How long does it take to install air conditioning?

With warmer weather becoming more regular in the UK, air conditioning is an increasingly popular feature of homes across the country. If you’re thinking of installing an AC unit in your home, this guide is for you. We take a look at how long it takes to install air conditioning in the UK.

Whether you’re installing a system in a small flat or a large house, it’s helpful to understand how long it takes to install air conditioning – and the factors that might affect the installation process. Installing air conditioning can be a complex job, so we always recommend hiring a qualified and experienced engineer to do the work.

How long does it take to install air conditioning?

After asking how much air conditioning costs, the second most popular question we get asked is, “how long does AC installation take?”.

The size of your home and the number of AC units will affect how long it takes to install the whole air conditioning system. If you have a small apartment that only needs a single AC unit, then it will be quicker to install than a 5-bed detached house that needs multiple ac units installed, as well as much more ventilation pipework.

The type of AC system you want will also affect the time it takes to install. For a standard air conditioning system, it can take from as little as 4 – 8 hours. Or, for a brand new full HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioner) system the installation time can be around 3 – 5 days.

When you speak to your local air conditioning specialists to get quotes of the costs, make sure you ask them how long they estimate the installation to be. They’ll be able to give you a rough estimate of the time it should take to install the whole AC system and all units.

How long does it take to install an AC unit?

If you’re looking for a quick answer, installing an air conditioning system in a home should take somewhere in the region of 4 – 8 hours. The exact time will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your home, the number of units that need to be installed and the complexity of the installation.

Any prep work that might be needed to prepare your home for air conditioning can also add to the time. For example, if you need to move or remove any furniture (including built-in units) that will add to the installation time.

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

A split air conditioner is an AC system that comprises one outdoor unit and multiple indoor units (usually two, three or four units). With this system, all of the units work at the same time, so you have them either all off or all on – you can’t choose to have some on and some off.

Installing a split system air conditioner will take around 6 – 8 hours, depending on the exact layout and complexity of the installation.

How long does it take to install an air conditioner compressor?

An air conditioner compressor is one of the most important parts of the AC unit, it’s the beating heart of your air conditioning system. The compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant, which is what creates the cold air.

If your air conditioner compressor fails, for whatever reason, you’ll want to get it replaced immediately – if you want to keep your home cool. Installing an air conditioner compressor can take around 2 – 4 hours. Though, in some cases, you might have to replace your whole air conditioning system if it’s a severe problem and/or your AC system is old.

How long does it take to install HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)?

On average, a full HVAC system installation usually takes somewhere in the region of 3 – 5 days. It’s often quite difficult to estimate the exact time it will take to install HVAC, as there are a number of factors that come into play.

Some of the most important factors that will affect the installation time include:

• Size of your home – Bigger homes typically require larger and/or multiple HVAC units, so the installation will take longer.
• Type of installation – If you’re replacing an old system, the ductwork will already be in place so the HVAC installation will be quicker. If it’s a brand new HVAC system then expect it to take longer to install (3 – 5 days).
• Types of units being installed – In general, the more complex the HVAC system, the longer it will take to install.
• Access to the property – If the engineers struggle to gain access to certain parts of the property, this will slow them down and make the installation time longer.
• Any prep work needed – For homes that require preparation before the HVAC installation can start, such as moving or removing furniture or built-in cupboards, it will take longer to complete the work.

How much does it cost to install air conditioning?

Just like the timeframe for installing air conditioning, the cost can also vary considerably – depending on the size and complexity of the installation. The average cost for installing a split air conditioner unit for a small home office can start at around £1,750.

If you want your whole house to be air-conditioned, the average cost of installing air conditioning with a 6-room multi-split AC unit is around £7,500.

For more information on prices, check out our air conditioner installation cost guide.