Installing air conditioning: What to consider
Hot summers have long been a reality—and many homes in Switzerland are not designed to cope with them. Temperatures quickly rise to uncomfortable levels, especially under the roof, in south-facing rooms, or in home offices. Anyone looking for permanent cooling will sooner or later ask themselves: should I install air conditioning—yes or no?
A modern air conditioning system not only lowers the room temperature, but also regulates humidity and filters pollen and fine dust. However, it is crucial to choose the right system—because costs, efficiency, and comfort can vary considerably.
In this guide, you will learn:
- what costs you can realistically expect
- Which climate control systems are suitable for which living situations?
- and what you should pay attention to in order to avoid costly mistakes
How much does air conditioning cost in Switzerland?
The question of cost is the top priority for most builders and tenants—and rightly so. The price depends heavily on which system is installed, how many rooms need to be cooled, and how complex the installation is.
Material costs depending on the system
- Mobileair conditioner: $600 - $900
- Monoblock device: $250 - $650
- Split unit (1 room): $1,700 - $3,500
- Split unit (4 rooms): $4,000 - $10,000
- Reversible air-to-air heat pump: from approx. $35,500
- Reversible air-to-water heat pump: from approx. $41,000
- Reversible brine-water heat pump: from approx. $48,000
Installation and labor costs
- Air conditioning technician (per hour): 95–130 CHF
- Wall breakthrough: 300–500 CHF
- Core drilling: 300–500 CHF
- Electrical connection: approx. $200
Air conditioning systems for individual rooms – these are the options available
If only a specific room needs to be cooled, there are three solutions to choose from. They differ greatly in terms of comfort, efficiency, and running costs.
Mobile air conditioning: a quick fix with long-term drawbacks
Mobile devices do not require permanent installation and are ready for immediate use. The exhaust hose is fed through the window—technically simple, but problematic in terms of energy efficiency.
Disadvantages:
- high power consumption
- significant noise
- lower cooling capacity
A mobile device can be useful as a temporary solution or for rental apartments, but not really as a permanent solution.
Cost of mobile air conditioning
- Purchase price: $600–$900
- Annual electricity costs: $180–380
Monoblock devices: permanently installed, but technically limited
Monoblock air conditioning systems are permanently installed in the wall but do not require an outdoor unit. This makes it easier to obtain approval but has technical disadvantages.
- Compressor located in the room → audible operation
- Efficiency similar to mobile devices
- more suitable for adjoining rooms
Costs Monoblock
- Device: $250–$650
- Operating costs: comparable to mobile air conditioners
Split units: quiet, efficient, and the best choice in the long term
Split systems separate the technology:
- Indoor unit in the room
- Outdoor unit with compressor
This makes them particularly quiet and energy-efficient. Split units are usually the most convenient solution for living rooms and bedrooms.
Costs Split unit
- 1 room: $1,700–$3,500
- 4 rooms: $4,000–$10,000
Additional costs
- Wall breakthrough: $300–500
- Core drilling: $300–500
- Electrical connection: approx. $200
- Annual maintenance: $250–350
📌 Note: In many municipalities, a building permit is required for visible outdoor equipment.
Air conditioning entire houses: reversible heat pumps
Reversible heat pumps are particularly interesting for single-family homes or large apartments. They can heat and cool —replacing two systems with one.
In cooling mode, the heat pump cycle is reversed and excess heat is dissipated to the outside. This solution is very efficient in well-insulated buildings.
💡 Decision tip:
If you are planning to replace your heating system anyway, the reversible version is almost always worthwhile—the additional cost is often only around 10%.
Cost comparison of heat pumps
System Normal heat pump Reversible heat pump
Air–air approx. $32,000 approx. $35,500
Air–water approx. $38,000 approx. $41,000
Brine–water approx. $44,000 approx. $48,000
Installation is usually included in the price. Here too, visible outdoor units often require a permit.
Which air conditioner is right for you?
- Rental apartment / temporary: mobile air conditioner
- Simple & quick: Monoblock
- Quiet and efficient for individual rooms: split unit
- Entire house / New construction / Replace heating system: reversible heat pump
A specialist company can check on site which solution is suitable for insulation, room size, and use—and whether a permit is required.
Install air conditioning – yes, but do it right
Air conditioning significantly increases living comfort, especially during prolonged periods of hot weather. However, it is not only the device itself that is crucial, but also proper planning and professional installation.
Mobile devices are inexpensive, but incur high operating costs. Split systems and heat pumps are more expensive to purchase, but pay off in the long term thanks to their efficiency, quiet operation, and reliability. If you compare several quotes, you will quickly see where you can save money—and where you can't.
An experienced air conditioning technician will help you find the right solution and ensure that your investment makes sense in the long term.
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