How long does it take to install an air conditioner? It’s a common question in every person’s mind as they see winter coming to an end!
Air conditioners are a must to combat Melbourne’s harsh summers. Scales cross the 40.0 °C mark, making it tough to survive. Air conditioners make the situation easier, but installing one is time-consuming and labour-intensive, so planning it before summer is the best bet!
Here, Surrey Air answers how long does it take to install an air conditioner. If you want a split system, we will also tell you how long does it take to install a split system. We will discuss the factors which affect the installation time!
You can also schedule Surrey Air services if you need professional installation services.
Why Air Conditioners Are a Must-Have in Melbourne’s Rising Heat
Before we go through the details of how long does it take to install an air conditioner or split system, let’s see first why I need an air conditioner in Melbourne.
Like the rest of the world, Melbourne experiences a yearly temperature rise. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recorded an overall 1.5 °C increase in the global average surface temperature, including land and water temperature. This is an alarming situation and aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) concerns about climatic changes.
As summer is knocking at the door in Melbourne, it is high time to get an air conditioner for your home and offices. It will help you live comfortably through the hot days. Installing an air conditioner is time-consuming and labour-intensive, so planning it before summer is the best bet!
This article will explain how long it takes to install an air conditioner and discuss critical factors influencing installation time.
Answer To How Long Does It Take To Install An Air Conditioner
Firstly, the decisive element determining the duration of the installation project is the type of air conditioner you are considering. Other factors, although substantially affecting installation time, are secondary. Sometimes, unexpected or specific circumstances around the installation process cause delays, increasing the total installation time.
1. Split System Air Conditioning:
Installation Time:
Generally 4-8 hours.
Why It Takes Time:
This section provides you with the answer to how long does it take to install a split system?
Split system air conditioning consists of an indoor and outdoor unit. The installation involves mounting the indoor unit inside the room and placing an outdoor unit outside the home. Both the units are then connected using refrigerant lines and electrical wires to complete the air conditioning system.
The system’s installation complexity varies depending on the room’s size and the customer’s considerations.
2. Ducted Air Conditioning:
Installation Time:
Usually 3-5 days.
Why It Takes Time:
Ducted air conditioning systems consume more time to install than any other air conditioning system. Installing a ducted system involves extensive work of placing ducts throughout the building. The process involves significant access to structural components, careful placement of ducts, and their connection with the central unit.
The ducted air conditioning installation time increases if the installation process involves access to the ceiling or under-floor structures.
3. Multi-Split System:
Installation Time:
Around 10-12 hours.
Why It Takes Time:
Installing a multi-split system is technical work. It involves connecting multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit, which makes the installation process complex. A multi-split system requires more sophisticated electrical wiring and refrigerant line connections for each indoor unit.
4. Window Units:
Installation Time:
Less than 3 hours.
Why It Takes Time:
Window units require minimal modifications and are straightforward to install. They are mounted on a window frame and connect to electricity via a plug. They do not require any electrical work or refrigerant connections, making their installation easy.
5. Portable System:
Installation Time:
1-2 hours.
Why It Takes Time:
As the name says, portable systems are portable. That is, you can carry them from one place to another. They do not require any unique installation but rather placement on the floor or in the window.
Factors Affecting Air Conditioner Installation Time
Besides the type of air conditioner, these are some of the other crucial factors that impact the installation time.
Condition Of Existing Equipment
Installing a new air conditioner often requires removing the old one. You’ll need to inspect the condition of existing equipment, such as ductwork and electric work, and check for any necessary modifications.
Modifications take time and increase the duration of the installation process.
Requirement For Structural Modifications
If the air conditioner installation process requires structural modifications, such as changes to walls or ceilings or access to the underfloor surface, it will take more time. Such installations are also time-consuming and expensive.
Additional Features Or Upgrades
Getting your hands on modern equipment like a smart thermostat or incorporating zoning facilities while installing a new air conditioner is a good choice. However, adding features and upgrading the system requires more electric wiring and time to set up the features.
Home Layout And Accessibility
Homes often have hard-to-reach or tightly spaced areas, such as basements or attics, which increase the project’s complexity and extend the installation time.
Installing Multiple Units
An installation project may require installing multiple units in a building. These multiple units may be connected to one outdoor unit (as in a split air conditioner) or multiple complete units.
The installation period increases with each unit addition, causing an increase in the overall installation period.
Permits And Inspections
Seeking compliance with local building codes or receiving some permits (in some regions) can ensure the installation process is completed on time. Permits and inspections take time, thus extending the timeline and increasing the overall time required for AC installation.
Unexpected Factors Increasing Installation Time
Sometimes, unexpected factors hinder the installation process and cause delays. These are usually unavoidable circumstances that significantly increase the installation time.
Weather Conditions:
Unexpected weather changes like rain, extreme heat or cold, or snowfall are some of the genuine, uncontrollable factors that increase the installation time. Technicians will struggle to set up the electric wiring or refrigerant lines.
Hence, at Surrey Air, we recommend that our customers get air conditioner installation services before the weather gets unpredictable.
Seasonal Demands:
Demand for air conditioning or heating system installation during summer or winter peaks. The installation experts are usually loaded with extra work during the peak seasons.
Maybe you’ll have to wait for your turn for many days.
Increased seasonal demands also let you compromise on your tested service providers as they are occupied with scheduled projects. You can easily overcome this bizarre situation and remove this unexpected situation by scheduling the air conditioner review soon.
Structural Difficulties:
Structural obstructions such as load-bearing walls, pipes, and beams or thick bricked walls of old buildings become a problem in air conditioning installation. Such structures require additional modifications and custom fittings for air ducts and outdoor units.
Difficult Terrain:
Buildings built on sloping or uneven terrains have non-standard layouts and often require custom fittings to interconnect air ducts and outdoor units with the indoor unit. Unit stability and water drainage become more challenging with rugged terrains.
Emergency Situations:
Cancellations due to emergencies often cause more problems than one can think. Rescheduling appointments during peak seasons is challenging and causes unexpectedly long delays.
If you want to surpass all the challenges and get Melbourne’s best air conditioner installation services, look no further than Surrey Air. Our trained and experienced technicians will guide you through all phases of the installation process and install an error-free air conditioning system for you!
