The cost of an air conditioning installation consists of several components: the unit itself, the installer's labor costs, materials such as pipes and brackets, and in many cases, drilling a hole through the wall. On average, you pay a few hundred to several thousand euros for a complete installation, including the unit and labor, depending on the type of system and the on-site situation. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about air conditioning installation costs so that you can request a quote well-prepared.

What determines the price of an air conditioning system?

The price of an air conditioning installation is determined by four main factors: the type and capacity of the unit, the installer's labor costs, the necessary materials, and the complexity of the installation site. The more work involved in the installation, the higher the total price will be.

The type of system plays a major role. A single-split air conditioner for one room is cheaper than a multi-split system that controls multiple indoor units from a single outdoor unit. In addition, capacity matters: a more powerful unit for a large room costs more than a compact unit for a small bedroom.

The location of the installation is also a determining factor. Is it a new-build home with easily accessible exterior walls, or an apartment on the fourth floor with a hard-to-reach roof? The more challenging the situation, the more hours the installer will need.

How much does an air conditioning installer cost per hour on average?

An air conditioning installer in the Netherlands charges an average of between 60 and 90 euros per hour. Some specialized companies use fixed prices per installation instead of an hourly rate, which provides more clarity regarding the total costs in advance.

Labor costs for a standard single-split installation typically range between two and four hours of work. This means that you will easily pay a few hundred euros for labor alone, separate from materials and any additional work. For more complex installations or systems with multiple indoor units, labor time increases accordingly.

It pays to request multiple quotes and compare them carefully. When doing so, look not only at the hourly rate, but also at exactly what is included in the price. Some installers charge extra for hanging the outdoor unit or concealing pipes.

What additional costs are involved in an air conditioning installation?

In addition to the unit and labor, an air conditioning installation almost always involves extra costs. These include material costs such as refrigerant lines, insulation material, brackets for the outdoor unit, and electrical connections. Concealing pipes along the wall can also result in additional costs.

Other additional costs are:

Refrigerant: Not all installers include this in the installation price as standard.
Elektra: If a separate circuit needs to be installed, there is an extra cost.
Scaffolding rental or lifting work: Rental costs for additional equipment may be passed on to the customer in hard-to-reach locations.
Permits: In some municipalities or for monumental buildings, a permit is required for installing an outdoor unit.
Penetration through the wall: Drilling a hole through concrete or stone is a separate item that is not always included in the installation price.

When requesting a quote, always explicitly ask whether all these cost items are included. This way, you avoid surprises afterwards.

How much does it cost to drill a hole for an air conditioner?

Drilling a hole through the wall for an air conditioner is a specialized job that requires specialized tools. The cost depends on the thickness of the wall, the material (concrete, brick, or aerated concrete), and the diameter of the required hole. For an air conditioner duct, a hole of 60 to 80 millimeters is typically drilled.

Not every air conditioning installer drills this hole themselves. Many installers outsource this to a specialized drilling company, or expect the hole to already be present before they start work. It is therefore wise to check in advance whether drilling is included in the installer's quote.

Do you want to know in advance what a drilling job will cost in your situation? Via the Price tool for concrete drills You quickly gain insight into the expected costs for your specific situation.

When is an air conditioning installation more expensive than normal?

An air conditioning installation is more expensive than average when the on-site situation requires extra work or special provisions. This is the case with thick concrete walls, large distances between the indoor and outdoor units, hard-to-reach installation locations, or when the electrical installation needs to be extended.

Concrete situations that drive up the price:

Large distance between indoor and outdoor unit: The longer the pipe length, the more material and labor are required.
Installation at height: Working on a flat roof or high floor requires extra safety measures and sometimes rental equipment.
Reinforced concrete or extra thick walls: This makes drilling the through-hole significantly more labor-intensive.
Multi-split systems: Multiple indoor units mean more pipework, more drill holes, and more installation time.
Emergency installations: Some companies charge a surcharge for urgent installations outside the usual schedule.

By thoroughly mapping out the situation in advance, you can estimate whether you are dealing with a standard or a more complex installation.

How do you request a reliable quote for air conditioning installation?

You request a reliable quote for an air conditioning installation by contacting at least two to three installers and providing them with the same information about your situation. Ensure that the quote specifies all cost items, including labor, materials, the unit, and any drilling of the conduit.

Include the following information with your application:

The type of room and the surface area in square meters
The thickness and material of the wall that needs to be drilled through
The desired location of the indoor and outdoor unit
Whether a power connection is already available
Any special features such as a monumental building or an apartment complex

A specialized air conditioning webshop with a configuration tool can help select the right unit in advance. Via the air conditioning configuration wizard You go through step by step which system suits your situation, making requesting a targeted quote much easier.

Always compare quotes based on the total price, not just the hourly rate or the price of the equipment. A cheaper installer who charges extra for materials or drilling can end up being more expensive than an installer with a slightly higher hourly rate but an all-inclusive price.

How De Betonboorder helps with the installation of your air conditioner

Drilling the hole through the wall is a crucial step in an air conditioning installation. This requires precision work, the right tools, and knowledge of various materials such as concrete, reinforced concrete, and aerated concrete. We take care of this from start to finish, so that your air conditioning installer can get to work immediately.

What we do for you:

Drilling custom-sized through-holes for air conditioning pipes in any type of wall
Work with high-quality diamond core drills for a clean and precise hole without collateral damage.
Suitable for use in both new construction and existing buildings, including occupied situations.
Nationwide network of experienced professionals, available within two days in many cases
Tidy handover: the workplace is left clean

Do you want to know how much it costs to drill a hole for your air conditioner? Check out our pricing tool for a quick indication, or please contact us directly to schedule a professional. We will contact you within 24 hours.

Air conditioning installation costs: what does the price consist of?