Are you thinking of installing an air conditioner? AC units are convenient devices for improving air quality around the house or office. They are also suitable climate control units to cool your house in hot summer weather.
One of the most common questions after buying an air conditioner is how fast it can get installed.
Whether you are installing a new device in an apartment, condo, or single-family home, the time it takes depends on a variety of factors.
Hiring an HVAC professional is the best way to ensure the installation runs smoothly and saves some time.
This post will look at the factors influencing how fast your aircon installation is done.
A standard air conditioner installation takes about 4-8 hours if everything goes according to plan.
However, the AC’s size and ductwork installation influence how much time the installation takes. The installation location, room aspects, and professional skills can also affect this timeline.
Installing an air conditioner is a huge decision. Stick around to learn more about the process and what factors determine how fast your aircon is up and running.
How Long Does It Take To Install an AC?
With summer just around the corner, having a functioning climate control unit is a huge convenience for many homeowners.
Installing a new aircon system or replacing the old one is not as hectic as you think. On the contrary, standard installations take about 4-8 hours.
However, there are a variety of factors that determine how fast you get cool air in your house. Let us look at some of them:
1. Size of Air Conditioning Unit
One of the significant factors that might determine how much time is needed to install your AC device is its size. Smaller units take a shorter time to install.
Larger climate control devices like the central AC or split AC have a lot of parts that need to be installed.
These parts are also heavy and bulky, which can be problematic when dismounting and moving them around your property.
Unlike self-evaporating air conditioners, these big units require both indoor and outdoor installation for their components. More components translate to more work and time before the device runs.
Larger units also require more complex electrical connections, increasing installation time.
HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioner) units that route warm and cold air into the house require more attention.
Installing this climate control unit takes about 3-5 days. On the other hand, smaller units like window aircon units only need about 2-3 hours during installation.
2. Ductwork Installation
Another thing to consider when installing your AC unit is the ductwork.
All the AC pipes should be appropriately configured to match the unit’s cooling capacity. If you replace the old units with a similar one, the installation will be quick and without any ductwork glitches.
However, if the technicians need to install new AC tubes, then it may take longer. Furthermore, if your old ductwork does not match the requirements of the new climate control unit, it will either need to be modified or replaced.
Large aircon like the HVAC and central AC require larger ductwork because they have a higher cooling capacity than other standard units.
The large ductwork is essential to accommodate the device’s increased airflow and ensure it works efficiently.
However, smaller appliances like window aircon units require small ductwork, which means less time is needed before you get cool air in the apartment.
Additionally, ductwork is not a simple DIY project. It requires cutting, fitting, and sealing joints to ensure the pipes are leak-proof.
If the ducts need to be extended, getting the proper fittings to every room can take time.
Leaking AC pipes can be a massive problem for your health and property. That is why it is essential to let a professional handle the ductwork rather than doing it yourself.
3. Location of Installation
Thirdly, the installation location also plays a crucial part in how fast your air conditioner is installed.
If you consider installing a central or split AC, obstructions outside the house can hinder how fast the installation goes.
Trees, bushes, or flower gardens can prevent the technicians from freely moving around the backyard while carrying the outdoor unit.
The outside condenser also requires ample space to release heat, meaning that any objects or plants must be cleared before installation.
Likewise, the location of your air conditioner can also affect the time it takes for the professionals to install ductwork. In most cases, the design and layout of the ducts depend on where the AC is installed.
The ducts’ routing and length are affected by the unit’s location.
Lengthy ductwork means that air travels longer before reaching the unit. You should call an HVAC professional to find the ideal location for installing the appliance to reduce duct length and routing.
4. Room Space
Room aspects can also increase the time needed to install your split AC.
As previously stated, air circulation and ventilation are essential to ensure your unit runs efficiently. If you have large rooms in your house or office, they require more ductwork installations to ensure proper cooling.
Furthermore, the rooms’ design can also affect the layout of the ductwork. If the space has too many corners or walls, the technicians will take longer to install the AC ventilation.
This is also the case for rooms on the house’s upper floors.
5. Professional Skills
Technical expertise affects how fast your air conditioner gets installed.
An expert with the right skills and knowledge can shorten the time required to install the device. In most cases, they even perform inspections before the installation to ensure they are well-prepared for the project.
Additionally, getting a certified professional also increases the chances of a flawless installation.
For complex systems like HVAC and central AC, it is always an advantage to know that you have someone with the proper installation knowledge and tools.
They also take care of the unit, avoiding damage and ensuring that all the pipework is secure.
Summary
It is hard to determine the exact time it would take for your new air conditioner to get installed. However, a standard installation takes about 4-8 hours if everything goes according to plan.
On the other hand, installing an HVAC unit can take around 3-5 days.
A few factors can affect how fast your AC unit is installed. The AC size and duct installation can take up some hours during installation.
Secondly, the location of installation and room aspects can also affect how quickly the air conditioner runs.
Additionally, finding the right expert to help with the installation can considerably reduce the time it takes to do the installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take To Replace an Air Conditioner?
A standard aircon unit replacement takes about 4-8 hours if everything goes according to plan. However, some factors can reduce or increase this duration. They include:
- The size of the AC unit
- Installation location
- Type of air conditioner replacement
- The room dimensions
- The expertise of the installation technician
What Is the Lifespan of an AC?
Though every climate control unit is different, most air conditioners have a 15-20 years lifespan. However, regular maintenance ensures that your unit runs longer without expensive repairs.
