How to install a split system in private. Do-it-yourself air conditioner installation - a detailed overview of the installation and the correct connection. Perfect window assembly

Buying an air conditioner to create and maintain comfortable conditions in a room can become completely useless. It's no secret that when choosing an air conditioning system, we tend to listen to the opinions and advice of qualified professionals. We do not buy such a complex device at random, without taking into account the volume of the room, the material of the walls, the number of window and door openings. We get acquainted with the available information about the models of the selected brand. And many refuse the help of qualified installers, believing that installing an air conditioner in an apartment on their own is not a difficult job at all.

Nevertheless, the real prospect of spoiling expensive equipment with poor-quality installation is obvious. In our article we will tell you how to install air conditioners in an apartment.

Types of air conditioners

The first device that maintains comfortable conditions in an apartment - temperature, humidity, purity and speed of air movement - appeared in the first half of the 20th century, but in Russia air conditioners for residential buildings began to be used relatively recently.

Air conditioners can be divided into several independent groups:

  • mobile;
  • window;
  • split systems;
  • multi-split systems.

For a long time in our country, the most popular were window systems that are installed in a window or wall. This significantly reduces the level of illumination in the room. It consists of a single unit, so the installation of such a device is greatly simplified. Such models work quietly, are quite durable, they do not have freon leaks, they have a maximum efficiency indicator, but their price is high.

The air is taken out through a pipe brought out into the window. The condensate is collected in the pan. The advantage of such systems is their mobility - you can place it anywhere, and the disadvantages, no doubt, include strong noise.

There is another subspecies of mobile air conditioners. It does not have an air duct, produces much less noise and consumes little energy. The moisture that evaporates during operation enters the room in the form of steam, thereby increasing the humidity.

Split systems are a more modern device that consists of two parts - an indoor and outdoor unit. They are divided into types:

  • columned;
  • cassette;
  • channel;
  • ceiling;
  • central;
  • wall.

Installing an air conditioner in an apartment involves installing a unit outside the room - on the facade, roof, balcony. It is connected by electrical wires and a drainage tube.

Air conditioner selection

When you select a specific device, its power is calculated. In this calculation, it is necessary to take into account the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe rooms, the degree of natural light, and the presence of heating devices. More powerful devices are suitable for the kitchen, less noisy ones for the bedroom. And the installation of an air conditioner in an apartment, in particular in a children's room, will require the choice of the highest quality mechanism. From an aesthetic point of view, it is better that the device is hidden. A split system is most suitable for this.

Duct air conditioners

This device belongs to semi-industrial type devices. It perfectly solves the problems of ventilation, air conditioning and temperature control in a fairly large room.

In this system, air passes through the ventilation ducts. They have an unusual air supply and distribution system. For this, a network of air ducts has been created.

Air from the street enters the outdoor 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.

Additional functions

Devices of this type, as a rule, are equipped with instructions, a control panel, a set of additional filters. In addition, the duct air conditioner has the function of antibacterial air treatment.

Advantages

Installing a channel air conditioner in an apartment is justified if it is quite spacious (more than 120 square meters). Such systems are more suitable for estates, large private houses.

The ducted air conditioner is very compact, it is almost invisible in the room, since its indoor unit is mounted in storage rooms, utility rooms, under false ceilings. This allows you not to disturb the interior.

Air enters the room from outside. The developed air duct system allows the device to supply it to several rooms at the same time.

Flaws

Ducted air conditioners have their weaknesses:

  • high noise level;
  • installation complexity.

Installation of an air conditioner in an apartment (channel) can only be performed by experienced specialists. They must accurately calculate the rules for air conditioning and ventilation.

Installing an air conditioner in an apartment with your own hands

After the model is selected, a suitable device is purchased, visually inspect the equipment. This is necessary in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises during its installation. All parts must be securely fixed, the air conditioner must not have mechanical damage.

After that, you should clearly determine the place of the external and internal modules of the device. At the same time, certain rules for installing an air conditioner in an apartment should be observed - first of all, this is the need to take into account the aesthetic appearance of the device and ensure all its quality characteristics. To do this, consider the following:


Indoor unit - location selection

  1. Install the equipment in such a way that it is convenient to mount it. The device must be protected from direct sunlight.
  2. It is necessary to choose a solid wall so that the air conditioner is in a predetermined position during operation.
  3. In order for the air circulation to be of high quality, the installation site of the unit must be well ventilated - the distance of the module from the ceiling must be at least fifteen centimeters.
  4. Get rid of various obstacles in the way of the cooled flow - screens, partitions, etc.

Preparatory work

If you decide to install this device yourself, then you will certainly need a scheme for installing an air conditioner in an apartment. Usually it is attached to all models. If it does not suit you, then look through the special literature to find the best option for your room.

The most time-consuming task in the preparatory work is drilling a hole in the load-bearing wall and preparing strobes - recesses in the wall, which must be of such a size that engineering communications can be placed in them.

If the gating process is unfamiliar to you, you can place these elements in a special mounting box. For drilling, it is better to use professional equipment - a powerful hammer drill equipped with a break drill with a carbide tip.

In order for the holes to be made with high quality, in accordance with the technical requirements, some recommendations should be followed:

  • hole diameter should be 45 mm;
  • it is necessary to drill at a slight angle (for the timely removal of the discharged condensate).

At the preparatory stage, the fastening of the outer bracket and the mounting plate are installed.

When attaching external brackets, follow simple rules:

  • the bracket is selected taking into account the dimensions of the outdoor unit;
  • fasteners are made with powerful screws, dowels, the diameter of which must be at least 12 mm.

You can use anchor bolts.

Outdoor unit fixing

Installation of air conditioners in the apartment must be carried out in compliance with all technical standards.

In order for the outdoor unit to be securely installed, it must be carefully fixed to all available mounting holes. To reduce vibration, we recommend using rubber pads.

Engineering Communication

Installing an air conditioner in an apartment will require certain technical knowledge.

After installing the outdoor unit, you can proceed with the installation. You will need to measure the length of the route connecting both units, and cut the pipeline to the desired dimensions.

Then it is necessary to flare the connecting tubes. Now you need to connect the pipes of the indoor unit to the pipelines.

The final stage of work is fixing the indoor unit, connecting its nozzles to the outdoor unit and connecting the electrical cable.

At this stage, it is best to work together. One person lifts the main line of the indoor unit, the second one advances the counterpart of the route to the street through the prepared hole. The indoor unit is then attached to the mounting bar.

On this, the installation of the air conditioner in the apartment (you see the photo in our article) is considered complete. In conclusion, I would like to say: if you are not sure that you can do this, entrust it to professionals.

Air conditioning on the balcony

As a rule, installation on the upper floors of apartment buildings requires the participation of qualified installers who are authorized to work at height. Their services are not cheap. Therefore, the thought often arises of installing it on a balcony.

This decision has its own nuances. When installing the outdoor unit inside, it will overheat. In this case, it should be installed outside.

The operation of this device is accompanied by noise and vibration. You can get rid of this inconvenience with the help of mounts with shock absorbers. As you can see, the installation of an air conditioner in an apartment causes certain difficulties on the upper floors of high-rise buildings. Permission to install the block on the facade of the building, including the balcony, must be obtained from the architecture department of the city administration.

To ensure the smooth operation of the air conditioner, it is very important to properly install it. We want to tell you about the procedure and techniques for installing wall-mounted climate systems with our own hands and talk about the tools necessary for this.

Can I install a wall split system myself? It is possible, but you need to stock up on the necessary tools, understand the general rules and carefully study the installation instructions that are attached to the technical documentation of the air conditioner.

Tools and materials for mounting a wall-mounted split system

It is not advisable to purchase a tool for one installation, since it will require not only general construction and plumbing, but also special equipment. It is good if it is already on the farm or it can be borrowed or rented.

Professional set of split system installers

So, an approximate list of what you may need when installing an air conditioner.

Building tools:

  • perforator;
  • drills, augers (Ø 45-65 mm, at least 0.5 m long) and drills (for metal and concrete);
  • screwdriver;
  • construction level;
  • roulette.

Technological tools:

  • example - for removing burrs on a copper tube before flaring;
  • device for expanding copper pipes;
  • pipe cutter;
  • vacuum gauge - measurements during evacuation of the refrigerant route;
  • vacuum pump - for evacuation of the refrigerant route;
  • if the route is long and additional refrigerant charge is required, control and charge hoses, charging cylinder are needed.

Locksmith tool:

  • screwdrivers: cross and slot;
  • hammer;
  • hex key;
  • wrench;
  • torque wrench;
  • pliers;

Materials required for installation: screws, dowels, heat-insulating and electrical insulating tape, protective decorative electrical wiring boxes and refrigerant lines.

If work will be carried out at height, safety equipment and experience working at height will be required.

Remember about insurance

Determination of the mounting location of the indoor unit

The placement of the indoor evaporative unit should be such as to create the most comfortable microclimate for people, eliminating directed cold air flows to the head of a sleeping child or to the owner’s favorite chair.

Indoor unit placement and airflow direction

In addition, there are rules for the placement of climatic equipment, which must be followed. Before attaching the mounting plate to the wall, make sure the location is correct.

Basic Rules:

  1. Ventilation openings in the walls must not be blocked.
  2. The difference in height between the outdoor and indoor units cannot be more than 5m.
  3. It is better to fix the indoor unit on a load-bearing wall. A thin interior partition may not support the weight of the structure.
  4. The filter must be easily accessible.
  5. It is advisable to place the evaporation unit at a height of at least 2.3 m from the floor level.
  6. Do not install the wall system too close to the ceiling. For various models, this distance is at least 7-25 cm.
  7. Installation should be carried out near an electrical outlet. If it is necessary to extend the cord, do not extend the cable, but replace it with a wire of the required length. When installing powerful air conditioners (more than 4.5 kW), the wiring must include a residual current device.
  8. It is desirable that direct sunlight does not fall on the indoor unit. Do not place it under fluorescent lamps either - this spoils the plastic of the case.
  9. When installing in a kitchen, make sure that the distance to the microwave oven is at least 1 m.
  10. Blocks are not installed in laundries, bathrooms.

Determining the location for mounting the outdoor unit

The outdoor compressor unit must be mounted on strong, reliable brackets that can support its weight. Do not take too thin metal. Outdoor units are often mounted between window openings or under an outdoor window sill.

When choosing a location for the unit, make sure that in the event of repair it will be accessible to specialists. The installation location should not be chosen next to a gas pipe where leakage is possible. The unit must be protected from rain and the midday sun by a visor and well ventilated. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the distances recommended by the manufacturer from the block to other surfaces.

If the air conditioner is installed on the first floor, it makes sense to consider an anti-vandal box for placing the outdoor unit.

Stages of installation of a two-block system

In order for the system to work without problems, you need to correctly complete all the installation steps.

1. Installation, start with the markings for the mounting panel of the indoor unit of the split system. To the intended conditional rectangle - the landing site of the indoor unit, you need to attach a mounting plate or mounting panel, align them with a level and mark the drilling locations. After that, drill holes with a depth of at least 32 mm with a Ø 8 mm drill, hammer dowels into them, attach the mounting panel to the wall, check again for correct installation with a level and fix the metal base with self-tapping screws with a press washer.

2. Based on the connection diagram, find the freon outlet and mark a place for drilling a channel to the outdoor unit with a slight slope towards the street for unhindered condensate outlet. At the point of drilling with a knife, remove the circle of wallpaper in place of the future channel. So when drilling, you will get a neat hole. Under the future hole, secure the trash bag with masking tape. So there will be much less debris and dust in the room, especially if you do not have an industrial vacuum cleaner.

The length of the drill is taken depending on the thickness of the walls, the diameter of the drill (~ 45 mm) must correspond to the cross section for the passage of communications. Drill a hole and insert a flexible tube to protect the walls and pipes.

3. Next, take care of the safety straps: the work moves to the outer wall. It is necessary to fix the brackets for installing the outdoor unit. To do this, mark the fasteners and drill holes for bolts with a length of at least 100 mm with a dowel for a drill Ø 12 mm. Attach the brackets to the installation site and secure them with bolts.

After installing the outdoor unit on the brackets, fix it with Ø 8-10 mm bolts with a nut and washer.

4. Measure the length of the freon line. To do this, we apply a tape measure to the indoor unit and pass it through the formed communication channel to the connection point on the outdoor unit, leaving a margin of at least 10 cm. Cut a copper tube of the required length with a pipe cutter, process it from burrs with a reamer, install a cone nut and roll it on the very edge.

The edges of the pipes up to the connection must be muffled with electrical tape.

5. After snapping off the front cover of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, unscrew the plug for connecting the cable connecting the indoor and outdoor units. After feeding the cable through the mounting hole, connect the wires to the individual terminals according to the diagram, which is shown next to the terminal box (or in the air conditioner passport). Assemble everything in reverse order.

Attention! Dust and dirt should not get inside: this can provoke a short circuit and fire.

6. Connect the drain hose of the air conditioner with a metal-plastic tube Ø 16 mm, which will act as a drain, with mounting tape. Very carefully, so as not to damage the copper pipes, connect them to the indoor unit of the air conditioner using an adjustable and torque wrench, screwing the conical nut until it clicks. Before using wrenches, make sure that the nut can be tightened freely by hand. Slide rubber tubing over the copper tube.

Wrap the line using vinyl insulation.

Pass the combined line through the hole in the wall. Try not to bend the tubes too much or too often. Under the connecting route, a drainage pipe is laid in such a way that there is no stagnation of condensate or reverse current - the direction is “only down”. Install the indoor unit on the mounting plate on the wall. Make sure that the unit is firmly and securely seated on the mount and is set strictly horizontally.

Connect the line and electric cable to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner in the same way.

7. Using a vacuum pump, fill the freon line within 15 minutes. To do this, connect the service pump to the vacuum pump with a flexible hose using a four-way valve, from which the cover must be removed.

When the specified vacuum values ​​are reached, turn off the vacuum pump, open the 1/4 valve for 10 s and check the line for leaks using a soapy solution at the joints. Disconnect the vacuum pump hose from the system.

If the line length exceeds 7 m, you will have to refill the circuit with freon.

Attention! Make sure that all elements are connected securely, otherwise liquid may leak!

8. Isolate all communications on the street with vinyl tape, securing with plastic clamps. Using a hex wrench, open the service valves on the outdoor unit of the air conditioner and start the freon into the line. Install the cover of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner by fixing it with screws. Align the drain tube with a downward slope and secure it to the bracket with plastic clamps.

Attention! In reversible models, the drain pipe is inserted into the outdoor unit through a hole in the bottom panel, and then connected to the condensate drain line.

Seal the hole in the wall, fix and close all communications indoors and outdoors with a decorative box and turn on the air conditioner. Check how the remote works, listen to the noises. If everything is fine, you have installed your air conditioner.

Installing an air conditioner is a very complex task that requires certain knowledge and sometimes special tools. In our article today, we will talk about how to install air conditioning at home yourself. There are various types of air conditioning systems, which include mobile and window models, as well as the so-called split systems. As part of our article, we will dwell in more detail on the sequence of actions when installing the last variety.

The process of installing a split system is quite complicated and is carried out in several steps. In this regard, all actions can be divided into three main stages, which include the following:

  1. Works on the installation of the indoor unit;
  2. Actions related to the installation of the outdoor unit;
  3. Vacuuming.

Each of the stages will be considered by us in detail.

Step one: install the indoor unit

If you decide to install a mobile air conditioner at home, then you don’t have to worry about the installation process, you just need to put it in the right place. But with a split system you will have to work hard, since it consists of two blocks, each of which needs a separate installation. If we talk about the indoor unit, then a number of requirements are imposed on its installation. So, for example, it should be at some distance from the ceiling, which should not be less than ten centimeters.

The importance of the above requirement should be understood, since if it is ignored, the following consequences may occur:

  • his body will quickly become clogged with dust, and it will have to be cleaned almost every day;
  • dust will also settle on the surface of the ceiling. As a result, not the most beautiful dust spot will be obtained;
  • the system will not have enough air, and this will subsequently affect its efficiency.

Such an indentation from the wall is required so that it becomes possible to ensure a distance between the curtains and the device of at least ten centimeters. In conditions of a shorter distance, curtains or curtains will constantly flutter, which is also undesirable. Next, install the mounting plate, while it is necessary to adhere to the level. Previously, you should also equip the markup, which is performed using dowels and a puncher.

Further self-installation of the air conditioner involves making a through hole in the wall, which is required in order to lay a line and a drainage system there. For this purpose, it is required to take a drill, the diameter of which is forty-five millimeters, after which you can start making a hole. This tunnel should be designed in such a way that the slight slope required for condensate to flow through it is provided. Further actions will be related to the collection and connection of the route. First you need to measure the required length of the pipe and cut them. This will require the use of a pipe cutter. But it is better not to use a hacksaw for metal, since chips that have got inside will lead to compressor failure.

Next comes the connection of pipes - rolling is used. The quality of the connection that holds the refrigerant also depends on how well this operation is performed. Even before rolling, it is required to put the nut on the tube. This requirement is explained by the impossibility of such an action in the future. It is also important to tighten the nuts to the indoor unit as tightly as possible, this only improves the quality of the connection.

Connected pipes, electrical wiring, as well as the drainage system must be insulated and wrapped with tape. Next, the free trunk ends must be inserted into a previously made hole in the wall. As for the indoor unit itself, it is installed on a bar. At this stage, the installation stages of the air conditioner associated with its indoor unit can be considered completed. Now we move on to the next steps to install the outdoor unit.

Step two: install the outdoor unit

Solving the issue related to the competent installation of the air conditioning system, or rather its external unit, is associated with some risk. This is relevant in the case of high-altitude work. In such cases, insurance is mandatory.

As part of this stage, the first step is to install the brackets. The outdoor unit is in most cases mounted under the window. This decision about its location is explained by the fact that in this way it becomes possible to provide convenient maintenance and repair.

As for the location of the brackets, it is calculated in such a way that the external unit of the air conditioning system would be located below the level of the window sill.

After finishing the marking work, you can proceed to the stage of attaching the brackets to the wall. Due to the fact that the outdoor unit is characterized by a rather significant weight, the brackets must be fixed with maximum reliability. For this, long self-tapping screws are used, the diameter of which should not be less than twelve millimeters. After the installation of the brackets is completed, the unit itself should be lowered onto them directly. It is advisable to mount the block in tandem with an assistant, because due to the considerable mass there is a threat to drop the block.

Further, after installing the unit on the brackets, you will need to securely fasten it. But this must be done by securing all four screws. When these steps are completed, it will be possible to connect trunk elements to it. In this case, it is necessary to carry out all actions very carefully, since it is important not to confuse which of the tubes should be connected to where. In addition, even in the process of connecting them to the indoor unit, it is recommended to make appropriate marks. In all other respects, other actions are carried out similarly to the indoor unit of the air conditioning system.

Stage Three: Vacuuming

When deciding to install an air conditioner at home with your own hands, remember that vacuuming is mandatory. Such a process is a set of actions aimed at creating a vacuum in the tubes of the main line. Without these measures, it is impossible to ensure the operation of the air conditioner. Vacuuming is performed to remove dust and moisture from the pipes. This is done with a special pump connected to the system using a manometric manifold and flexible hoses.

Next, the pump is turned on and a port is opened on the outdoor unit. After the gauge needle goes into vacuum, close the port and turn off the pump. These steps will take no more than fifteen minutes to complete. It may take longer to carry out this operation, but this is not necessary. Do not rush to turn off the pump with a pressure gauge, as the arrow may change its position. So, for example, when it is raised, we can talk about the lack of tightness of the system. Therefore, check all connections in general and rolling in particular.

You can start the refrigerant only after making sure that everything is tight, and it does not matter where you decide to install the air conditioner. At the same time, it is better to leave the pressure gauges in their places. First of all, you need to open the tube responsible for the supply, then the suction tube, after which you can start fixing the freon pressure. It is also important not to confuse the above sequence of actions.

Next, the first launch of the system is performed, which will not happen immediately, you will have to wait for some time. Then you need to let it work for about fifteen minutes. This time is allotted for the complete distribution of freon through the tubes. Then control measurements of pressure are carried out, and the pump equipped with a pressure gauge is turned off. On this work on the installation of a split system can be considered completed.

Installation of a window air conditioner

In cases where you want to install a window air conditioner at home, the steps are somewhat different, since its design is significantly different from a split system. To do this, you will need to remove its front panel and remove the block located on the skid. After that, the housing should be installed with a slight slope towards the street. Then it is assembled in the reverse order and connected to the outlet, adjusting the required power.

Installing an air conditioner with your own hands involves performing a number of works, including choosing a kit for installation, a place for equipment, taking into account all the rules, as well as directly installing the indoor and outdoor units. A split system is the most common version of such a technique, as it has fewer disadvantages along with a fairly high work efficiency.

Device location rules

Do-it-yourself installation of an air conditioner will not affect performance if you follow the instructions supplied with such equipment (if a new device is purchased). Often, the indoor unit is installed at a considerable distance from the ceiling level. This option is quite acceptable, it is much more important to observe the minimum size between the device and the ceiling, which is 10 cm.

The installation height of the air conditioner is also determined on the basis of convenience and safety, since constant exposure to a direct stream of cool air from the indoor unit can cause frequent illnesses. Given the fact that a split system requires air circulation, it is important to choose an area within a radius of 2 m where there will be free space.

Installing an air conditioner yourself also involves installing an outdoor unit. At this stage, a number of work to be done will depend on where the equipment is installed. If we are talking about a private house or the first floors of multi-storey buildings, then there is an opportunity to fix the block on our own. The installation of an air conditioner in an apartment on the upper floors must be carried out without fail by high-altitude installers. If there is a balcony, then you don’t have to call the masters.

The best location for the outdoor unit is under the window or at the level of its middle. At the same time, it will be convenient to carry out installation, it will also simplify the process of further maintenance of equipment.

The rules for installing air conditioners also include the calculation of the length of the tracks. In order to avoid further inconvenience associated with refueling the device, it is necessary to position both blocks in such a way that the length of the route that connects them does not exceed 6 m. The minimum allowable size is 1.5 m. at a rough calculation, it turned out that the length of the route exceeds the maximum value, it is necessary to re-plan the equipment attachment points and achieve an acceptable length of the route.

Independent installation of an air conditioner is sometimes fraught with a number of errors, among which the most common is non-compliance with the minimum value of the route length. If the outdoor and indoor units are supposed to be mounted in close proximity to each other (that is, on both sides of the building's load-bearing wall), then it is important to leave a margin, the so-called loop. This will smooth out the vibration interference that occurs during the operation of the equipment, and also somewhat reduce the noise effect.

If you ignore the rules for installing an air conditioner in an apartment, given the relatively small area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, the operation of the equipment can cause poor sleep for households. In the case where the indoor and outdoor units are mounted at some distance from each other, there is no need for a loop.

Tool, accessories for device installation

Equipment for the installation of air conditioners includes a number of specialized equipment that allows you to easily equip the units with the necessary components for full-fledged work. So, a pipe bender and a pipe cutter may be required - the devices allow you to change the configuration of the pipe without collateral damage and without forming chips, since there is a risk of it getting into the filter system. The manometric station allows you to control the level of refrigerant pressure. Installation and installation of air conditioners includes the need to control the tightness of the system before filling with freon, for this a vacuum gauge is used.

After the refrigerant has been charged, a leak test should be performed, for this a leak detector is activated. Additionally, if necessary, other equipment can be used, for example, a vacuum pump. Allows you to perform preventive and repair work during the maintenance of equipment. The tool for installing air conditioners includes an electric drill, a hammer drill, drills for making holes in concrete walls, and a wall chaser may also be required if you need to hide connecting routes. To maintain a strictly horizontal position of the equipment, it is imperative to use the building level.

Doing the installation yourself, you need to purchase a kit for installing the air conditioner. Today there are ready-made kits that include all the necessary parts and elements for the full connection of the blocks and setting up their work without losing the efficiency of the system. As a rule, it includes connecting nuts of different sizes, heat-insulating material and copper pipes, a hose that performs the function of drainage, and two brackets for mounting the outdoor unit. The length of pipes and drainage is selected taking into account the configuration of the room, that is, you can choose a package that suits the individual requirements of housing.

All consumables for the installation of air conditioners are selected based on the model of equipment. You should also not save on the quality of connecting pipes, thermal insulation, fasteners and freon, since the duration of the air conditioning system and the absence of the need for repairs, which may entail unnecessary costs, directly depend on this.

Incorrect operation of the equipment, for example, the operation of the system with a complete lack of refrigerant in it, will lead to compressor failure in a very short time, and the replacement of this unit can cost more than two-thirds of the total cost of the entire system.

Installing and maintaining air conditioners, subject to regularity, will help to avoid such consequences, you only need to periodically clean the system and monitor the level of freon in it.

Mounting Features

The air conditioner usually comes with a mounting plate, which is necessary for attaching the indoor unit of the device. The installation scheme of the air conditioner involves the preparation of a small project that determines the exact location and height of the installation of the indoor and outdoor units, the length and path of the connecting route.

In this case, it is important to follow the sequence of actions, for which an instruction for installing an air conditioner has been created:

  1. First of all, the panel is mounted on the wall in a certain place, as well as at the appropriate level. Such nuances are determined at the design stage. The mounting plate is installed using the building level, which will allow you to get a strictly horizontal line. Mounting points are marked with a pen / marker so as not to lose sight of the exact center distances.
  2. Then a hole of sufficient size must be drilled in the wall for the tracks to pass through it. If there is no appropriate equipment at hand, you can try to bring the connecting pipes through the window opening by drilling holes in the frame.
  3. Installation and repair of air conditioners are directly related: the more accurately and correctly all the work is done, the less often you will have to call the master to adjust and repair the equipment. Therefore, you need to take into account even such nuances as the slope of the drainage hole, which will allow you to easily remove accumulated moisture.
  4. Installing the outdoor unit of the air conditioner requires special care due to its heavy weight. Brackets are attached to the wall according to the size of the device. It is important that the thickness of the metal of these elements is sufficient to withstand such a load. All work that needs to be performed on floors above the second is carried out only by high-altitude installers.

Next, it remains to expand the pipes and fix the ends of the routes to each of the blocks. It should be noted that when drilling a hole in the wall for laying pipes, the minimum diameter is 5 cm. If the routes pass through the window frame, then a separate hole is drilled for each pipe. Thus, the installation of domestic air conditioners includes several basic steps and does not require significant financial investments if you know how to use the tool.

Installing an air conditioner is a rather complicated undertaking that requires, if not experience in carrying out such work, then at least a thorough theoretical preparation. In more than half of the cases, air conditioning problems appear due to improper installation and errors in the process of connecting the system. Even the most expensive and modern device will not be able to fully realize its potential if it is installed in violation of technology.

The structure of the traditional split system includes an external unit, which is located outside the window, and an internal unit. In some cases, more than 1 block is installed. Such combinations are known as multi-split systems.

Each element of the system performs its functions. So, the outdoor unit is responsible for condensation, while the indoor unit performs the functions of an evaporator. The blocks are connected using a line of tubes and wires. Freon circulates through the tubes. The system also includes a drain tube. It is connected to the outdoor unit. It is responsible for the removal of moisture condensed during the operation of the installation. According to the rules, this tube must be connected to the sewer system.

Air conditioning systems are available for sale for every taste and request. However, in terms of their composition and connection technology, they practically do not differ from each other.

Before proceeding with the installation of blocks, you need to decide on a number of important points.

  1. First, decide on the side of the world to which the capacitor unit will go.
  2. Secondly, you need to establish the material from which the walls of the house are made. In accordance with this moment, suitable fasteners will be selected. Additionally, certain changes in the installation process of the system are made by the weight of the blocks.

It is important to ensure the possibility of normal access to the units for preventive maintenance and repair activities. The outdoor unit must be protected from precipitation, icing and other adverse effects.

When choosing the power of a future split system, take into account the operational and other important characteristics of housing. First of all, consider the orientation of the apartment or house to the cardinal points. Also important is the number of people inhabiting the dwelling, the total power of electrical appliances, the number of heating radiators, the presence of other ventilation systems and devices.

Before proceeding with the installation of the outdoor unit, you need to make sure that the strength of the balcony railing or wall is sufficient to support the weight of the product. The most powerful models weigh up to 60 kg and even more. On average, household outdoor units weigh 10-15 kg and usually there are no problems with their placement. The wall and all fasteners used must have a minimum of two times the safety margin.

If there is external insulation, be sure to ensure that the brackets are not attached to the thermal insulation, but directly to the wall material.

Quite often, aerated concrete is used in modern housing construction. This is an excellent material with high thermal insulation properties, however, unfortunately, it cannot boast of great strength. If the external walls of your house are built of aerated concrete, you should refrain from installing the air conditioner directly on the wall.

It is not recommended to hang the unit on a ventilated facade, because during its operation, quite strong vibration and noise can be created. In the described situations, the installation of the unit should be carried out using a special damping seal, previously fixed on the wall. The air conditioner itself rarely produces noise more than 25-30 dB, therefore, in houses with walls made of a material denser than aerated concrete, there are usually no inconveniences.

Any distortions when installing the outdoor unit are unacceptable. At each stage of installation, you need to check the horizontal installation of the product using the building level. Deviations from the horizontal will lead to a violation of the circulation of freon or other refrigerant used.

If possible, the air conditioner should be installed in such a place that it is blown from all sides by the wind, but at the same time it is protected from precipitation and other negative influences. The best option is to place the unit under a pre-installed canopy or at least on a balcony. Residents of the upper floors of apartment buildings can install an outdoor air conditioner unit on the roof. It is only important to ensure that the line has a total length not exceeding 15-20 m. Otherwise, significant cold losses will be noted in the system, and the air conditioner will consume electricity for nothing.

Take care of the proper arrangement of the drain of condensed moisture. Regulations require that this tube be connected to the sewer. However, this requirement is almost never met, and moisture simply drips onto the ground under the window. In such a situation, you need to take care at least that water does not drip on passers-by.

Regulations require that the distance between the outdoor unit and the wall surface is at least 10cm. The problem is that the compressor must be sufficiently blown from all sides. If it is installed closer than 10 cm to the wall, in summer the airflow will be insufficient, which will lead to damage to the unit.

Installing an outdoor unit is associated with a certain danger, because It's still high-rise work. Therefore, installation can be carried out only with the necessary insurance, or it is better to completely entrust it to professional installers.

How to install the indoor unit

Inside the premises, the installation of the corresponding block and the laying of the highway are carried out. Special attention should be paid to the process of arranging electrical wiring. Domestic air conditioners consume about 2 kW of electricity or more. First make sure that the wiring in your apartment or house can withstand such a load. If she is not capable of this, lay an individual line from the shield with a separate fuse. This will protect the wiring from overheating, and your property from fire.

Lay the line from the outdoor unit of the air conditioning system to the location of the indoor unit. The line can be laid outside or inside. For external laying, it is hidden in a plastic box, but in accordance with the internal installation, the line must be recessed into the wall.

Carefully consider the choice of location for placing the indoor unit. The farther the blocks are removed from each other, the less efficient the system will be and the higher the energy losses will be.

The indoor unit must be placed so that there are no objects near it that can interfere with the normal flow of chilled air. Appliances, curtains and other items that are at the same height as the unit must be at least 3 m away from it.

Do not place the unit directly above a heating radiator. The place of installation must be such that the unit can be easily reached for repair and maintenance work. The distance between the unit and the ceiling should be at least 20-25 cm. It is not recommended to install the air conditioner above appliances and furniture.

The air conditioner must be installed so that the cold air emitted during its operation does not blow directly onto the person. Otherwise, bronchitis and tonsillitis will not keep you waiting long.

The indoor unit can be wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted. The latter are extremely rare. However, regardless of the type of system, it is necessary to ensure the most correct and reliable fastening. Installation is carried out using brackets and screws. Brackets must be checked for strength.

After connecting the outdoor and indoor units, it is necessary to remove moisture and air from the line. This process is known as evacuation. Special equipment is used to pump out air and water.

Do-it-yourself air conditioner connection sequence

Installation of the air conditioner is carried out in several stages. First, the wiring is laid. Further the external unit of the system is installed. The technology requires that it be placed at a height of at least 180-200 cm from ground level. This requirement is relevant for owners of private houses and residents of apartments located on the ground floor.

In the outer wall holes are drilled for laying communications. The diameter of these holes should be 500-600 mm. Brackets are installed, due to which the unit will be fixed. A special waterproofing cup is inserted into the prepared hole and direct connecting communications are laid.

Next you need install the indoor unit. The maximum allowable distance between these two elements is 20 m. The optimal distance is 7-12 m. Specific recommendations are given in the instructions for the equipment, be sure to study it before starting installation. Install the brackets and fix the indoor unit of the air conditioning system.

In the end, it remains only to lay the wires, due to which the functioning of the system will be ensured. Mount the box. It, as already noted, can be internal or external. Connect electrical wires and pipes for freon. Evacuate the system. For this, special equipment is used. The actual procedure lasts an average of 45-60 minutes.

After vacuuming is completed, perform a trial operation of the air conditioner. Professionals at this stage use special hardware and software equipment. In its absence, at least observe the operation of the system and the state of the power grid for some time.

Basic connection errors and their elimination

Mistakes made during the installation of the air conditioner entail many different troubles. However, the services of professional installers are becoming more expensive every year and an increasing number of people, in an attempt to save money, are trying to install the air conditioner themselves. This, as already noted, is a rather complicated and very responsible work, which has many features and requires taking into account a wide variety of nuances.

  1. One of the most common mistakes is laying pipes with unacceptable and/or repeated kinks. Because of this, the load on the compressor will increase, which will not have the most favorable effect on the operation of the system.
  2. The outdoor unit cannot be installed on a glazed balcony. Previously, recommendations were given for its installation in this room, but they are relevant only for non-glazed balconies. It is important that normal air circulation is maintained, and the unit is blown from all sides.
  3. The air conditioner must not be installed where any kind of installation generating high-frequency electromagnetic vibrations is in operation. Such equipment includes various welding machines, machine tools, etc.
  4. It is important to maintain the maximum evenness of the installation of blocks. If this rule is violated, the resulting condensate will simply drain to the floor, which will cause a lot of inconvenience. As already noted, the air conditioner cannot be installed directly above the radiators.

If these and any other errors were made and led to undesirable consequences, it is necessary to take appropriate measures to eliminate the violations. In the event of a draft from the air conditioner, it is usually sufficient to change the direction of the air flow by adjusting the dampers.

When the system is turned on in heating mode, frost is often found on the outdoor unit. The reason for this phenomenon is usually that the system does not have an automatic defrost function. To remove ice, it is enough to turn on the equipment for cooling for a while. The air conditioner will heat up and the ice will disappear.

If the air conditioner has stopped cooling normally, it is necessary to check the filters. They require regular cleaning. Detailed recommendations on this matter are usually given in the instructions.

If water starts to drip from the indoor unit, the cause of this problem in most cases is a severe blockage of the drain channel. It also leads to the formation of ice plugs. It is impossible to eliminate this kind of blockage on your own without the necessary skills. It is recommended to urgently call a wizard who can properly warm up the system and correct the situation.

Uncharacteristic noises during system operation usually indicate a fan imbalance or severe bearing wear. This problem can also be handled exclusively by a qualified master.

If you find that the air conditioner has begun to overheat, you should call the wizard to check the level of freon and the tightness of the system.

Thus, self-installation and connection of the air conditioner is a completely feasible job. But you need to tune in in advance to the fact that this event is not easy. Follow the instructions in everything and promptly eliminate emerging troubles. Then the air conditioner will serve as long as possible, fully performing all the tasks assigned to it.

Successful work!

Video - How to install the air conditioner yourself

Up