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Proper Installation of Split Type Aircon

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It’s summer vacation and you just bought a new split AC unit. Now the question is, what’s the proper installation of split-type aircon? You want to stay pleasant and cool but installing the AC seems too tedious. Not to mention, you don’t want to bore a big hole in your newly painted wall!

Alas, the heat is becoming more unbearable, as the days go by, so you hired a professional for airconditioning installation. Still, you want kinda regretted paying someone for a task you most likely can do on your own. Hence, you decided to learn how appropriately install one, just in case you need it. Well, worry no more because this guide is just for you!


What Do I Need to Prepare in Installing a Split Type Air Conditioner?

Proper Installation of Split Type Aircon

Installing and air conditioning system is really an important task. It’s best to leave the air conditioner installation process to technicians, who are professionals in the said field. Plus, the split-type AC has two units. These include the indoor and outdoor units. But it’s not a crime to study and know-how to properly install one because it might come in handy one day.

But before installing your newly bought split-type AC, here are a few reminders you need to take in mind.

Location of Indoor and Outdoor Units

Make sure you already finalized the locations where you want to place your indoor and outdoor units. This will save you a significant amount of time, and money before the technician arrives. The indoor unit should be placed in a location where the air may be spread evenly and without interference. Ensure that it’s also installed on the wall, with at least 8-10 feet off the ground.

For bedroom installation, make sure it’s directly above your head to avoid unnecessary chilling and to get the optimum cooling capacity. In addition, the split air conditioner should be symmetrical to the window if you’re aiming for this location. This will blend your indoor unit better with your room’s design.

Moreover, it’s best to install the outdoor unit in an open space to provide a proper airflow over the condenser and the compressor. Examples include terraces, open spaces, or backyards that are not prone to immense flooding. If that isn’t possible, find an external wall that is strong enough to hold the outside unit in place while yet allowing sufficient ventilation.

Wall Strength

Split air conditioners must also be installed on a sturdy wall. Your electrical connections rely heavily on the small hole you’ll make, to connect the outdoor and indoor units. Make sure to seek the advice of a professional to avoid mishaps. Remember that installing the split AC on a weak wall will disrupt the proper airflow of your split AC.

Height and Distance of the Indoor Unit and Outdoor Unit

The installation of split air conditioners also relies heavily on the distance and height of the location. To allow for optimal ventilation, the split air conditioner should have a minimum of 15 centimeters of space around the top and sides of both units. By following this measurement, air leaks will be prevented, because very low temperature flows efficiently inside the copper tube that connects the indoor and outdoor units. Your outdoor unit must also be placed directly outside where the indoor air conditioning unit is located.

In addition, you can maximize the cooling capacity of your split air conditioner with the optimum spacing between your indoor and outdoor air conditioning units. If the indoor and outdoor units are separated by more than 15 meters, cooling will suffer significantly.


Steps in Installing a Split Air Conditioner

Proper Installation of Split Type Aircon

The poor installation of your split air conditioners can potentially lead to frequent maintenance problems. Thus, several considerations must be taken into account while installing your new air conditioner. One common reminder is to never place either of your split AC units under direct sunlight or a hot roof. The added heat will definitely make the cooling much harder.

Another thing is to manage your electrical wiring, gas charging, and power supply well, otherwise, your split AC installation will fall short. Much like a window-type AC, you need to clean and change the filters of the outdoor condenser and compressor every three months. But to keep the desired cooling effect inside your room is another story. Without further ado, here are things you need to follow to properly install your split air conditioner!

Setting up the Indoor Air Conditioning Unit

  1. Make sure to cut a hole through the wall to connect the copper tubing from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. It’s important that you already measured the proper distance between the two to prevent added workload. 
  2. Mount the split AC 7 feet (2.1 m) from the ground, with at least 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) of open space and a flat surface on all sides to allow for proper ventilation. Remember that low temperature flows inside your room, and warm air goes out.
  3. The next step is to horizontally or vertically install a mounting plate against the wall where the indoor unit will be placed.
  4. Find the center of the mounting plate’s hole and create a circular 3 in (7.6 cm) opening through the wall with a keyhole saw or a drill. Make sure that it slopes slightly downward toward the ground so that your split AC has a proper drainage system.
  5. Remove and lift up the cover from the aircon unit’s front panel and ensure that no cable wires are disconnected to the screw terminals. Follow the wiring schematic presented in the user’s manual for a good installation process.
  6. Connect all the copper pipes, power cable, and drain pipe using electrical tape. Using the user’s manual, connect and secure all the pipes and cables from the indoor and outdoor units properly. Mount the drainpipe on the bottom to ensure free-flowing water.
  7. Moreover, make sure the device is slightly tilted backward by 2-3 degrees to allow the condensed water to flow freely. This will also increase the cooling effect of your air conditioner during the summer months.

Setting up the Outdoor AC Unit

  1. From the hole you drilled through the mounting plate, place the outdoor unit within 50 feet (15 m) on a solid floor or concrete pad. This will ensure an easy connection for the pipes and cables from the indoor unit. Make sure that the outdoor unit is also placed in an area where the compressor and condenser will not be obstructed by unnecessary dirt and heat.
  2. Double-check the wiring and refer to the instruction manual to see if there are any modifications needed for the installation of the outdoor unit. Ensure that there are no loose ends because it can contribute to unwanted noise from the compressor and condenser.
  3. Use flare nuts to connect the copper pipe of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. Also, connect the power wire from the interior to the exterior.

Final Installation Check-ups

  1. Do some final checkups on the pressure of the pipes of your split-type unit. To optimize the installation, connect a vacuum pump hose to the service port after removing the caps from the 2-way and 3-way valves and the service port. 
  2. Turn on the vacuum until it reaches a 10mm Hg absolute vacuum then turn off the suction after closing the low-pressure knob. The installed split AC must adhere to the appropriate atmospheric pressure, as stated in the user’s manual.
  3. Close any unnecessary gaps which resulted from drilling your wall, and clean all the dust so that it won’t accumulate in the compressor. Seek the services of a professional if the hole is significantly big.
  4. Finally, turn on your split AC unit using a remote control and check if there are unnecessary hums and sounds from your compressor, evaporator, fans, and other parts of the split-type AC. The same installation method can be applied to the mini-split air conditioner.

Final Thoughts

Proper Installation of Split Type Aircon

While it’s only common that a professional to handle your split system air conditioner installation, you still need to know the basic processes needed to properly install a split AC room air conditioner unit. Not only will it ensure a continuous supply of cool air in your room, but it can also help you to discern when and how to spot any mishaps on your cooling device. Thus, you can make sure that the whole installation and servicing are safe and easily accessible.

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JP Reyes

JP has been in the aircon industry for almost as long as he has been alive. As a child JP would help his tatay fix aircon units at their junk shop in Cavite. After graduating UP in the early 2000's, JP then started his own Aircon servicing business and within 5 years had 10 shops in 8 different cities. Fast forward to today and JP brings all his experience and expertise online to give readers trustworthy advice and reviews about Air-conditioning buying, servicing, cleaning and repair in the Philippines.

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