An air conditioner for a home practice is a smart investment if you want to be able to work comfortably and stay focused all year round. Especially in the summer, when temperatures in a small room rise quickly, good climate control makes the difference between working productively and switching off. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about choosing, installing, and using an air conditioner in your home practice.

Which type of air conditioner is suitable for a home-based practice?

For a home-based practice, a split unit air conditioning in most cases the best choice. This system consists of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, cools quietly and efficiently, and also offers the option to heat. Portable air conditioners are an alternative without a fixed installation, but are noisier and less energy-efficient.

A split-unit is well-suited to a home practice because it produces hardly any noise, which is important when receiving clients or working in a focused manner. Moreover, it regulates the temperature accurately and has relatively low energy consumption thanks to modern inverter technology. Via the air conditioning selection wizard you can quickly determine which model suits your situation.

A portable air conditioner is convenient if you do not want or are not allowed to install a permanent unit, but keep in mind that these units produce more noise and require a hose to the outside through a window or door. For a professional work environment, that is rarely ideal.

How much power does an air conditioner need for a practice room?

For an average practice room of 15 to 25 square meters, you typically need an air conditioner with a cooling capacity of 2,5 to 3,5 kWAs a rule of thumb, approximately 80 to 100 watts of cooling capacity per square meter applies, but insulation, windows, and sun exposure also play a major role.

A room with many south-facing windows or little insulation requires more cooling capacity than a well-insulated north-facing room. If you regularly have multiple people in the room, such as in a physiotherapy practice or a hair salon, heat production increases and you need extra capacity. Also, do not underestimate the heat from equipment such as computers, lights, or treatment devices.

An appliance that is too small cools insufficiently and runs continuously at full power, which increases energy consumption and shortens the lifespan. An appliance that is too large cools too quickly without properly regulating humidity, resulting in a cold but clammy feeling.

How much does an air conditioner for a practice room cost, including installation?

The total cost for air conditioning in a practice room, including installation, is typically between 1.200 and 2.500 euros for a high-quality split-unit. The unit itself accounts for the largest part of the costs, but installation costs vary depending on the complexity of the assembly and the required routing through walls or floors.

Factors influencing the price include the brand and energy class of the unit, the distance between the indoor and outdoor units, and whether a suitable location for the outdoor unit is already available. Energy-efficient models with a high SEER number are more expensive to purchase but pay for themselves through lower energy bills. Use the pricing tool to get an indication of the costs for your specific situation.

How is a split-unit air conditioner installed in a home practice?

The installation of a split-unit air conditioner in a home practice follows a number of fixed steps: the indoor unit is mounted on the wall, the outdoor unit is placed on a sturdy surface or bracket, and the two units are connected via a through-wall penetration. This penetration requires a precisely drilled hole in the concrete or wall.

Drilling that hole is a crucial part of the installation. The hole must have the correct diameter, typically between 60 and 80 millimeters, so that the pipes can be routed through neatly and airtight. A hole that is too large or sloppy leads to drafts, moisture, and heat loss. Professional concrete drilling ensures a clean and precise result without unnecessary damage to the wall.

After the units have been installed, a certified technician fills the refrigerant circuit, tests the connections for leaks, and configures the system. In the Netherlands, it is legally required that the filling and connection of the refrigerant be performed by a recognized F-gas certified technician.

Are you allowed to simply install an air conditioner in a rental house or apartment?

No, you are not allowed to simply install an air conditioner if you rent. As a tenant, you have permission required from the landlord for the installation of a fixed system, especially if holes need to be drilled in walls or facades. In an apartment complex, permission from the Homeowners Association (VvE) is also often required.

The landlord or Owners' Association may set conditions for the placement of the outdoor unit, for example, that it must not be visible from the street or that the facade must not be damaged. Always request written permission before hiring an installer to avoid disputes regarding repair costs afterwards.

In a purchased apartment, you are free to install air conditioning in your own home; however, even then, an outdoor unit in common areas or on the building's facade falls under the rules of the Owners' Association. Therefore, always inquire in advance.

How do you keep a practice room cool without compromising air quality?

Keeping a practice room cool without compromising air quality requires a combination of good ventilation, regular maintenance of the air conditioning, and deliberate settings. Set the air conditioning to a temperature of 22 to 24 degrees and avoid large temperature differences with the outside temperature, as this is uncomfortable for customers and taxing on the body.

An air conditioner filters the air and removes dust and pollen, but the filters must be cleaned regularly, at least once per season. Dirty filters reduce airflow and can spread mold spores or bacteria, which is particularly undesirable in a practice room where health is paramount.

Combine the air conditioning with a good ventilation strategy: ensure fresh air early in the morning by opening windows before the outside temperature rises, and then close windows and blinds. This limits the heat load during the day and means the air conditioner doesn't have to work as hard. Blackout curtains or south-facing external blinds can reduce the need for cooling by tens of percent.

How De Betonboorder helps with the installation of your air conditioning

When installing a split-unit air conditioner, drilling a through-hole in the exterior wall is an essential step that requires craftsmanship. We ensure a clean, precisely drilled hole of the correct diameter, without unnecessary damage to the wall or surrounding structure. That is exactly where The Concrete Driller excels in.

What we arrange for you:

Professional drilling of through-holes for air conditioning pipes in concrete, stone, or masonry
Use of high-quality diamond core drills for a clean and precise result
Minimal disturbance and a tidy workplace
Deployable quickly, in many cases a professional on site within two days
Available for private individuals, SMEs, and contractors throughout the Netherlands.

Do you want to know how much it costs to drill a pass-through hole for your air conditioner, or do you want to schedule a professional immediately? Contact us and we respond within 24 hours.

Air conditioning for a home practice: cool and productive through the summer