Average Time to Install a Mini Split System
I was chatting with my air conditioner installer about the average time to install a mini split system and here’s how long it takes.
It usually takes about 2 to 3 hours to install a mini split system for a typical house. The installation time depends on the installation location and several other factors such as piping distances, installers skill, mini split size, and the type of mini split.
Many people do not know the factors affecting mini split installation time. Thus, they misjudge it and causing their time schedule to go haywire. Some air conditioner installers will ask for the details prior to visiting your house in order to provide you a better time estimation. However, some installers may not.
Mini split is a great heating and cooling system. However, there are many brands and models. So, I did some study to come out the 4 Best Mini Splits in 2023. I encourage you to check it out if you’re considering one now.
Breakdown of Mini Split Installation Time
From the conversation with my air conditioner installers, I can break the installation time into 5 parts:
| Work Description | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Part 1: Preparation, overview, and wall hacking (if needed) | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Part 2: Refrigerant pipe, drain pipe, and wiring installation | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Part 3: Indoor unit installation | 15 to 25 minutes |
| Part 4: Bracket and outdoor unit installation | 35 to 45 minutes |
| Part 5: Testing | ~ 30 minutes |
| Extra: Chit Chatting | ~ 20 minutes |
| Total Installation Time | 2 to 3 Hours |
Factors Affecting Mini Split Installation Time
It is important for us to tell the air conditioner installers some of the details in advance for them to have a better time estimation. The following are the 5 factors that are affecting mini split installation time.
1. The Location of the Mini Split
The location of the mini split is critical when estimating the installation time, especially for the outdoor unit. Some outdoor units located at places where accessibility is difficult.
Installers may have a hard time trying to reach those places and it takes a lot of time for them to manoeuvre during the installation.
It is best to describe the intended installation location to your installers in details such as providing them the height and letting them know how to access to it.
If you want to know where is the best location for your mini split, I highly recommend you also read my post about mini split placement. I included many photos for your reference.
In addition, it greatly helps the installers to have better clarity by furnishing them with some photos so that your installers can prepare the necessary manpower and equipment to perform a smooth installation and waste no time.
2. The Distance Between the Indoor and Outdoor Unit
Almost all of the installers prefer a back-to-back installation which means the outdoor unit is located just behind the wall of the indoor unit. This type of installation required the least amount of piping work and hence, it is the quickest to install.
The longer the distance between the indoor and outdoor unit of the air conditioner, the longer the installation time because it involved more copper piping, more jointing, more brazing, and more pipe support works to do.
My living room air conditioner is a back-to-back installation and the installation was completed in just around 2 hours.
3. The Skill of the Installers
Skilled air conditioner installers know the proper sequence to do a quick installation job. They also have a swifter hand in doing detailed works such as pipe insulating, brazing, flaring, and connecting.
On the other hand, not so skilled installers can mess up the sequence and often double handling the same work. Thus, they often take a longer time to complete the installation work.
I noticed a trick my installers used is putting a little bit of soap when inserting the copper pipe into the closed-cell insulation. The soap acts as lubrication and the insulating process was seamless. I’m not sure if this is a special trick or it is known by many installers but, it is so cool.
4. The Size of the Mini Split
Bigger size mini splits are heavier and required more effort to move them, carry them to height, and secure them onto the wall.
Some installers come with 2 people where one will install the indoor unit and the other will install the outdoor unit. Sometimes, the outdoor unit is too heavy for one person to carry up to a height.
Thus, the indoor unit installation had to stop for a while in order to help the outdoor unit installation. Hence, slowing down the installation process.
If you have limited space and you’re looking for a small-size (dimension) mini split, I have a list of the smallest dimension mini split which you can check it out and refer.
5. The Type of Mini Split
Wall-mounted type mini split is simple and therefore, can be installed in a short time. The ceiling cassette and the ceiling ducted / concealed type are slightly more complicated and hence, require more time to install.
Earlier, I mentioned my living room mini split was installed in just around 2 hours and it is a wall-mounted type.
The time required to install an air conditioner vary based on the overall installation choices and difficulties. See my post about how to install a mini split (10 steps) to have an overview of the process.
Concealing Pipes and Wires inside the Wall
Concealing pipes and wires of the mini split inside the wall requires far more time than the normal installation where the pipes and wires are run on the surface of the wall.
Plenty of hacking work is required from the indoor unit all the way to the outdoor unit. Afterward, the hacked wall need to be pasted back, make good and do a surface finishing work.
Some people want the pipes and wires to be concealed as it looks more appealing. If you’re planning to do so, remember to highlight it to the air conditioner installers as they don’t often prepared to do concealing work.
If you want to get a grasp of how the conceal work is done, check out my post about running mini split pipes in wall to have a better idea.
If they’re not informed, they might not bring the necessary tools and materials for the concealing work. This might takes them more than 3 hours or even unable to finish on the same day and need to come back on the next day to finish the job.
Lastly, consider my Mini Split (eBook) if you want to know how can you use Mini Split in your house. If you still have doubt or not feeling confident enough, feel free to consult me.
Consultation Service
Ask me for HVAC advice such as brand selection, best model, benefits, features, placement, duct size, grille size, how to design, design check, verification and other HVAC related queries.
Related Question
Why air conditioner testing need to take up to 30 minutes? Air conditioner installers often leave the newly installed mini split running for several minutes to verify the cooling and discharging of the drain water. If found problems, they also need some time to rectify it.
What do you think about this post? Leave a comment down below!