Installing an AC is an investment that pays for itself quickly — especially if you also use the system for heating. But what does it actually cost in 2026? In this guide we lay out all costs: purchase, installation, annual use and any extras.
Quick summary
- Single-split AC (1 room): €1,699 – €3,500 including installation
- Multi-split AC (2–5 rooms): €3,200 – €7,000 including installation
- Annual maintenance: €200 (single) to €480 (multi-split with 5 units)
- Electricity cost: €50–€150 (cooling) or €400–€700 (heating)
- Lifespan: 12–15 years with regular maintenance
Purchase prices: what do you get for your money?
Single-split systems
A single-split AC consists of one outdoor and one indoor unit. Ideal for one room such as the living room or bedroom. Price depends on capacity and quality class:
| Capacity | Suitable for | Price (incl. installation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 kW (entry model) | 15–25 m² | from €1,699 |
| 3.5 kW | 25–35 m² | from €1,899 |
| 5.0 kW | 35–50 m² | from €1,999 |
| Premium (extra quiet, A+++) | variable | from €2,299 |
Multi-split systems
A multi-split has one outdoor unit with 2 to 5 indoor units. Ideal if you want to cool/heat multiple rooms with one outdoor unit:
| Configuration | Price (incl. installation) |
|---|---|
| 2 indoor units | from €3,200 |
| 3 indoor units | from €4,200 |
| 4 indoor units | from €5,200 |
| 5 indoor units | from €6,500 |
What does the installation price include?
A full installation typically covers:
- Delivery and assembly of indoor and outdoor units
- Piping kit up to 5 metres including trunking
- Wall passage and sealing
- Natural condensate drain
- F-gas registration and commissioning
- Leak tightness test and final check
- 5-year installation warranty
Possible extras
Some situations cause extra costs. We're transparent about these in advance:
- Piping > 5 metres: €25–€40 per extra metre
- Roof passage: €150–€350 extra
- Separate electrical circuit: €200–€400 (depending on your fuse box)
- Scaffolding or platform: €200–€800 for difficult locations
- HOA application & acoustic report: €150–€350
- Aesthetic finishing: €50–€200 for special covers or floor units
Annual running costs
Electricity consumption
An average AC uses:
- Cooling (summer, ~150 hours): €50–€150 per year
- Heating (winter, ~1,500 hours): €400–€700 per year
If you mainly use your AC for cooling in summer, electricity costs stay low. When used for heating, the electricity bill rises but you save on gas — net you save up to €950 per year.
Maintenance
| System | Maintenance cost per visit |
|---|---|
| Single-split | €200 |
| Multi-split (2 units) | €270 |
| Multi-split (3 units) | €340 |
Important: annual maintenance is required by almost all manufacturers to keep your warranty. Without a maintenance log your factory warranty lapses.
Total cost over 10 years
Example calculation for a single-split AC used for both cooling and heating:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| One-time purchase + installation | €1,999 |
| Electricity (10× €500/year) | €5,000 |
| Maintenance (10× €200) | €2,000 |
| Total over 10 years | €8,999 |
Without an AC (gas only) you would have spent €15,000 on gas in the same period. Net you save around €6,000 over 10 years.
Do I get a subsidy?
Unfortunately an AC (air-to-air heat pump) does not qualify for the national ISDE scheme. Some municipalities offer local schemes. Air-to-water heat pumps do qualify — read our guide on the 2026 ISDE subsidy.
Conclusion
AC installation in 2026 starts from €1,699 for a full single-split installation. Multi-split starts at €3,200. On top of that you pay €200–€480 annually for maintenance and €50–€700 in electricity (depending on use). When used for heating you'll recoup your investment fast.
Want to know what it costs at your home? Request a free tailored quote. We come over for a free survey and give you personal advice.