Install air conditioning: process and costs at a glance
Installing an air conditioner requires a certain level of expertise, and the cost should be calculated before installation. In this article we explain how the installation process is and what costs you will have to pay.
Install air conditioning - that's the process
Air conditioning can theoretically be installed by yourself. This is cheaper than having it done by a professional, but they can usually have more experience.
- The planning phase comes before the installation begins. Think about how many and which rooms should be air-conditioned and which model you consider from which provider. In most cases, so-called "split air conditioning systems" are installed, which are permanently installed.
- Split devices consist of two or more devices that cool different rooms. These devices have many advantages over mobile devices, for example a lower operating volume and lower power consumption, which of course means lower operating costs. Conversely, the acquisition costs are higher and the installation should be carried out by a specialist for warranty reasons.
- The installation differs from model to model, but the rough procedure is as follows: a fan is installed in the room where you want to cool. This draws in the warm air and blows the cooled air back. A compressor that compresses refrigerant is attached to the outside of the house wall. These two devices must be connected to each other via a coolant line. If in doubt, drill through the wall.
That's how much air conditioning costs
When calculating the price of the air conditioning system, many factors come into play. Firstly, the device itself, the costs for installation by a specialist and of course the operating costs, which should not be forgotten.
- If you calculate the price for the device, it will be very different. There are many different models, manufacturers and also types of investments. There are mobile and permanently installed versions. Mobile air conditioners are cheaper, but less efficient. They start at around 100 euros in discounters and hardware stores and go up to around 800 euros for higher quality models. Fixed models are on average around 2, 000 euros.
- Air conditioning systems are best installed by a professional. This finds the most suitable place for the system and can connect it correctly. The electrical connections are also made by him. Add another 200 to 300 euros for the installation.
- Before installation, you should also be aware of the annual operating costs. Here it is different again and depends on the variant of the system. Mobile air conditioners cost an average of 24 cents an hour, fixed systems 17 cents an hour. With an average running time of two hours per day, the operating costs are 175.20 euros for mobile models and 124.10 euros for permanently installed models.
In the next article, we explain what you should consider if you want to install air conditioning in a rental apartment.