You’re finally ready to get a new air conditioner, but there’s one thing you’re still unsure about; how long will it take to put a new AC into my home? It’s a fair question, especially when you’re trying to plan around work, family, or a heatwave. Whether you’re replacing an old system or installing a new AC for the first time, knowing how long it takes to install one and what factors affect air conditioning installation time can help you stay ahead, avoid delays, and make sure the whole process goes as smoothly as possible.
How Long Does It Take to Install an AC?
Several factors can influence how long your AC installation will take. On average, an average air conditioning setup typically takes between 4 to 8 hours. However, if your home requires additional work like duct modifications, electrical upgrades, or system resizing, the timeline can extend. To understand why installation times vary, it’s helpful to look at the key factors that can impact the AC installation process.
Factors That Affect How Long It’ll Take to Install an Air Conditioner
Square Footage: One of the biggest influences on your AC installation process is the size of your home. A larger space typically needs a more powerful unit, which naturally takes longer to install. Simply put, the larger the area, the longer it takes to install your AC.
Accessibility: The physical layout of your home can also affect how long the installation takes. If your AC needs to be installed in a tight spot, like a second floor, behind a fence, or on a rooftop, it may slow things down. On the other hand, installations on the side or back of the house are usually quicker. Why? Because the technician can move around more freely.
Location: Where you decide to place your AC unit plays a role too. Some locations need more preparation, wiring, or support, which can stretch out the timeline. For instance, installing a unit in a cramped attic or tight closet is most likely to take longer while placing one on a ground-level slab is going to take significantly shorter to set up your AC unit.
Size of the AC Unit: The size of the AC unit itself affects how long your installer will need. A compact system might be up and running within a few hours, while a larger, high-capacity model takes more time due to additional wiring, mounting, and setup steps.
New Install vs. Replacement: If you’re replacing an old system, you’re in luck because the job is often quicker since many of the components are already in place. But if you’re installing an AC system for the first time, expect a longer process since everything from ductwork to electrical connections needs to be built from scratch.
Average Time Required for Different AC Installations
There are different types of air conditioning systems available, and the right one for your home depends on several factors. These include the size and layout of your home, its age, the local climate, any medical or comfort needs within your household. Just as each unit serves a different purpose, the AC installation time also varies from one system to another. Let’s take a closer look at the most common options.
Window AC Units
When it comes to quick and simple cooling solutions, window AC units are one of the fastest options available. In most cases, the unit can be set up in under an hour since it doesn’t require any major structural work. The process usually involves securing the unit into the window frame and sealing it properly. While many homeowners choose to handle this themselves, it’s still a good idea to call in a pro.
Split Air Conditioners
A split AC system is a common type of central air setup and typically takes around four to eight hours to install. However, in some cases, especially in larger homes or when the installation area is harder to access, the process can stretch to a full day.
Mini-Split Air Conditioners
Mini-split systems offer a flexible solution for cooling individual rooms or multiple zones without ductwork. Installing a mini-split usually takes about one to three hours. However, a full mini-split installation with multiple indoor units can take four to six hours, depending on how many zones need to be covered.
Packaged Air Conditioning Systems
Installing a packaged AC usually takes about four to six hours. Although these systems are compact, the rooftop placement adds extra time for access, setup, and safety precautions. The reason for this is quite simple since installing or replacing a unit on the roof typically requires more effort than ground-level systems, which can slightly extend the timeline.
Reach Out to Cal Heating and Cooling Solutions For a Seamless AC Installation
Not sure what to expect on installation day? That’s where we come in. Our skilled HVAC technicians make your AC installation process simple and stress-free. With Cal Heating and Cooling Solutions, you can count on our HVAC company to get the job done right
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
There are a number of factors that affect installation time, depending on the size, what HVAC system you choose, ductwork, and more. If you want to ballpark it, it usually takes between 4 hours to 1 day to install a new AC system.
The cost to install an AC unit varies significantly, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $14,000 for a central AC system, including both the unit and labor.
An air conditioning unit typically needs replacing every 10 to 15 years. However, factors like usage, maintenance, and the quality of the unit can affect its lifespan.
Installing central air with existing ductwork typically takes 1 to 3 days, but can be completed in as little as a day or less for simpler installations.
Replacing an AC unit in an apartment usually takes between 4 to 8 hours.
