays to check this carefully before scheduling an installer.

When is no permit required?

An outdoor unit may be installed without a permit if it is located at the rear of the building, does not exceed certain dimensions, and is not visible from the public road. The exact rules are set out in the Environmental Law Decree and may vary slightly by municipality. Always check this with your municipality.

When do you need permission?

In a number of cases, you do need to arrange permission:

Rental property: Always request written permission from the landlord or housing association.
Apartment or Owners' Association: The Homeowners Association must agree, especially if the outdoor unit is installed on a shared roof or facade.
Protected townscape or monument: Stricter rules apply here, and an environmental permit is often required.
Visible placement on the front facade: In most cases, this requires a permit.

What do you need to arrange before the installer comes?

Good preparation ensures that the installer can get to work immediately and that no valuable time is lost. The most important step is determine where the indoor and outdoor units will be placed and whether the wall is suitable for drilling a pipe penetration.

Go through this checklist before the installer arrives:

Determine location: Choose a location for the indoor unit with sufficient space above and next to the unit, and a logical location for the outdoor unit with good ventilation.
Check electrical system: Ensure that a free power outlet or a suitable circuit is available, preferably a separate circuit for the air conditioner.
Permits and authorizations: Arrange this well in advance so that there are no delays on the day itself.
Free passage: Ensure that the installer can easily access the wall where drilling is being done, both inside and outside.
Inform neighbors: If the outdoor unit abuts a shared wall or is located close to the neighbors, it is kind to inform them in advance about the work.

Are you unsure if your wall is suitable for drilling a through-hole, or do you have doubts about the thickness and material? Check with the installer so that he brings the right tools.

How De Betonboorder helps with air conditioning installation

Installing an air conditioner means, in almost all cases, drilling through a concrete or brick wall. That sounds simple, but it requires craftsmanship, the right tools, and experience to prevent damage to the wall. That is exactly what we help with.

What we arrange for you:

Professional drilling of through holes for pipes in concrete, stone, aerated concrete, and reinforced concrete
Work with high-quality diamond core drills for a clean, precise hole without cracks or damage.
Minimal disruption: the workplace is left neat and tidy.
Quick deployment: in many cases, we arrange a professional within two days
Nationwide network of experienced professionals, for both private individuals and contractors

Do you want to head into the summer well prepared this year? Contact us and we ensure that the drilling work for your air conditioning installation is carried out quickly and professionally.

When should you have an air conditioner installed so you are ready for summer?