A good installation matters as much as a good aircon: it decides how well the unit cools, how quiet it is, how long it lasts and whether the manufacturer’s warranty stays valid.
Where the units go
- Indoor unit: high on a wall, with space above for airflow, away from direct sun and where the air can reach the whole room without blowing straight onto a bed or desk.
- Outdoor unit: on a bracket or a stand, in a shaded, well-ventilated spot, with space around it and where hot air and noise won’t bother you or the neighbours.
- The closer the two units are, the cheaper and more efficient the installation.
What the installer does
- Mounts the indoor unit and drills a hole through the wall for the pipes, cable and drain.
- Runs insulated copper pipes, the connecting cable and a drain pipe with a fall so condensation runs away.
- Mounts the outdoor unit and connects the pipes.
- Pressure-tests the pipes and vacuums the system to remove air and moisture.
- Connects the electrical supply, usually with an isolator next to the outdoor unit.
- Releases the refrigerant, commissions the system and shows you how to use it.
What affects the installation cost
Many installers define a standard installation as the units back to back, or close to each other, on the ground floor. Longer pipe runs, trunking, working at height, concrete or face-brick walls, a condensate pump, new electrical circuits and travel distance add to the price. Send us your quote list with photos and we will quote it.
How long does an aircon installation take?
A standard midwall split takes about half a day. Cassettes, ducted systems and long pipe runs take longer — often a full day or more.
Can I install an aircon myself?
No. The refrigerant and electrical work must be done by qualified, registered people, and most manufacturers only honour the warranty when a qualified installer has installed the unit. See installation rules in South Africa.
Do I need permission to install an aircon in a complex or estate?
Usually, yes. Sectional-title complexes and estates normally require written approval from the body corporate or HOA, and may have rules about where outdoor units go.