What is important to know about installing an air conditioner
A split system consists of an external unit, installed on the street side, and an internal unit, which is installed directly in the room. Electrical and freon communications are laid between the blocks. The connection is carried out by qualified specialists using special tools in their work.
When installing the indoor unit of a split system, it is important to ensure free circulation of air in the room, without any obstacles to the cooled air flow.
The external unit must be protected from various influences that can damage the device: heavy rain, falling icicles or avalanches from the roof. The structure is mounted on the outside of the building using high-quality fastening elements. It is advisable to install the device on the shady side, under a window with an opening sash, which will provide convenience for maintenance.
There are also monoblock floor and window air conditioners. The design is extremely simple, all working components are immersed in one housing.
It is prohibited to install external air conditioner units on glazed balconies that prevent heat from escaping, as well as close to the ground, near trees and gas communications.
When installing an air conditioner, be sure to consider condensate drainage. Do not allow water to get on the wall. The installed sewage system, which can also be included in the equipment installation project, will eliminate such wetting.
Step-by-step installation of an air conditioner with your own hands (17 photos)
Step-by-step installation of an air conditioner with your own hands (17 photos)
If you are attacked by heat, then I will show and tell you in pictures how to install the air conditioner correctly)).
1. First, attach the mounting plate to the wall. Fastening is done by level so that it hangs strictly horizontally. If it is not horizontal, then the condensation formed in the block will not flow out into the street through the drainage channel and will flood your entire wall.
2. Markings are made for the hole in the wall. A bag from the air conditioner is attached just below, so as not to stain the wall when drilling.
3. A hole for drilling is outlined and the wallpaper is trimmed so that when drilling it does not get gutted.
4. A hole is drilled with a large hammer drill. In this case, the air conditioner is small, so we drill with a drill with a diameter of 34 mm. Less labor-intensive and more accurate. In other cases, we drill with a drill with a diameter of 55 mm.
5. As you can see, after drilling there is not much dirt and dust, and the walls are clean.
6. Brackets for the outdoor unit are marked and installed.
7. The route is prepared: two copper pipes of the appropriate diameter are dressed in a special heat and moisture insulation called Thermaflex. The bundle contains an interconnect cable for transmitting power and signals from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit and vice versa. The route is wrapped in Teflon tape for easier passage through the hole in the wall, and in the future less damage from weather conditions.
8. Finished route.
9. The outdoor unit is installed on brackets and secured with 4 x 13 bolts with nuts and washers.
10. While one is attaching the block, the second one is pushing the wrapped route into the hole and preparing it for connection to the outdoor block.
11. Everything necessary is connected to the outdoor unit.
12. Let's start with the indoor unit: Connect the copper tubes to the block, connect the drainage pipe in the block with our tube (16mm metal-plastic) inserted into the wall to remove drainage from the indoor unit. We connect the interconnect cable from the outside to the inside. block.
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13. When the blocks are connected by copper tubes, we begin to vacuum the circuit. This is done to check the tightness and remove moisture from the circuit, since moisture has a detrimental effect on the internal parts of the air conditioner, and first of all, the compressor and oil located inside the unit. The pressure gauge manifold is connected at one end to the vacuum pump, and at the other end to the service fitting on the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. It is necessary to vacuum for 10-20 minutes in dry weather.
14. The vacuum pump itself. Of course, two-stage))
15. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner is fully connected and ready for operation.
16. At the customer’s request, a special anti-vandal grille is installed on the outdoor unit.
17. The indoor unit is installed and completely ready for operation.
Requirements for the location of the air conditioner
The efficiency and longevity of the air conditioner is affected by its location. There are some requirements for the installation of split equipment that must be taken into account during installation work.
Basic installation rules:
- There must be a void space of at least 15 cm high between the ceiling and the indoor unit.
- There should be a distance of at least 10 cm between the nearest vertical surface.
- The indoor unit must not be installed under shelves, cabinets or other vertical surfaces, or above appliances that generate heat.
- The indoor unit of the split system should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
- Significant bending of the freon tubes connecting the external and internal units is not allowed.
Useful tips:
- It is advisable to choose a convenient place to install the air conditioner so that it is as accessible as possible for maintenance.
- Try not to create a long route of communication systems between the indoor and outdoor units, which will require refilling with freon.
- It is better to install the air conditioner at the stage of repair work.
- It is not advisable to install a cooling device opposite the entrance to the room.
Typical mistakes when installing air conditioners
Incorrect installation of an air conditioner is a common occurrence. It also happens that an error leads to the collapse of a structure. The reason for this is the high cost of installation services provided by special companies, as well as the presence of non-professionals in this field. For example, the qualified workers provided by the company will charge almost half the cost of the air conditioner itself for their work installing an air conditioner, which will take 2–3 hours. Therefore, in order to save money, owners prefer to hire unskilled workers. The result of such an installation is different: for some, the air conditioner lasts for years, while for others it does not.
Note! Often, non-professionals do not pay attention to the material from which the facade is made, what load it will withstand, etc.
Here is a list of the most typical and common mistakes that are made when installing air conditioners:
- Freon tubes are bent too often and excessively. Then the load on the compressor increases, and it fails faster.
- Installation of a condenser unit on a glazed loggia. As a result, air circulation deteriorates.
- Installing an air conditioner in a room with devices that emit high-frequency electromagnetic waves. These include: lathe or drilling machine, welding equipment.
- Installation of the evaporator unit is skewed: condensate flows onto the floor covering.
- Installing an air conditioner above a heat source.
When these errors have already been made during the installation process, you will have to eliminate them. To do this, you need to understand the meaning of the error and the reason:
- If after installation the air conditioner creates a draft, it is enough to change the direction of the air flow, which is changed by the position of the damper on the device.
- While heating the room indoors, the outdoor unit becomes covered with an icy coating. In this case, the product does not have an automatic defrosting system. It is enough to turn on the air conditioner in cooling mode, after which the plaque will gradually melt.
- During hot periods, no fresh air comes from the installed air conditioner, and there is no cooling effect. You need to check the filters, close the windows in the room, turn on the heating device, and replace the air conditioner with a more powerful one.
- If the air flow is weak, the filters are cleaned.
- If water is leaking from the air conditioner, the drainage channel is blocked. It could be an ice jam. You will have to call a technician who will warm up the unit.
- When a line noise is heard while the installed air conditioner is operating, the bearings may be worn out or the fan may be unbalanced. A technician is hired to diagnose and repair the product.
- The compressor gets very hot - a sign of low freon pressure. It is enough to top up the air conditioner with freon and check everything for leaks.
If you follow all these steps, you can be sure that the installed air conditioner will last for many more years.
Where is the best place to install an air conditioner in an apartment?
It is very important to choose the right place to install the air conditioner in your living space. It should create a pleasant coolness for residents without causing hypothermia of the body with the development of colds. Let's consider different options for installing a split system in apartments.
Studio apartment
In a 1-room apartment, you can install a multi-system with two indoor units and one outdoor unit, or several air conditioners with separate installation in each room.
Another good option is installing a duct system using low-pressure equipment. The only caveat is that the installation is more expensive and has some features.
An economical option for a 1-room apartment is to install a wall-mounted split system that covers the entire area of the internal space with air flows. But it is worth understanding that in the room where the equipment will be installed, the temperature regime will always differ from the air temperature in other rooms.
Two-roomed flat
In two-room apartments, it is best to install air conditioning in the largest room by area. This will ensure even distribution of cooled air throughout other rooms in the apartment.
Before choosing a place to install an air conditioner in a 2-room apartment, carefully study the room layout. The best place for installation will be the room that is directly connected to other rooms in the apartment. And also take into account the need to direct air flows from the air conditioner to the doorways of adjacent rooms.
When is the best time to install an air conditioner: practical advice
Installation methods
There are several types of installation methods, it all depends on what model of air conditioner is planned to be installed and what is the principle of its operation. The cost of the service will depend on the installation method - installation of air conditioners; the price also varies on the individual characteristics of the equipment, its power, the characteristics of the room, additional work, such as, for example dismantling air conditioners when replacing them with new models.
There are three installation options:
- In the window opening
- On the wall
- Floor installation
Installation of household air conditioners in a window opening occurs in such a way that the control is ultimately located inside the room, and the working part with the compress is located outside. This option is no longer used so often; although it is a fairly budget option, it is considered an outdated method of installing climate control equipment.
Air conditioners that are mounted on the wall require special skills, tools and auxiliary equipment, since the installation of split systems involves complex installation, which must be done so as not to damage the appearance of the building. Here you cannot do without the help of specialists; only they can provide high-quality installation of air conditioners , taking into account all the features of the room and the individual characteristics of the equipment itself. In addition to the fact that a correct and rational installation scheme will be developed, special tools and equipment will be used, you can be sure that the air conditioners will be installed with a guarantee from the installer.
Floor-standing air conditioners do not require special, professional installation and install this type of air conditioner yourself, without any extra effort.
All additional materials and work (if necessary) are paid separately. The manager will provide you with the relevant information at the time of placing your order.
The cost of extending the St. 5 meters (for split systems)
Power, W | Price for 1m, rub |
up to 3500 | 800 |
up to 5000 | 850 |
up to 8000 | 900 |
Cost of alp work (per 1 block)
Power, W | Price, rub |
up to 3600 | from 500 |
up to 6000 | from 600 |
up to 8000 | from 700 |
The cost of gating for an 80x60 mm route (price per linear meter)
Material | Price, rub |
Foam block \ Brick | from 800 |
Concrete \ Monolith | from 1400 |
Dismantling of air conditioners (without alp work)
Power, W | Price, rub |
up to 4000 | from 2800 |
up to 7000 | from 3200 |
up to 9000 | from 4200 |
Features of installing an air conditioner in a room
An improperly installed air conditioner can cause frequent colds. To create a comfortable microclimate in your home, wisely choose the location for installing split equipment.
Do not install the air conditioner:
- above heating equipment;
- opposite the sleeping or working place;
- on an uneven or weak wall;
- in places where there is interference with free air circulation.
Now let's look at the options for placing the split system in different rooms.
Bedroom
If a bedroom is chosen for installing climate control equipment, you need to consider the installation location so that the flow of cooled air does not fall on vacationers, but passes next to the bed, providing a pleasant coolness in the room.
If the room is small and there are practically no options for installation, choose an air conditioner with multi-directional air flow, which allows you to independently regulate the direction of the outgoing flow.
Living room
In the living room, the air conditioner should be installed according to a similar principle: the cold air flow should not be directed towards people, which means that when installing, be sure to take into account the location of the furniture.
Optimal locations for installing a split system:
- on the wall to the right or left of upholstered furniture;
- above the front door;
- near the window opening.
In order for the air conditioner to fit harmoniously into the interior of the living room, it is recommended to choose a model that matches the color or design of the overall design concept of the living space.
Kitchen
You can install an air conditioner in the kitchen, but not next to gas equipment and a stove. For this room, you should select special models that can cope not only with their main function.
The operation of a split system in the kitchen is often complicated by the following nuances: high humidity in the room, a high content of fat and soot in the air, as well as various odors during cooking, to eliminate which you often have to open the windows. The air conditioner should not be used as a hood; this device is not designed for such work.
An air conditioner in an apartment or in a private house is an excellent solution for creating a pleasant microclimate in the living space on hot days. The main thing is to choose the right place to install it, weighing the pros and cons of each option.
Air conditioner maintenance
For uninterrupted operation, it is important not only to install the device itself in accordance with all the rules, but also to carry out periodic maintenance. This consists of periodically cleaning the filters or replacing them, and removing dirt and dust from the filters located in the external compartment of the device.
There is nothing complicated in the cleaning process. The filters can be easily removed from the air conditioner and washed in a solution of warm soapy water, then carefully cleaned with a brush. It is necessary to dry the filter in natural conditions, placing it away from sources of fire and heat. Otherwise, the filter dried on the battery will lose half of its properties. Some devices have filters that absolutely cannot be washed. They can only be replaced with new ones. Considering the widespread use of air conditioners, buying a filter for the model you need is not a problem today.
When deciding how to install an air conditioner in an apartment, think about whether you can care for the device yourself. Otherwise, you can simply enter into an agreement with a company that provides services of this nature.
But it is worth noting that servicing an air conditioner yourself is not such a labor-intensive process. Any user can easily handle it on their own. Filters need to be changed or cleaned approximately once a month, but conditions must also be taken into account. For example, locating an air conditioner near a dusty and gas-polluted highway requires performing the filter cleaning process about twice a month.
Duct air conditioners
This device is a semi-industrial type device. It perfectly solves the problems of ventilation, air conditioning and temperature control in a fairly large room.
In this system, air passes through ventilation ducts. They have an unusual air supply and distribution system. For this purpose, a network of air ducts has been created.
Air from the street enters the external unit, then it moves through copper pipes, in which it is cooled and sets the desired temperature in the room. The indoor unit of the air conditioner is equipped with filters to purify the air.