Most people prefer to hire a professional and a trained constructor to install air conditioners but with the right electrical work, plumbing work and guidelines, it is feasible to install it on your own. Each air con system is unique to the manufacturer. The installation of an Air conditioning system is time consuming and it requires one to strictly follow several step by step instruction so that the system works efficiently and properly. This article outlines a step by step guide on the proper installation of air conditioners.
1. Install the indoor unit
The positioning of an air conditioning system is very important for it to work efficiently. You should select a location in the interior wall that is not obstructed to mount the air conditioning unit. When installing the indoor unit, you should:
· Avoid direct heat sources and sunlight
· Avoid areas where sulphur or oil mist exist or where any gas can leak.
· The indoor unit should be installed at least (2.13m) 7 feet above the ground. It should also be mounted in an open space of about 15cm (6″) surrounding its sides and tops.
· The unit should also be installed at least 1m away from an antenna, power connection lines used for radio, television, telephones, intercoms or home security systems. The noise from the above systems can affect how the air conditioner operates.
· The wall where the system should be strong enough to hold the system. In case it is not, you can construct a metal or wood frame to provide additional support.
Fix the mounting plate on the interior wall
· Select the place where you want to install the unit and hold the mounting plate against it
· Using a level, ensure that the plate is on a straight horizontal position
· Now drill holes at the appropriate position into the wall and fix the plate on the wall.
· Use tapping screws to fix the plate on the wall and don’t forget to insert the plastic anchors to the holes.
Make a hole into the wall to fit the piping
· Depending on the opening on the mounting bracket, look for the best place for the hole on the exterior. Also consider the pipe length as well as the distance required to travel in order to reach the outside unit.
· Drill a 3 inch in diameter hole sloping downwards towards the exterior for ensuring adequate drainage through the wall.
· Now insert a flexible flange in the hole.
Check electrical connections
· Remove the cover by lifting the front panel of the unit
· Ensure that the cable wires are connected to the terminals of the screw. Also ensure that they match with those in the diagram that came with the unit.
Connect the pipes
· Pass the piping through the indoor unit to the hole drilled via the wall. To ensure that the unit performs well, minimize any bending.
· Cut a PVC pipe of 6 millimeters shorter that the length between the exterior and interior wall surfaces.
· Place the cap of the pipe on the interior part of the PVV pipe then insert the pipe in the hole created into the wall.
· Using an electrical tape, bind the copper pipes, the drain pipe and the power cables together. To ensure free flow of water, place the drain pipe on the bottom.
· Fix the pipe on the indoor unit then using two wrenches, work in opposite direction to completely tighten the connection.
· Connect the water drainage pipe to the indoor unit then bound the bound cables and pipes through the created hole into the wall. Ensure that the drainage pipe allows the water to easily drain to the correct place.
Press the indoor unit against the plate to secure the mounting plate to the indoor unit
2. Install the Outdoor Condenser
Select the best place where the outdoor unit can be installed
· The outdoor location of the unit should be away from excess heat, dust or an area that is heavily trafficked.
· For proper functioning of the system, the unit should have a 12 inch space surrounding its area of location.
Place a level concrete pad on the ground
· The concrete slab should be high enough so that the condenser sit above any floods and winter snow.
· To minimize any vibration place a rubber cushioning under the condenser then set it on top of the top.
· There should be no antenna of television or radio within three meters from where the condenser is placed.
Connect electrical wires
· To connect the electrical wires, begin by removing the cover
· Confirm with the wiring diagram of the unit to ensure that you connect all the cable wires similar to the way they are connected on the diagram. It is very important to follow all the manufacturer’s instructions.
· Using a cable clamp, fix the cables tightly then replace the covers.
Fasten the flare nuts of the pipes to the appropriate pipes on the outdoor system.
3. Complete the installation of the air conditioner system
Bleed humidity and air from the refrigerant circuit
· Begin by removing the caps from both the 2 and 3 way valves as well as from the service port.
· Attach a vacuum pump hose on the service port
· Turn on the vacuum until it gets to an absolute vacuum of 10 millimeter HG
· Turn off the low pressure knob then shut down the vacuum
· Test all the joints and valves for leaks
· Replace the service caps and port then disconnect the vacuum.
Use insulating covers and insulating tape to wrap the piping joints
· Fasten the piping on the wall with the clamps
· Use expanding polyurethane foam to seal the hole on the wall
Tips during the installation of an air conditioning system When installing an air conditioning system, do not skip any step especially that of insulating the tubes between the outdoor and indoor units. This insulation prevents any damage to the studs or the wall in case there is any drainage pipe sweats. The air conditioner should have an uninterrupted power outlet. It is very important to follow all the manufacturer’s instructions when installing the system in your home or office. The installation instructions are outlined in the user manual.