Planning and using air conditioning systems sensibly
High summer temperatures are increasingly posing challenges for buildings. Existing buildings, attic apartments, and poorly shaded rooms in particular heat up significantly. Anyone considering installing air conditioning as part of a renovation or modernization project should plan ahead and ensure that the technical aspects are properly addressed.
A properly sized and professionally installed air conditioning system not only provides cooling, but also improves air quality, reduces humidity, and permanently increases living comfort. The decisive factor here is not so much the device itself, but the interaction between technology, installation, and the building envelope.
This guide shows you:
- which systems are structurally suitable
- which costs are realistic
- What really matters during installation
How much does it cost to install an air conditioning system?
The total cost of an air conditioning system consists of the price of the equipment, installation costs, and structural measures. Depending on the condition of the building and the system, the differences can be considerable.
Equipment costs by system type
System and approximate costs
- Mobile air conditioner
$400–$800
- monoblock device
$200–$600
- Split unit (1 room)
$2,000–$4,500
- Split unit (multiple rooms)
3,000–8,000 CHF
- Reversible air-to-air heat pump
from approx. $33,000
- Reversible air-to-water heat pump
from approx. $44,000
- Reversible brine-water heat pump
from approx. $53,000
Costs for assembly and construction work
Performance and benchmark
- air conditioning technician
100–125 CHF / hour
- wall opening
$250–$450
- core drilling
$250–$450
- Electrical connection
approx. 180 CHF
Air conditioning systems for individual rooms – structural differences
Different systems can be considered depending on the type of building, its use, and noise requirements.
Mobile air conditioners: no structural modifications required
Mobile devices do not require installation and are therefore suitable for temporary solutions. However, they are technically limited:
- Exhaust air ducting via windows
- high noise level
- low efficiency
They do not play a permanent role in renovations, but can provide a short-term solution.
Costs
- Device: $400–$800
- Operation: $220–$430/year
Monoblock systems: simple installation, limited performance
Monoblock units are permanently installed in the wall and do not require an outdoor unit. This reduces the amount of paperwork involved in obtaining permits, but has technical consequences:
- all the technology in the interior
- audible operation
- lower efficiency
expenses
- Device: $200–$600
- Operation: similar to mobile devices
Suitable for adjoining rooms or buildings with restrictions on facade design.
Split systems: Standard solution for residential renovations
Split units are the most common solution for apartment and house renovations. By separating the indoor and outdoor units, they offer:
- very quiet operation
- high energy efficiency
- stable cooling performance
expenses
- 1 room: $2,000–$4,500
- multiple rooms: $3,000–$8,000
additional expense
- wall bushing
- electrical connection
- Annual maintenance (200–300 CHF)
📌 Building regulations: Outdoor units require approval in many municipalities, especially in apartment buildings.
Holistic solution: reversible heat pumps
Reversible heat pumps are often used in comprehensive renovations or new buildings. They cover heating and cooling in a single system and are planned centrally.
Advantages:
- standardized building technology
- high efficiency with good insulation
- Ideal for heating replacement
cost overview
- Air-to-air Normal: approx. $29,000 Reversible: approx. $33,000
- Air–water Normal: approx. $40,500 Reversible: approx. $44,000
- Brine–water Normal: approx. $49,000 Reversible: approx. $53,000
Installation is usually included in the price. Local regulations for outdoor units also apply here.
Which solution is right for the building?
- Short-term use/rental: mobile device
- Easy retrofitting: Monoblock
- Living rooms & bedrooms: split system
- Renovation/new construction: reversible heat pump
A specialist company assesses on site:
- insulation standard
- room volume
- cable routing
- electrical connections
Install air conditioning correctly instead of retrofitting it
The installation of an air conditioning system should not be considered in isolation, but rather as part of the building technology—especially in renovations. A well-planned system will operate efficiently, quietly, and reliably for many years.
Split systems are now the standard for individual living spaces, while reversible heat pumps offer clear advantages for comprehensive renovations. Professional planning and implementation by experienced companies is crucial.
Planning early and integrating the installation properly saves costs in the long term and avoids subsequent repairs.
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