Air Conditioner Installation and Service in Warsaw

Summers in Warsaw keep getting hotter — apartments in Mokotow and Wola hit 30 degrees and above as early as June. A portable air conditioner solves the problem without drilling into the facade or getting approval from building management. But simply pulling it out of the box and switching it on is not enough: you need to route the exhaust hose through a window, seal the gap properly, and set up condensate drainage. We install portable AC units and service existing ones — filter cleaning, drain inspection, pre-season diagnostics.

How much does AC installation and service cost

The price depends on the type of work. Portable AC installation includes fitting a window sealing kit for the exhaust hose, connecting the drainage system, and testing the unit. AC service covers filter cleaning, flushing the drain channel, checking the refrigerant, and running a general diagnostic. Basic fixings and sealing materials are included in the installation price, while replacement filters or extra materials are charged separately. Current prices are in the table below.

How portable AC installation works

1. You send a photo of the room and window — the technician assesses whether the window is suitable for the exhaust hose and gives a price.
2. We agree on a visit time — usually same-day or next-day.
3. On site, the technician checks the window type (tilt-and-turn, sliding), socket location, and distance from the window.
4. We install the window sealing kit — a fabric or plastic panel that covers the gap around the exhaust hose and prevents hot air from coming back in.
5. We connect the corrugated exhaust hose to the unit and route it through the seal to the outside. We check that the hose is not kinked and the length is optimal.
6. We set up condensate management — connect a drain hose or verify the built-in self-evaporation system. If the model lacks auto-evaporation, we place a collection container or route a hose.
7. We power on the unit, test all modes (cooling, ventilation, dehumidification), and measure the outlet temperature.

Common mistakes when installing a portable AC

• Leaving the window open without a seal — hot outdoor air enters the room and the AC runs for nothing.
• Using an exhaust hose that is too long — cooling efficiency drops 20-30% for every extra metre.
• Placing the unit flush against a wall — blocks air intake, causes overheating and shutdowns.
• Not cleaning the filters — dust clogs the grille, electricity consumption rises, and cooling weakens.
• Plugging the AC into a power strip shared with other appliances — portable units draw up to 1.5 kW, overloading a strip is a fire risk.
• Ignoring condensate — the tank overflows and floods the floor, especially overnight.
• Pointing the exhaust hose upward — condensate runs back into the unit.

What to prepare before the technician arrives

• Unpack the unit and check the contents — exhaust hose, window adapter, drain hose.
• Decide which room the unit will go in — the technician needs to know the room size.
• Check the window: tilt-and-turn works best; sliding windows need a different panel.
• Make sure there is a socket rated at least 16A within 1.5 metres of the window.
• If the socket is far away — let the technician know so they can bring a heavy-duty extension lead of the right gauge.
• Clear the area around the window — the technician needs access to the sill and the sash.
• If there are curtains or blinds on the window — decide in advance whether they need removing or can be worked around.
• Provide the intercom code and parking information.
• If there is a carpet in the room — cover it with plastic sheeting in case of condensate drips during setup.
• Have the AC manual ready — it lists the wattage and ventilation requirements.

A real case from Warsaw

A client in the Srodmiescie district bought a 3.5 kW portable AC for a 25 m² living room. The flat was on the fifth floor with south-facing windows — by afternoon in summer the room was unbearable. The problem was that the tilt-and-turn windows had a narrow opening, and the universal fabric seal included in the kit did not fit. The technician trimmed the seal to match the sash dimensions, attached it with hook-and-loop tape, and routed the exhaust hose through the top of the window. The socket turned out to be on the opposite wall, so the technician ran a cable channel and installed a dedicated socket closer to the unit. The model had no auto-evaporation for condensate, so we connected a drain hose leading to a 5-litre plastic container. After startup the room temperature dropped from 32 to 24 degrees in 40 minutes. The client also booked a service call a month later — the filter was already dusty, and after cleaning the cooling output improved noticeably.

Frequently asked questions

Is a portable AC noisy?
Yes, portable units are louder than split systems — typically 50-65 dB. But proper installation reduces vibration: levelling on a flat surface and non-slip pads under the feet.

Can I skip routing the exhaust hose through a window?
No. Without venting hot air outside, the unit cools and heats the room at the same time — net effect is zero. The exhaust hose is mandatory.

How often does an AC need servicing?
Clean the filters every 2-3 weeks during heavy use. A full service (drain, diagnostics, refrigerant check) should be done once a season, ideally before summer starts.

What is included in the installation price?
Labour, window seal installation, exhaust hose and drain connection, operational check. Extra materials (extension lead, non-standard seal, condensate container) are charged separately.

Does the AC need a dedicated electrical circuit?
For powerful models (3 kW and above) it is recommended. Portable ACs draw a lot of power, and running one through a weak extension strip shared with other devices can overheat the wiring.

Do you install split AC systems?
No, we work with portable (floor-standing) air conditioners. A split system requires drilling through the facade and mounting an outdoor unit — that is a different type of job, often needing building management approval.

Can I use the AC in winter for heating?
Some portable models have a heating mode. But it is inefficient — electricity consumption is high and the heating output is usually insufficient for winter. An air conditioner is primarily a cooling device.

What do I do with the condensate?
It depends on the model. If it has auto-evaporation, the water leaves with the hot exhaust air. If not, the technician will connect a drain hose to a container or arrange a run-off. We will find the right solution on site.

Who does the work

AC installation and servicing are handled by technicians experienced with flats of all layouts — from older buildings in Srodmiescie to new developments in Wilanow. We arrive with tools, sealing kits, and consumables. If a non-standard solution is needed, we discuss it beforehand based on photos. To book, call or message us — we reply within an hour.