How much does AC installation cost in India?

A standard split AC installation includes mounting the indoor unit, drilling and running the drain pipe outdoors, mounting the outdoor unit (usually on a wall bracket), running the copper refrigerant lines between them, and vacuum-testing the joints. Labour for this is ₹1,500–₹2,500 in most Indian cities. Materials — copper piping (~₹300–₹500/metre), drain pipe, wall bracket, mounting hardware — add ₹500–₹1,000. Total: ₹2,000–₹3,500 pan-India base.

Metros run higher. In Mumbai, Bangalore or Delhi expect ₹1,950–₹3,250 labour + ₹650–₹1,300 materials = ₹2,600–₹4,550 all-in.

AC shifting (uninstall at one location, reinstall at another within the same city) is ₹2,500–₹4,500. This is expensive because it involves gas pump-down (recover the refrigerant into the outdoor unit), disconnect, transport, remount, evacuate, and re-charge. Cross-city shifting is priced per km + all the above.

One separate cost that catches customers: the AC point wiring. If the room doesn't already have a dedicated 15A electrical line for the AC, an electrician must add it — ₹800–₹2,000 depending on wall run distance. This is not covered by the AC technician's installation quote.