Split type air conditioners require 4 to 8 hours to install. The installation time depends on many factors such as aircon type, piping requirements, regulations and access to installation area. An air conditioner is a complex system that keep a comfortable temperature in a closed environment. There is a common question among homeowners and business proprietors – “how long will the installation take?” Let’s learn how long it takes to install each type of aircon systems.
Time Required For Various Types of Aircon Installation
Below are the required time estimation for the common types of aircon installation:
1. Window Air Conditioner
Time to Install: 1 – 2 hours
Description: They are also the most basic type of air conditioner. Window AC is easier in terms of installation because there is no outdoor units. Securing and plugging in an air conditioner to the window frame are all the technician need to do. If the window is good sealing system, the installation process will take under two hours.
2. Split Air Conditioner
Time to Install: 4 – 8 hours
Description: Split AC units are much more complex compared to window units. Drilling through walls and mounting brackets can take a significant amount of time. As a result, refrigerant piping, indoor and outdoor unit installation can take up to 8 hours.
3. Central Air Conditioners
Time To Install: 1 to 3 days
Description: Installing central or ducted air conditioners involves complex and large-scale installations such as ductwork, refrigerant lines, and electrical wiring setup. If the property has existing ductwork, the it will take less time.
4. Portable Air Conditioners
Time To Install: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Description: Minimal setup is involved for portable air conditioners. Positioning the system, plugging into a power socket, and installing the air vent system through the window is all you need to do.
5. Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioners
Time To Install: 4 to 10 hours
Description: Like the split AC, ductless mini-split systems require mounting the indoor unit and installing the outdoor unit (with refrigerant lines). The installation time may increase with additional zones or units.
6. Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) System
Time To Install: 3 to 7 days
Description: Commonly used in commercial buildings, VRF systems consist of a large amount of refrigerant piping, many indoor units, and complicated electrical work. Installation time is dependent on the building’s size and layout.
7. Chilled Water Air Conditioning System
Installation Time: 1-4 weeks
Description: This type of aircon is installed in a commercial setting. Air conditioning is done through large chilled water systems with extensive piping, cooling towers, and chillers. The procedure is labor intensive and takes many days to complete.
Aircon Installation Step by Step Time Requirement
1. Piping Installation
Time Required: 2-4 hours (residential), 2-7 days (commercial)
Process: This step includes the installation of refrigerant lines, drainage pipes, and the electrical wiring. For long distance piping, the complexity of this step will increase. Hence, the time requirement will be more.
2. Condensation Drainage Installation
Time Required: 1-2 hours (residential), 1-3 days (commercial)
Process: In order to avoid leaks, the condensate drain must be well connected. The process may require a pump installation if gravity drainage is not possible.
3. Installation Of Indoor Unit
Time Required: 1-3 hours (residential), 1-5 days (commercial)
Process: This is the final part of AC installation. It includes mounting the indoor unit to the wall or ceiling with proper insulation, attaching the refrigerant lines and wiring.
4. Installing the Outdoor Unit
Time Needed: 2-3 hours (residential), 2-6 days (commercial)
Workflow: Placing the outdoor condenser unit in a suitable location, brackets installation and attaching the unit to the indoor unit with refrigerant and electric connections.
5. Circuit Connection & Wiring
Time Needed: 1-3 hours (residential), 1-4 days (commercial)
Workflow: The air conditioner should be linked to the circuit breaker and have its own dedicated power source. This step is important for safety and peak efficiency.
6. Gas Charging & Vacuuming
Time Needed: 1-2 hours (residential), 1-2 days (commercial)
Workflow: Air and moisture are extracted from the refrigerant lines using a vacuum pump. The system is then charged with refrigerant gas.
7. Testing & Final Adjustments
Time Needed: 30 minutes – 1 hour (residential), 1-3 days (commercial)
Workflow: Technicians perform leak tests, measure and record cooling performance, and conduct necessary functionality checks of the system before the handover to the owner.
Factors That Could Impact Time Needed For AC Installation
Below are a few factors that will determine the aircon installation time:
The Difficulty of Accessing to Installation Site: If it is difficult to access installation locations, it will take more time for installation. For example, a high-rise building usually takes longer installation times.
Existing Infrastructure: If existing ductwork, power supply, and drainage systems are already available, then the time required for installation is reduced.
Number of Units Being Installed: Multi-room and multi-zone configurations are more tedious and take longer time.
Experience of the Technician: Well-trained professionals tend to perform faster and more efficient work.
Conclusion
The time for air conditioner installation varies with the unit type and installment design complexity. Window and portable ACs can conveniently be installed in one to two hours, while split and central ACs can take several hours to days. More advanced commercial systems such as VRF and chilled water systems may need several days to weeks. With the knowledge of the approximate installation times, planning and scheduling, you can make the installation process easier and hassle free.
