Although traditional air conditioning installation is often associated with a lot of mess, noise and damaged walls, today more and more people are opting for an alternative. Non-invasive installation is becoming a viable solution for those who want to enjoy cool air without having to tear out plaster or extensively interfere with the building structure. In the following text, we take a look at how such an installation looks in practice, what benefits it offers and what to look out for to avoid surprises.
Installation of air conditioning without drilling versus traditional methods
Traditional split air-conditioning installations require the indoor unit to be mounted on the wall, the refrigeration pipes to be connected and the condensate drained. In order to run the pipes to the outdoor unit, it was often necessary to chisel out the ductwork, drill into the wall in sections, and level the plaster and paint afterwards. The result? A lot of renovation costs, a lot of dust and a lot of disruption to the home.
Non-invasive installation eliminates most of these problems. Instead of forging, a small hole is drilled (usually Ø 65-75 mm) through which the cables are pulled. The drilling work is quick and, once completed, the installers seal the hole with an aesthetically pleasing plug, colour-matched to the façade or interior finish. As a result, the walls remain almost untouched and the flat is ready for use as soon as the installation is completed.
It is also worth mentioning monoblock systems, which eliminate additional refrigeration lines. In this solution, the entire unit – both condenser and evaporator – is installed inside or outside the building. A single drilling for the condensate drainage pipe is sufficient. This further reduces installation time and interference with walls.
Benefits of non-invasive installation
One of the biggest advantages of this approach is rapid installation. Experienced fitters can install a split unit in 2-4 hours, even in more difficult locations. The lack of forging also means that there is no dust in the entire flat – simply cover the floors and furniture appropriately to keep any potential contamination to an absolute minimum.
Another plus point is less noise. Forging and breaking a wall generates intense noises that can disturb householders and neighbours. Drilling with a diamond drill crown is much quieter and less intrusive. This is a significant benefit especially in blocks of flats where neighbours may make comments.
The aesthetics of the design must not be forgotten. Once completed, the opening is masked with an elegant cap made of PVC or stainless steel. Various colours and designs are available, so that the element blends in with the facade or interior wall. The builder gains full air-conditioning functionality, while the appearance of the flat remains intact.
Finally, the savings are worth mentioning. Although the price of a non-invasive installation may be slightly higher than for a traditional installation, the lack of wall renovation and painting saves on finishing work. For many people, it’s a win-win all round – they pay a little more for the installation, but avoid major renovation costs and the associated nerves.
Limitations and challenges of non-invasive installation
Despite its many advantages, it is not always possible to skip major building work. In older buildings, especially those with thick plaster or a layer of polystyrene as external insulation, reaching the load-bearing part of the wall may require longer drill rigs. This, in turn, entails higher labour costs and installation times.
It is also worth bearing in mind that drilling penetrates all layers of the wall – from plaster to insulation to hollow block or reinforced concrete. Any breach of the outer layers requires appropriate protection against moisture and loss of thermal insulation parameters. If the installation is carried out on a façade with an ETICS insulation system, an additional sleeve must be used to preserve the continuity of the insulation.
Another challenge is the location of the outdoor unit. In split installations, the refrigeration pipe connects the evaporator to the unit. If the unit is located far away, the pipes have to be longer and it becomes more difficult to insulate and route them properly without interfering with the wall. In practice, this means that the choice of installation location inside the room and the outdoor unit must be well thought out, and sometimes requires a compromise between aesthetics and efficiency.
Finally, there is the logistical problem – the availability of specialists. Not every air conditioning fitter offers a non-invasive installation service. You need to find a team that has the right equipment (diamond crown, milling machine) and experience. Before signing a contract, it is a good idea to ask for references and photos of previous installations.
What to look for when choosing an installer
If you want a non-invasive installation, check whether the company offers a ‘no-forging’, ‘drilling’ or ‘monoblock’ installation. When ordering a service, ask for details: what type of drill crowns are used, whether the drilling will lead through insulation, whether a protective sleeve needs to be fitted, and how the company intends to insulate the hole.
Also find out whether the company provides an aesthetically pleasing finish as part of the service – that is, caps that match the colour of the façade or wall. Some installers just leave the pipe open, hoping that the builder will take care of the aesthetics themselves. This can generate additional costs.
Pay attention to the length and type of guarantee. Reputable companies often offer a protection period of 2-5 years, covering both the equipment and the installation work carried out. It is a good idea if the warranty also covers drilling leaks and possible deformation of the walls.
Finally, check online reviews and local residents’ forums. Non-invasive installation is a relatively new service, so recommendations from previous customers are at a premium. If someone was happy with the dust-free and quick installation, there’s a good chance you’ll be happy with the result too.
Is it possible to have air conditioning without forging walls? As you can see, absolutely yes. A borehole or monoblock installation allows you to enjoy comfortable cooling without a lot of renovation and mess. All you need to do is choose the right system, an experienced team and remember to secure all layers of the partition firmly. Then summer in your flat or house will no longer be associated with hot air and stuffiness, but with pleasant coolness, without a single cavity in the wall.
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