Booking a new air conditioner is the easy part. Once the date is locked in, most Melbourne homeowners want to know one thing: what actually happens on the day. At Kelvinaire, we install split systems, multi-head systems and ducted air conditioning across Melbourne every week, so we know the process inside out. Here’s a clear, honest guide to what to expect, from the prep you can do beforehand to the timeline on the day and how much mess (if any) you’ll be left with.
How to Prepare Before Installation Day
A little prep goes a long way towards a smooth, fast install. Before our technicians arrive:
- Clear access to the install areas. Move furniture, boxes or decorations away from the indoor wall space and the planned outdoor unit location, whether that’s a courtyard, side path or balcony.
- Confirm the unit location. If you haven’t already discussed this during your quote, think about where you’d like the indoor head and outdoor condenser positioned. Our team will confirm the final placement on arrival, factoring in wall structure, drainage and airflow.
- Check parking. Our vans need reasonable access close to the property, especially for ducted air conditioning installations where more equipment is involved.
- Secure pets. Drilling, ladders and open doors aren’t ideal for curious cats or dogs, so it’s best to keep them in a separate room or outside for the day.
- Sort out power and access. Make sure there’s a clear path to the switchboard and that someone is home, or that access arrangements are confirmed, for the full appointment window.
- Ask about rebates early. Many Melbourne households qualify for incentives under the VEU rebate program, so it’s worth confirming your eligibility before the install so the right paperwork is ready on the day.
If you’re replacing an old unit, we’ll also run through removal and disposal with you beforehand so there are no surprises.
A Typical Installation Day Timeline
Timing depends on the system type and your home’s layout, but most jobs follow a similar structure.
| Stage | What happens | Approximate time |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival and walkthrough | Technicians confirm unit placement, protect flooring and surfaces, and run through the job with you | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Removal of old unit (if applicable) | Safe disconnection, degassing and removal of the existing system | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Mounting and positioning | Indoor bracket and outdoor unit are fitted in the agreed locations | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Pipework, wiring and drainage | Refrigerant lines, electrical cabling and condensate drainage are run and connected | 1 to 2 hours |
| Vacuum, pressure test and gas charge | The system is tested for leaks and charged with refrigerant to the manufacturer's specification | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Commissioning and test run | The system is powered on, tested across modes, and checked for correct operation | 20 to 30 minutes |
| Clean-up and handover | Work areas are cleaned, the system is demonstrated, and paperwork is provided | 15 to 20 minutes |
As a rough guide, a single split system installation usually takes around 3 to 5 hours. A ducted system is a bigger job involving ceiling access and multiple outlets, so it’s often spread across one to two days. Multi-head systems sit somewhere in between, depending on how many indoor units are being connected.
All electrical connections are completed by licensed technicians in line with Victorian licensing requirements overseen by the Victorian Building Authority, so you can be confident the work is compliant and safe.
What Mess Should You Expect?
Air conditioning installation does involve some light mess, but it’s far less than most homeowners imagine, and a tidy crew keeps it well contained.
Drilling and wall penetration. Running pipework and cabling between the indoor and outdoor units usually means drilling one small hole through an external wall. This creates some dust and debris, which our technicians manage with drop sheets and vacuum extraction as they go.
Old equipment and packaging. If an old unit is being replaced, there’s offcut pipework, old brackets and packaging from the new system to remove. We take this away with us rather than leaving it for you to dispose of.
Minor wall touch-ups. Wall penetrations and bracket fixings can leave small marks or chips in paint or render around the work area. We keep this to a minimum and let you know in advance if any touch-up painting will be needed.
Floor and furniture protection. We lay drop sheets and protective coverings in the work zone before starting, so flooring, carpet and nearby furniture stay clean throughout the job.
By the time we finish, work areas are vacuumed and wiped down, and any rubbish or old equipment leaves with us. You shouldn’t be left with a big clean-up job once we’re done.
After the Install: Testing and Handover
Once installation is complete, we don’t just pack up and leave. Our technicians:
- Run a full test cycle, checking cooling, heating (for reverse cycle systems), fan speeds and airflow across all zones.
- Check refrigerant pressures and electrical connections to confirm everything is operating within the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Walk you through the system, including the remote or app controls, timer functions and basic maintenance such as filter cleaning.
- Provide compliance documentation, including any paperwork needed for VEU rebate claims and warranty registration.
- Confirm warranty terms for your new system, covering both the manufacturer’s warranty and our workmanship.
When it comes to energy efficiency, it’s worth checking your new system’s star rating against the official Zoned Energy Rating Label scheme, run by the Australian Government, which sets the minimum energy performance standards for air conditioners sold in Australia. A higher star rating generally means lower running costs over the life of the system.
By the end of the appointment, your new air conditioner is tested, explained and ready to use. There’s no waiting around for a follow-up visit before you can turn it on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be home for the whole installation?
Yes, someone needs to be home to provide access and sign off on the final placement, though you don’t need to watch the whole process.
Will my air conditioner work the same day it's installed?
In almost all cases, yes. Once testing and commissioning are complete, your system is fully operational and ready to use straight away.
How much notice do I get if something changes on the day?
If our technicians identify anything unexpected, such as wiring issues or access problems, they’ll talk you through it and agree on next steps before continuing.
Is ducted installation messier than a split system?
Ducted systems involve more ceiling and roof space access, so there’s generally more work involved, but the same dust control and clean-up standards apply.
What if it's raining on installation day?
Indoor work can usually continue as planned. For outdoor unit placement, our team will assess conditions on the day and discuss any rescheduling if needed.
Book Your Installation with Kelvinaire
Knowing what to expect makes installation day far less daunting, and with the right team on the job, it’s a straightforward, tidy process from start to finish. Kelvinaire has installed air conditioning across Melbourne for more than 13 years, including in Brighton, Bentleigh, Caulfield, St Kilda, Mentone, Oakleigh, Prahran, Richmond, Box Hill and Keysborough, along with the rest of our Melbourne service areas.
Whether you need a split system, multi-head or ducted air conditioning installation, want to explore heating and cooling options, or need advice on ventilation and indoor air quality, our team is ready to help.
Get a free quote within 30 minutes or contact Kelvinaire today to book your installation day.
