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How air conditioning installation works: step by step

Installing an air conditioner may at first glance seem like a simple task, mount the unit on the wall and connect it. In reality, it involves a sequence of steps that must follow each other precisely, from surveying the space through routing the refrigerant circuit to the operational test. If you are arranging air conditioning for a flat, house or office in Prague, it is useful to know what the entire process entails, how long it takes and what installation cost to expect.

What air conditioning installation includes

Air conditioning installation involves far more than simply mounting the indoor unit on a wall. The technician must select suitable locations for both the indoor and outdoor units, plan the route through walls or facades, run refrigerant piping along with power and communication cables, and ensure condensate drainage is properly routed to prevent leaks. The entire refrigerant circuit must then be pressurised, checked for tightness, and charged with the precise amount of refrigerant. Only after this stage does commissioning and testing begin; without it, you would be relying on a unit that has not been verified to cool and heat as intended. Installation quality often becomes apparent only after a few months of operation, not on the first day.

Step-by-step installation procedure

The actual implementation can be divided into five steps:

• Enquiry and free survey. Simply describe the space by phone or via the form, ideally including a few photos of the room. A technician will then visit personally to measure the distances between the planned indoor and outdoor unit locations and assess the routing for the piping.
• Solution design and price quotation. Based on the survey, we will recommend the appropriate unit type and capacity as well as the specific location for both components. You will receive a quote with a fixed price and no hidden charges, so you know exactly what you are paying.
• Installation of indoor and outdoor units. The indoor unit is secured to the designated wall location, while the outdoor unit is installed on the façade, balcony or bracket. A route for refrigerant piping, cabling and condensate drainage is then laid between both units.
• Connection of the refrigerant circuit. The circuit is connected, pressurised with nitrogen and tested for tightness. Only after a successful test is the precisely specified amount of refrigerant added: usually R32.
• Operational test and handover. The air conditioning unit is started in both cooling and heating modes, the condensate drainage and operating noise are checked. Finally, we explain the controls, hand over the documentation and issue the warranty certificate.

How long does installation take

Installing a single split unit in an apartment or small office typically takes 3 to 6 hours and can be completed by one technical team within a single day. More demanding projects, multi-split systems with several indoor units, longer piping routes across multiple floors, or larger commercial installations, may take one to two days. From the moment you approve the price quote, we guarantee an installation date within 48 hours, so you won't wait weeks for cooling.

How much does air conditioning installation cost

The installation price depends mainly on the unit's capacity, piping length and installation complexity: a flat in a new-build is calculated differently from a prefabricated panel building or a historic building with thicker walls. Indicative installation prices:

• Apartment or small office (unit up to 3.5 kW, up to 40 m²): installation from 6 900 Kč.
• Medium-sized rooms (3.5-5 kW unit, 40-80 m²): installation from 8 900 Kč.
• Large spaces, offices or multi-split systems: individual offer based on installation scope.

The exact amount will always be confirmed only after a free on-site survey. This is the only reliable way to estimate the length of piping and any potential complications. A full price breakdown, including what is covered for the unit itself, materials and refrigerant, can be found in the article about air conditioning price including installation .

What to watch out for when choosing a company

Air conditioning installation involves handling refrigerant, typically R32, and by law this may only be carried out by a technician holding a valid certification for work with F-gases. When choosing a company, always ask whether your technicians actually hold this certification. It is a basic requirement to ensure the refrigerant circuit remains sealed and the unit operates reliably for years to come. A company that cannot or will not prove they have this certification should not be working with refrigerant in your home.