Year-round heat, humidity and post-rain dampness, are conditions that Singaporeans are all too familiar with. But with the right air conditioning system, the discomfort of scorching days can be put behind you. However, once you’ve made the decision to install air conditioning, next comes choosing what type to get. There are a few considerations, including aesthetics, effectiveness, cost, and as we’re exploring here, installation time.
Average aircon installation time by type
The time it takes to install an air conditioner varies depending on the type, accessibility of the site, complexity of the installation, experience of the installer and if other work is required. The installation time can range from as little as a few hours, to several days, and your installer should be able to give you a good idea of what to expect at the time of quoting.
Split system aircon
A split system air conditioner is divided into two main components, an indoor wall mounted AC unit and an outdoor unit that houses the compressor. The indoor unit houses a fan and an evaporator coil that blows cool or warm air into the room, while also filtering out dust. The outdoor component contains the compressor and condenser to vent heat outside or absorb heat from outside air. Connecting the two through a small hole in the wall are refrigerant lines and electrical wires.
Average installation time: 3-6 hours
Ducted aircon
Of all the air conditioning systems, ducted air conditioning takes the greatest amount of time to install. The installation of a ducted system requires significant access to structural components (including the ceiling and walls) for the placement of an outdoor compressor and an indoor unit, along with careful placement of ducts and vents around the building.
Average installation time: 1-3 days
Cassette system aircon
A ceiling cassette air conditioning system is a reverse-cycle, split air conditioner with an indoor unit connected to an outdoor condenser via refrigerant piping, control wiring, and a built-in condensation drain pump. The indoor unit is installed flush into the ceiling instead of mounted on a wall, with the main body hidden inside the ceiling void. The visible component is a decorative grill that sits level with the ceiling surface.
Average installation time: ~1 day
Factors that impact aircon installation time
Various factors determine installation time, however regardless of the inconvenience, the end result will give you not only greater comfort and reduce allergen and asthma triggers, but also improve work productivity and health.
System type
As outlined above, the different air conditioning systems require varied amounts of labour to install them. Split aircon is typically the fastest to put in, taking from a few hours to a day. Cassette systems are typically a bit longer to install due to increased complexity. But by far the longest installation process is that of ducted air conditioning, which can range from one day to several.
Accessibility of property
Site access plays a major role in determining installation time, particularly for ducted and cassette systems. These two have more complex installs, requiring ceiling access, and in the case of ducted, potentially under-floor access too. There’s also the need to carry the units in, which can be challenging if stairs and narrow hallways have to be navigated.
Removing an old unit
The installation of a new air conditioner often means the removal of the old one. The installer will need to inspect the condition of existing equipment, such as ducting, vents, and electric wiring, to check for any necessary modifications, replacements or cosmetic work to tidy things up. This can increase the time it takes for the installation process, as well as the cost. Sometimes it’s not until the work has started and the old unit removed, that the installer discovers there’s added challenges. So be prepared for the potential of the installation taking a little longer than initially expected.
Complexity of electrical wiring
Not all installations are the same, and one area of difficulty that installers regularly encounter is with the electrical wiring. Older homes may have out-of-date cabling that’s unsafe, not to code or complex. Even newly built homes can come with challenges that can take additional time to navigate.
Permits And Inspections
Depending on where you live and your type of home, there may be the need for compliance with local building codes or a requirement for permits. Condominium properties, new homes that are still being built, and commercial facilities will likely need permits, inspections or other permissions that can take time or be required prior to work commencing.
Weather
Not everything is within the control of the installer. Bad weather is one of those annoying things that can mean a delay in the work and there’s little you can do about it. Unfavourable conditions like heavy rain can make it unsafe for the installer, especially for outdoor condenser units on ledges.
Experience of the installer
One of the most important things to consider when having air conditioning installed is the experience of the person carrying out the work. Someone that has been doing it for a living for a number of years will know all the ins and outs of the process, having encountered and overcome all sorts of installation challenges throughout their career. With this wealth of knowledge comes greater efficiency and reduced installation time.
