If you’re considering air conditioning for an office or commercial building, one of the first questions you’ll ask is…. How Long Does It Take to Install Air Conditioning?
How long does it take to install A/C?
Installation time matters. It affects cost, disruption to staff, and how quickly your building becomes a comfortable, productive environment. Unfortunately, many installers oversimplify the answer, promising unrealistically fast installs that often lead to problems later.
At Industrial Cooling Equipment Ltd (ICE), we believe in doing things properly. Below, we explain realistic air conditioning installation times, what affects them, and why a professional install should never be rushed.
So, How Long Does It Take to Install Air Conditioning?
The Short, Honest Answer
For most commercial environments, a standard split air conditioning installation takes around two days.
This typically includes:
- One indoor unit and one outdoor unit
- Pipe runs up to approximately 15 metres
- Reasonable access
- Two qualified engineers
- Full pressure testing, evacuation, and commissioning
If a contractor claims they can complete a similar installation in a couple of hours or within half a day, it’s worth questioning whether critical steps are being skipped.
Why Does a Proper A/C Installation Take This Long?
Installing air conditioning is not just about mounting equipment and switching it on.
A professional installation involves:
- Running refrigerant pipework and electrical cabling correctly
- Supporting pipework securely in ceiling voids or risers
- Installing safe and compliant condensate drainage
- Pressure testing pipework with oxygen-free nitrogen
- Evacuating air and moisture from the system
- Commissioning and performance testing
Each stage protects the system from refrigerant leaks, premature failure, and inefficient operation. These processes take time and cannot be rushed without compromising quality.
What Factors Increase Air Conditioning Installation Time?
Pipework Length and Layout
The longer the distance between indoor and outdoor units, the longer the installation will take. Longer pipe runs require more materials, more fixings, and more time for testing. Systems designed for extended pipe runs such as the “Power Inverter” system from Mitsubishi Electric, also tend to cost more.
Access Restrictions and Live Sites
Working in a busy office or operational building slows progress. Installation time increases when engineers must work around:
- Desks, furniture, or staff
- Restricted drilling or noisy work hours
- Other trades working in the same area
- Lengthy site inductions or permits
High-Level or Roof Installations
Installing air conditioning at height requires additional safety measures. Roof-mounted outdoor units or high-level indoor units often need access towers or lifting equipment, which adds time to the project.
Drainage Requirements
All air conditioning units produce condensate. Long gravity drain runs or the use of condensate pumps add complexity and extend installation time, especially in multi-storey buildings.
Ducted Air Conditioning Systems
Even small ducted split systems take longer because the ductwork installation can be as time-consuming as fitting the equipment itself. This includes steel spiral ducting, plenums, and supply grilles.
Weather Conditions
External works can be delayed by heavy rain, snow, or strong winds, particularly when outdoor units are installed at roof level.
What Can Reduce Installation Time?
Some installations can be completed more quickly when conditions are favourable.
Install times are generally shorter when:
- Pipe runs are short
- Indoor and outdoor units are installed at low level
- Drain runs are easier with indoors installed close to a drain point or outside wall
- Ceiling voids are easily accessible
- The building is empty or minimally occupied
A good example is a wall-mounted back-to-back split system, where the outdoor unit is installed directly behind the indoor unit. In the right conditions, this can often be completed in one day.
End Swap Air Conditioning Installations
An end swap involves replacing an old air conditioning system while reusing existing pipework and cabling.
When the pipework is:
- Correctly sized
- Clean
- Proven to be gas-tight
This approach can reduce both time and cost. However, proper testing is still required, and in many cases overnight pressure testing means the installation still takes two days when done correctly.
Typical Air Conditioning Installation Timeframes
As a realistic guide:
- Wall-mounted split system (back-to-back): 1 day
- End swap with suitable pipework: 1 day
- End swap requiring overnight pressure testing: 2 days
- Cassette or wall-mounted split with standard pipe run: 2 days
- Twin Cassette or wall-mounted split with standard pipe run: 3 days
- Ducted split system with standard pipe run: 3 days
- Multi-split system with three indoor units: 4 days
- VRF / VRV systems: 1 week to several months, depending on scale
Why ICE Installations May Take Slightly Longer than other cheaper contractors
At Industrial Cooling Equipment Ltd, we prioritise long-term reliability over speed.
We take the time to:
- Properly support pipework
- Neatly finish exposed services
- Seal wall penetrations against water and pests
- Fully pressure test and evacuate systems
These steps reduce breakdowns, improve efficiency, and protect your investment for years to come.
Final Thoughts: How Long Should It Take to Install Air Conditioning?
If you’re asking how long does it take to install air conditioning, the most honest answer is:
As long as it takes to do it properly.
For most commercial split systems, expect around two days, with more complex installations taking longer. Be cautious of unrealistically cheap quotes with fast timescales, they often cost more in the long run.
Speak to ICE About Your Air Conditioning Installation
If you’re planning an air conditioning installation and want clear timescales, expert advice, and high-quality workmanship, speak to Industrial Cooling Equipment Ltd.
Contact ICE today to arrange a site survey or request a tailored quotation.
