Installing an air conditioner yourself. Rules for installing air conditioners. Installing an air conditioner in an apartment with your own hands

Installing an air conditioner yourself should begin with choosing a location for installation. In fact, everything is not easy. We must take into account:

So you will have to solve a complex problem, trying to satisfy all the requirements and recommendations. Only in this case, installing an air conditioner yourself will be successful.

Let's start with the simplest thing: choosing a location from the point of view of ease of use. The indoor unit must be placed so that the cooled air spreads throughout the room, but does not fall directly on the bed, desk, or chair. In principle, you can redirect the flow using movable blinds, but it is much better to think about it from the beginning.

The most correct solution in this case is to place the air conditioner above the head of the bed, above or to the side of the table. In this case, the flow of cold air will “flow around” the place of rest or work, which is much more comfortable and less dangerous to health.

In addition, there are technical issues that must be considered before you begin installing the air conditioner yourself. The indoor unit is connected to the outdoor unit using a route of copper pipes and a control cable. The outputs for connecting the route are on the right (if you look at the block from the front), but they can be bent so that they are on the left or bottom. These outlets are 30 cm long copper tubes.

Outputs from the outdoor unit of the split system (rear view)

A route is connected to them (by soldering or flaring), and the connection point must be accessible for maintenance. Therefore, this section of the route is not hidden in the wall (in the groove), but covered with a decorative box. In this case, the route can be positioned differently - depending on which wall the indoor unit is hung on and where the outdoor unit is located in relation to it.

Block to the left of the outer wall

If the internal block is located to the left of the external wall, and the routes come out smoothly, the minimum distance from the wall to the block is 500 mm (1 picture in the photo). It can be reduced to 100 mm if the route is wrapped onto an adjacent wall, but its total length should not be less than 500 mm. If this is not possible, you can remove the bends from the left and lay the pipes in the groove (picture on the right). In this case, this is possible, since the connection point between the leads and the route is located under the housing cover, so that it is accessible for repair and maintenance.

If cables, pipes, etc. cannot be pulled along the outer walls of the building. (so as not to spoil the appearance), you will have to lay the entire route indoors. A less expensive option is to place it in a corner, covering it with special boxes. This arrangement is convenient, since you can then close the box with curtains.

The second option is more labor-intensive (it’s more difficult to make a groove), but from an aesthetic point of view it’s more advantageous - transfer the output to the left side panel and put everything in the recess made.

On the wall to the right of the outside

This option can be called typical - this is the standard solution when choosing such a location. Most often, the route in the box is led directly into the wall, but if necessary, it can be lowered in the corner (also covered with a box).

If necessary, it can be placed in a groove (the connection point is in the housing). If the route cannot be laid outside the building, it can be laid in a groove indoors. The route may look similar to the last two photos in the previous chapter.

Where to determine the outdoor unit

In fact, it is not the easiest task to choose a location for an outdoor unit. Not all buildings allow them to be placed on the walls. In this case, there are only two options: install the outdoor unit of the split system in a specially designated place - the air conditioner. If there is no such room, only a balcony or loggia remains. In such buildings they are usually glazed, so the placement of the block does not affect the appearance.

But in this case, it is necessary to provide a system for cooling the equipment and removing exhaust air. If the balcony is spacious enough, open the windows for ventilation or provide access to fresh air in some other way for the entire time it is open. The solution is simple and straightforward, but it leads to overheating of the equipment, and this is fraught with breakdowns and frequent replacement of the damaged outdoor unit.

Installation on the balcony is sometimes the only way out

Installing fans for more active air exchange can improve the situation a little. It is correct to fence off a small room, make it effective ventilation, separate ventilation ducts for air removal and supply. Moreover, they must be separate. This is done using air ducts that lead out instead of part of the glazing. In general, in this case, installing an air conditioner with your own hands is a problematic task precisely in terms of ensuring normal operating conditions for the equipment.

On the balcony or loggia

If there are no prohibitions on placing foreign devices on the walls of the building, usually the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is hung on the balcony railing (on the side or front) or on the wall, but so that it can be reached for maintenance - wash, clean, check, repair.

If the balcony is glazed, there should be an opening window sash above it. Otherwise it will be very difficult to maintain it. To protect against precipitation and objects that may fall from the window, a canopy is placed above the block. The choice of materials is something similar to finishing a balcony or a white plastic canopy, but full-bodied. It is better not to use hollow and metal ones (including corrugated sheets and metal tiles), since during rain they turn into a drum, and during hail they can generally deafen.

If the block is placed on a loggia, of all the above options, only the one in the picture on the right remains. It is inconvenient to place it next to the wall, except perhaps under the window, but this already belongs to another section.

One more point: how to run the route - along the ceiling or along the floor? You will have to ditch in both cases, but in the case of the floor, it is possible that you will make it from boards, then the pipes and cables connecting the external and internal units can be laid on the surface, but better - in a box.

Under or next to the window

In those rooms where there is no balcony or loggia, the outer part of the split system is hung on the wall from the outside. It is more convenient if it is located under the window or to the side of it. Moreover, under or next to the opening part. In this case, service is possible without calling a climber.

When installing the outdoor air conditioner unit with your own hands on the wall next to the window, consider the height of its installation. You can position the top surface of the block flush with the top edge of the window. In this case, leaning out of the window and securing yourself, you can carry out work while standing on the windowsill. The second option is to align the lower edge flush with the lower edge of the window opening. Here you can lie on your stomach on the windowsill, but you won’t be able to reach the place where the pipes exit. That is, you will still have to call industrial climbers.

What is required to install an air conditioner yourself

For those who install and connect split systems professionally, the work takes, on average, three hours. The cost of this service is considerable, and it is explained by the need to use expensive equipment. Good devices really cost a lot, but many of them can be replaced with simpler ones or rented. The only thing that will be difficult to find is a vacuum pump. This is really expensive specialized equipment, but there is technology that allows you to do without it. This is exactly what some installers do, who simply do not have such equipment - they simply bleed off part of the freon, cleaning the pipes. This method can be used when installing a split system yourself.

Necessary equipment and what can replace it

What is necessary for a DIY air conditioner installation to be successful? First of all, you will need a certain set of tools. With their help, things will go faster. But if there are no special tools, they can be replaced with simpler devices. Working with them will take more time, but if you try, this will not affect the quality. So, what is needed to install a split system:

Powerful hammer drill. It is necessary to make a through hole in the outer wall of a house or building through which copper pipes and cables connecting the indoor and outdoor units are routed. Also, a drainage tube is removed through this hole to remove condensation and excess moisture when the humidity is normalized. A hammer drill is not such a rarity; the only thing that can cause difficulties is selecting the right attachments. But this is a matter of technology.
Pipe cutter with a sharp blade. The split system blocks are connected to each other by copper pipes. They are sold in rolls, so you will have to cut them into pieces of the required length. If the pipe cutter blade is dull, the edges of the pipe will become wrinkled or jagged. This will have to be corrected with a file and a rimmer (a special device for removing burrs). The pipe cutter can be replaced with a hacksaw with a metal blade, and the edges can be straightened and burrs removed using a file (need file), finally finishing the edge until smooth with sandpaper. Just when working, make sure that the hole being processed is directed downward. This will prevent copper dust from getting inside the pipe (it can damage the inside of the air conditioner, so this is very important).
Pipe bender or spring. To give copper pipes the desired shape.
Drill with drills of different diameters. It is needed to make holes for the mounting plate of the indoor unit and corners for installing the outdoor one.
Flaring machine and calibrator for copper pipes. This device is, of course, specific, but it doesn’t cost much.
Wall chaser. When laying a route in a groove (a groove in a wall), this device significantly speeds up and simplifies the work. But you can get by with a regular chisel and hammer/sledgehammer.

Well, as they said earlier, a vacuum pump is needed to properly start the system. There is nothing to replace it with; the only possibility is to release part of the freon on routes up to 6 meters long (the “spray” method).

In addition, you will need screwdrivers, hex keys, a level, a hammer, and perhaps some other tools, but they are usually found around the house or are easy to find.

Materials and consumables

In addition to tools, to install an air conditioner yourself, you will need a certain amount of materials. You can't do without many of them.

As you can see, installing an air conditioner yourself requires serious preparation. You need not only a special tool, but also specific materials.

Installation of blocks

If you want to do everything right, installing an air conditioner yourself should begin with carefully studying the instructions. For the most part, they are similar, but allowances, requirements for cable cross-section, route length, etc. may vary. Another advantage of reading the manual is that you will know exactly in what order to perform the work. In general, here's what to do:

This completes the first stage of self-installation of the air conditioner. Next we will build a route.

Connecting blocks

The external and internal blocks of the split system are connected by two copper tubes and a cable. A drainage tube is also brought out. All these communications can be laid from above along the wall, and then they are placed in a special box. The second option is in the groove and then you need to make a groove that will connect the two blocks. But first of all, you need to drill a hole in the wall. This is done after installing the fasteners for the blocks. And only after this, do-it-yourself air conditioning installation continues.

When placed in a plastic box, all communications are tied into one bundle. This can be done with zip ties, but more often they are wrapped with metallized tape to further reduce heat transfer from copper pipes.

Connecting copper pipes

We have already connected the cable earlier, and the installation of the air conditioner is completed with our own hands by connecting copper pipes and drainage. It's easier with drainage. There is an outlet at the bottom of the indoor unit, and that’s where we insert the hose or pipe. The junction can be further sealed using plumbing tape. You can also use silicone sealant for sealing.

Next we connect the copper tubes. We start in the indoor unit. There are two ports on the side wall - one with fittings of a larger diameter, the second - a smaller one. It doesn’t matter which one to start with. The procedure is as follows:

Actually, everything is already connected, but you still need to carry out a vacuum or simply remove moisture and air from the working parts of the air conditioner.

Vacuuming

Why carry out this procedure? During installation, air entered the system and also contained argon residues. This mixture must be removed, otherwise it will significantly reduce the operating life of the equipment. Naturally, it is better if you have special equipment. But, as a last resort, you can do without it.

With a vacuum pump

If you have a vacuum pump, everything is somewhat simpler. It usually comes with two pressure gauges (low and high pressure), which can be used to track the pressure drop in the system, that is, to identify leaks. The vacuum pump is connected to the output on the external block with a spool (filling port), and turns on for 15-20 minutes. During this time, it removes remaining air and nitrogen from the system.

After this time, the pump is turned off, but not disconnected, but left connected for another 20-30 minutes. All this time you need to monitor the readings of the pressure gauges. If they have changed, there is a leaky connection in the system. Most likely, this is the place where the copper pipes are connected and they need to be re-sealed. If the pressure gauge readings are stable, without turning off the pump, fully open the valve located below. Freon begins to leave the unit, filling the system (noise is heard). We put on gloves and quickly unscrew the vacuum pump hose (freon can damage the skin). After disconnecting the equipment, open the valve on the route at the top (outlets of smaller diameter). Now the installation of the air conditioner with your own hands is completed. You can turn it on.

Without vacuum pump

With a route length of up to 5 meters, the installation of the air conditioner can be carried out without a vacuum pump. To clean the equipment you will have to release a certain amount of freon, but there is no other way. The procedure is as follows:

And in this case, do-it-yourself air conditioner installation is completed and the equipment is ready for use. But in this case, the tightness of the system has not been checked in any way and the freon can slowly evaporate, and there is still some amount of air and argon left in the system. In general, the solution is not ideal.

Before considering how to install a split system yourself, you should know how it differs from a conventional air conditioner. The principle of operation of these systems is the operation of two interconnected blocks. One is installed indoors, and the other is installed outdoors. They can both cool and, conversely, heat the room. All systems are small in size and noise reduction.

Main nuances when installing a split system

The long service life, as well as the efficient operation of the system, directly depend on how correctly the equipment is installed. You can install the system yourself. The most important thing is to take your time and carefully understand the diagrams. When performing installation work, it is important not to damage the copper tubes that connect the blocks to each other and ensure their efficient operation. These elements are designed for refrigerant - freon.

To begin with, it doesn’t hurt to know how the system works. To cool the air, freon will flow from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit, which is located indoors. When the fan is turned on, it provides a strong flow of cooled air, which normalizes the temperature in the room or office.

To remove the condensate that forms, there is a special drainage pipe extending from the unit located indoors. It is quite possible to take her outside.

Before installing equipment, you need to select it correctly. Like air conditioners, split systems differ in power, so when choosing equipment you must take into account the following factors:

area of the room in which the system will be installed;
type of indoor unit - floor-ceiling, wall-mounted, cassette or multi-zone.
absence or presence of forced ventilation in the room.

Necessary tool

To improve the quality of work, it is advisable to prepare the necessary tools in advance so as not to be distracted during the installation process. So, in order to install the outdoor unit, as well as the internal unit of the device, you will need:

copper tubes having a diameter of 0.25 and 0.5 inches;
electrical cable, cross section 1.5 mm;
drainage hose – diameter 16mm;
insulation for connecting copper pipes;
dowel nails;
plugs;
perforator;
Vacuum pump;
drill with a diameter of 55 mm;
rolling

The first stage of device installation

Before starting installation work, you need to decide where to install the split system. To determine the most optimal location, it is worth considering some factors.

Under no circumstances should the indoor unit of the system be installed where air circulation is limited. This is possible due to closely spaced cabinets, curtains or partitions.
The distance between the equipment and the nearest obstacle should not be less than 1 meter, since cold air, reflected from it, will quickly return without changing its temperature. Because of this, the system will quickly turn off, considering that the desired temperature has been reached.
It is advisable to locate the internal unit of the system away from the place where people spend most of their time.

It is not difficult to install a split system yourself, the main thing is to observe the correct operation during installation. So, when fastening the outdoor unit, you need to carefully ensure that:

it was located on a flat surface, and there were no sources of heat or steam nearby;
the block was installed strictly horizontally, so when fastening it to the surface it is advisable to use a building level;
a unit located outside cannot be mounted close to the wall. The distance between the device and the wall should not be less than 10 cm. Air should circulate freely in the space left.

When installing the indoor unit, the following rules should be followed:

When installing the unit, be careful. so that it is located strictly horizontally, without slopes;
try to maintain the distance between the outdoor and indoor units;
Do not install the equipment close to the ceiling or near sources of steam or heat.

So, when the location has been chosen, you can proceed directly to the installation work. You should start with the electrical wiring. The split system should be connected to the electrical network via a separate line specially designated for this equipment, with the obligatory installation of an additional circuit breaker in the electrical panel.

It should be borne in mind that if a house or apartment was built a long time ago and the wiring has not been changed, it may require a complete replacement, since the split system is powerful equipment, and the old wiring may not withstand the power and this will lead to permanent traffic jams. fly out."

The second stage of installing a split system

It is very important to install the indoor unit correctly, since the quality of operation of the entire system directly depends on it. The best option is to fix the device on the wall with self-tapping screws; if the walls are finished with gypsum board, then you should definitely insert plastic spacers into it, since such material is quite loose and vibration will quickly cause the self-tapping screws to become loose.

If the wall is made of brick, then wooden or plastic “caps” are inserted into the holes drilled for self-tapping screws, and then the plate for the block is attached with self-tapping screws. Be sure to check the evenness of the plate fastening using a building level.

The next step is to use a hammer drill to drill a through hole in the wall for the cold pipe. Be sure to provide a slope of at least 15 degrees. It should be outward, not inward.

Next, you need to connect the copper tubes to the internal structure of the air conditioner, as well as the drainage tube to a special hose on the device. Now you can connect the electrical cable to the equipment located indoors. For split systems with a cooling capacity of no more than 4 kW, you should use a cable with a cross-section of at least 1.5 mm (5-core).

The third stage of system installation

At the last, final stage, it is necessary to connect the internal and external units of the system. To do this, do the following.

First you need to measure the distance between the block taps.
Place special thermal insulation on the copper connecting tubes. Trim to required length. It is equal to the measurements taken earlier.
Be sure to secure plugs at the ends of the connecting tubes to prevent dust from getting inside.
And the last step is to wrap the electrical cable and drainage system with protective sheaths.

How to avoid installation mistakes?

It is not enough to know how to install a split system; you should avoid mistakes that can lead to failure of the device. That is why it is not necessary to allow frequent kinks of freon tubes at a short distance, and it is also unacceptable to loosen the connections between them. Subsequently, all this will lead to a freon leak.

It is important to ensure that the connecting tubes are not twisted into a ring whose radius is less than 100 mm. This will make it difficult for the device to pump refrigerant.

Conclusion

Now you know how to install a split system yourself. Never forget that there are no insignificant factors when installing it. And everything that is done poorly or not completed to the end, for example, poor-quality rolling, loose nuts, bent tubes, dirt in them or moisture - all this will ultimately lead to system failure.

A split system is a complex electrical device. If it is connected incorrectly, the board in it may burn out due to a failure in the electrical network. Therefore, make sure that a voltage relay is installed.

For preventative purposes, for high-quality and long-term operation of the device, clean the filters in the system monthly. Do not run the device in winter unless it is equipped with a winter kit for operation at sub-zero temperatures.

Before starting the device, check the drainage system. Usually they pour water into the air conditioner; if there are no leaks under the block, then everything is in order.

With proper use and timely maintenance, the split system can easily last for more than one year. Therefore, if your neighbors claim that all air conditioning systems are designed for a short period of time, then perhaps they simply do not know how to use them correctly.

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

A traditional split system includes an external unit, which is placed 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 own 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 backbone of tubes and wires. Freon circulates through the tubes. The system also includes a drainage tube. It is connected to the outdoor unit. It is responsible for removing moisture that condenses during operation of the installation. According to the rules, this tube must be connected to the sewer system.

Air conditioning systems are available for sale to suit every taste and requirement. However, in terms of their composition and connection technology, they are practically no different from each other.

Before you begin installing the blocks, you need to decide on a number of important points.

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

It is important to ensure normal access to the units to carry out preventive maintenance and repair activities. The outdoor unit must be protected from precipitation, icing and other adverse influences.

When choosing the power of a future split system, take into account the operational and other important characteristics of the home. First of all, take into account the orientation of the apartment or house to the cardinal points. Also important is the number of people inhabiting the home, the total power of electrical appliances, the number of heating radiators, and 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 or even more. On average, household outdoor units weigh 10-15 kg and usually no problems arise with their placement. The wall and all fasteners used must have a minimum of two times the strength factor.

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 specifically from aerated concrete, you should refrain from installing the air conditioner directly on the wall.

It is not recommended to hang the block on a ventilated façade., because During its operation, quite strong vibration and noise can be created. In the situations described, the unit should be installed using a special damping seal, which is pre-fixed to the wall. The air conditioner itself rarely produces noise more than 25-30 dB, so in houses with walls made of a material denser than aerated concrete, no inconvenience usually occurs.

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

If possible, the air conditioner should be installed in a place where the wind blows from all sides, 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 the 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 main length does not exceed 15-20 m in total. Otherwise, there will be significant losses of cold in the system, and the air conditioner will consume electricity in vain.

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

The rules require that the distance between the outdoor unit and the wall surface be at least 10 cm. The problem is that the compressor must have sufficient airflow from all sides. If you install it 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... This is still high-altitude work. Therefore, installation can only be carried out if you have the necessary insurance, or it is better to completely entrust it to professional installers.

Installation procedure for the indoor unit

Inside the premises, the corresponding unit is installed and the pipeline is laid. Special attention should be paid to the process of arranging electrical wiring. Household 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 external unit of the air conditioning system to the location of the indoor unit. The line can be laid outside or inside. When installed externally, it is hidden in a plastic box, but in accordance with internal installation, the line must be recessed into the wall.

Be careful when choosing a place to place the indoor unit. The further 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 could interfere with the normal flow of cooled air. Appliances, curtains and other objects that are at the same height as the unit must be at least 3 m away from it.

The unit must not be placed directly above a heating radiator. The installation location must be such that the installation can be easily accessed 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 produced during operation does not blow directly onto a person. Otherwise, bronchitis and sore throats will not take long to appear.

The indoor unit can have a wall or ceiling design. 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 vacuumization. Special equipment is used to pump out air and water.

Do-it-yourself air conditioner connection sequence

Air conditioner installation is carried out in several stages. First, the electrical 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 to ensure the block is secured. A special waterproofing cup is inserted into the prepared hole and the connecting lines are laid directly.

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

At the end, all that remains is to lay the wires that will ensure the functioning of the system. Mount the box. It, as already noted, can be internal or external. Connect the electrical wires and freon pipes. Evacuate the system. Special equipment is used for this. The procedure itself lasts on average 45-60 minutes.

After the vacuum is completed, perform a test run of the air conditioner. Professionals at this stage use special software and hardware equipment. If it is absent, at least observe the operation of the system and the state of the electrical network for some time.

Basic connection errors and their elimination

Mistakes made during the installation of an air conditioner lead to 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 complex and very responsible job, which has many features and requires taking into account a wide variety of nuances.

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.
The external unit cannot be installed on a glazed balcony. Previously, recommendations were given for its installation in this room, but they are relevant only for unglazed balconies. It is important that normal air circulation is maintained and the unit is blown from all sides.
The air conditioner should not be installed where any kind of installation that generates high-frequency electromagnetic waves is operating. Such equipment includes various welding machines, machines, etc.
It is important to maintain maximum evenness of the installation of the blocks. If this rule is violated, the resulting condensation will simply drain onto 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, appropriate measures must be taken to correct the violations. If there is a draft from the air conditioner, it is usually enough to change the direction of air flow by adjusting the dampers.

When the system is turned on in heating mode, ice is often detected on the external 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 a while to cool. The air conditioner will heat up and the ice will disappear.

If your air conditioner stops cooling properly, you need to check the filters. They require regular cleaning. Detailed recommendations on this matter are usually given in the instructions.

If water begins to drip from the indoor unit, the cause of this problem in most cases is a severely clogged drainage channel. Ice plugs that form also lead to this. It is impossible to eliminate this kind of blockages on your own without the necessary skills. It is recommended to urgently call a technician who can properly warm up the system and correct the situation.

Uncharacteristic noises during system operation usually indicate an imbalance of the fan or severe wear of the bearings. This problem can also be dealt with only by a qualified technician.

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

Thus, installing and connecting an air conditioner yourself is a completely feasible job. But you need to be prepared in advance for the fact that this event is not easy. Follow the instructions in everything and promptly eliminate any problems that arise. Then the air conditioner will serve as long as possible, fully performing all the tasks assigned to it.

Good luck!

Video - How to install an air conditioner yourself

Split systems are special equipment that ensures the creation of a high-quality and efficient air conditioning system. It is represented by two different blocks, one of which is located in a specific room, and the other is mounted on the wall of the building. In another way, such a system is called a standard air conditioner. Installing a split system is not difficult if you know exactly what elements it consists of, what tools need to be used and in what sequential steps the work is carried out.

Operating principle of the air conditioner

This device has a rather complex design, so before installing it directly, you should thoroughly study what components it consists of. The principle of its operation consists of the following processes:

through a nozzle or die, which is a small hole, a refrigerant, represented by a low-boiling solution with a high heat of evaporation, is supplied to the evaporator under significant pressure;
in the evaporator, the refrigerant first expands, and then boils and evaporates, which leads to the absorption of a huge amount of heat;
a lot of water condensate appears on the evaporator radiator, flowing into a special container and discharged out through the drain tube;
refrigerant vapor from the evaporator is constantly pumped out by a special compressor, the operating principle of which is similar to a vacuum pump;
as the pressure increases behind the pump, the refrigerant heats up, so it goes into a unique supercritical state, therefore it is presented in the form of mist;
in this form it passes into the condensation chamber, in which a special radiator with a fan is also installed;
in this chamber the temperature of the refrigerant decreases, so it turns into a liquid state;
through the die it again enters the evaporator, after which the full cycle is repeated.

The nuances of proper operation of the air conditioner

Split systems, which are installed on your own, must be installed in such areas of the room that optimal operating conditions are provided for them.

To do this, the following important points are taken into account:

It is not allowed to connect cold zones of equipment with hot ones, since this will lead to significant consumption of electrical energy, so installation is carried out according to this rule;
Do not allow dust or debris to enter the system, since various crumbs and dust can easily cause damage to the vacuum pump, which is the most important element of the device;
during operation, the tightness of the system cannot be compromised, since even the slightest cracks can become the basis for the evaporation of a low-boiling liquid - refrigerant;
the unit located outdoors is mounted in such a way that it is slightly lower than the internal element, which will have a positive effect on the efficiency of the compressor and on energy consumption;
it is desirable that the outdoor unit be located in a cool and shady area of the building wall, since its heating leads to difficulties in the operation of the system;
the drainage tube is brought out in such a way that there are no bends on it.

If all the above conditions are followed, the correct, efficient and optimal installation of the equipment is ensured.

What is an air split?

Split systems are represented by two different blocks. The evaporative element is located inside the room that needs cooling, and the condensing element is located outside. Modern equipment not only has the ability to cool rooms, but even heat them.

If expensive equipment is purchased, it may consist of one outdoor element to which several indoor units are connected. Although the cost of all elements will be quite high, during operation the created system is considered economical.

Nuances of device installation

Installation of an air conditioner, the instructions for which are given below, is usually carried out during renovation work in a specific room. The fact is that quite complex and specific work is being performed. To do this, electrical wiring is laid along the wall of the room, and a drainage pipe is also installed. For an attractive appearance of the entire room and facade, it is advisable to hide all installation elements behind finishing materials.

Before the actual work, prepare the tools that will be useful for installation. These include:

perforator for creating holes in walls;
reinforcement reinforcement necessary for concrete walls;
a pipe cutter that cuts the tubes designed to move the refrigerant;
kit required for flaring these pipes;
an example that ensures optimal stripping of pipeline ends;
a low-power hand pump, which is used to check the tightness of the device;
a vacuum pump that evacuates the system, which is necessary before it is completely filled;
phase indicator;
pressure gauge;
tester used in the process of carrying out electrical installation work.

Sequential split system installation technology

Do-it-yourself installation of an air conditioner is carried out in certain sequential stages. Each action is given a lot of attention and time to ensure the ideal result of the work. These stages include:

The split system itself, consisting of two blocks, is purchased. Tubes and other elements, materials and tools are also purchased to ensure efficient installation of equipment. Typically, a copper pipe is purchased as a full coil, and all ends must be rolled. No dents or other imperfections are allowed on the elements.
The tubes are cut into the required length elements. Next, they are scraped. After this they are flared.
It is determined where exactly the main elements of the system will be located - the indoor and outdoor units, for which markings are applied to the walls of the room and walls. It is not allowed to mount the indoor unit above different elements of the heating system. Also, curtains or other screens should not cover the unit. It is not recommended that other powerful electrical appliances be located in the same room as the equipment.
Electrical wiring is laid in accordance with the markings. Air conditioners are powerful devices that consume more than 1.5 kW, so high-quality and reliable wiring is selected for them, the cross-section of which will be more than 1.5 square meters. mm. An automatic switch must also be installed.
The outdoor unit of the system is installed. If the work is not carried out on the ground floor, then it is best to trust it to specialists, since doing the work on your own at a significant height is not only difficult, but also extremely dangerous. It is allowed to work independently only if the installation is carried out on a balcony or loggia. High-quality and reliable brackets are used for installation. This arrangement of the outdoor unit is not only easy to install, but also facilitates the process of servicing the entire system in the future.
To connect communications, a hole of suitable diameter is created in the wall. It is important to clarify in advance where the reinforcement goes in the wall. The diameter of the resulting hole is greater than 8 cm.
The pipes are prepared and the pipeline is laid.
Electrical connections between the two system blocks are established. For this purpose, stranded wires equipped with insulation are used.
The functionality and tightness of all equipment elements are checked.
A vacuum is created in the system. This is necessary in order to completely remove air from it, along with the dust present in it. Additionally, this process eliminates moisture found in individual pieces of equipment. To do this, a nipple is installed in the desired area of the device and carefully tightened. A reliable and efficient vacuum pump is connected to it. Pumping of the system begins, and usually the work is done within one hour, which will ensure complete evaporation of moisture and pumping of air from the system.
The equipment is filled with refrigerant. For this purpose, an optimally sized refrigerant cylinder is used. It is connected to the equipment through an adapter equipped with a pressure gauge so that the pressure in the system can be easily monitored.
The equipment is connected to electricity. For proper operation, the designations on the terminal block are taken into account.
The resulting system is tested to ensure its functionality and safety of use. When you turn on the air conditioner, the test mode is automatically activated, which can also be turned on via the remote control.
The harness between the blocks is additionally insulated.
The previously created hole is sealed in the wall.

Thus, installing an air conditioner with your own hands, the video of which can be viewed below, is considered an understandable, but also complex job, which requires careful study of the instructions, the use of high-quality materials and a competent approach to each stage of the work.

Video instructions for installing an air conditioner

The question of whether it is possible to install an air conditioner with your own hands worries the minds, first of all, of owners of brand new split systems who have already managed to get acquainted with the prices for installing climate control equipment. Indeed, numerous air conditioning installation companies rate their services quite highly, citing the complexity of installation, the need to use expensive highly specialized equipment and the mandatory high qualifications of specialists. You can't argue with the last statement. Only new owners of air conditioners are still interested in the possibility of self-installation, firstly as the prospect of real savings on installation services (we are talking about a considerable amount), and secondly, as an opportunity to consolidate their own skills and learn something new. Is it possible to blame our man’s desire to get to the bottom of the issue in order to understand how to install an air conditioner on his own and do the installation himself, no worse than a real master? If aspiration is accompanied by the ability to realistically assess the level of one’s skills and capabilities, then it has no price! The information we have presented on how to properly install an air conditioner will help you realistically assess the amount of installation work and balance your skill level with the required one.

Before you begin to study the detailed installation instructions, please review the list of required equipment.

Required tools and equipment

Hammer with drills.
Electric drill.
Vacuum pump.
Pipe cutter
Rolling.
Reamer (beveler).
Level.
Torque wrench.
Gauge manifold.

Using a vacuum pump, remove moisture and air from the system

Plumbing tools for installing air conditioners will also be useful (pliers, screwdrivers, hammer, etc.)

Choosing a place for installation

When choosing an installation location for both indoor and outdoor units, consider the following points: it is important to consider the possibility of free access to the device (for ongoing work on cleaning and replacing filters).

Also take into account the feasibility of the shortest communication between the indoor and outdoor units (the point is not so much the economic benefit from using fewer consumables, but rather the reduction in the efficiency of the entire system as the length of inter-unit communications increases). Do not place the indoor unit above a cabinet or tall furniture (obstructing the flow of cooled air will cause the unit to operate less efficiently). For the same reason, maintain a minimum distance from the ceiling and walls (15 cm). Coordinating the installation of the air conditioner with your neighbors is also very desirable, in order to avoid misunderstandings in the future. The installation of an external unit does not create any particular problems for residents of neighboring apartments, but it is very likely that someone may not like the noise of a running fan or dripping condensation. And the last point, the most obvious, is that the flow of cold air should not create discomfort for people in the room, so take into account the direction of the air flow during installation. Once the locations of the blocks have been determined, we begin installation work.

installation of the indoor unit;
mounting the outdoor unit;
drilling a channel in the wall;
laying and connecting connecting communications;
vacuumization of the circuit;
connecting the air conditioner to the electrical network;
system startup.

Correctly installing the indoor unit

The indoor unit of the split system is mounted on a special plate supplied with the device. To ensure reliable operation of the unit and prevent condensation from leaking out of it later, it is very important to secure the plate level. Therefore, to determine a strict horizontal line when marking, you must use a level. In the marked places, dowels are driven into the holes pre-drilled with a hammer drill. Then, using self-tapping screws screwed into dowels, we attach the mounting plate and install the indoor unit on it.

A mounting plate is attached to the installation location of the indoor unit

Installing the outdoor unit

The outdoor unit is placed on pre-installed brackets on the outside of the building, usually under or to the side of a window for ease of maintenance. For effective airflow, the distance from the block to the wall must be at least 10cm. If it is not possible to secure the brackets from the window, then to carry out the work you will need to rent an aerial platform or use the services of climbers.

Interblock communications - how to do it?

A hole in the wall for the passage of communications is drilled using a hammer drill with a drill with a diameter of 4-5 cm. If the interblock route includes a drainage pipe for condensate removal, then the channel must be made with a slope (5-10 degrees towards the street). It is advisable to hide the section of the route from the indoor unit to the point where it enters the wall in the wall. When gating, a lot of dust is generated, so if renovations have already been made in the room, then it is better to lay the route outside, subsequently covering it with a decorative box.

Interblock communications can be hidden in a decorative plastic casing

The inter-unit communication route includes copper freon pipes, power supply and equipment control wires, as well as a drainage pipeline (according to the rules, condensate from the indoor unit must be drained into the sewer system, but many simply drain it outside). The required length of wiring and pipelines is determined by measuring the total length of the route (plus a small margin of 30-50 cm).

To cut copper pipes, you must use a pipe cutter, not a grinder or a hacksaw, to avoid the formation of sawdust, which can subsequently lead to breakdown of the air conditioner. Before installation, the pipelines are placed in a heat-insulating shell; to prevent debris from entering, the pipeline openings are closed with plastic plugs. All components of the route are laid together, rewound with vinyl tape, after which the route is installed in place.

After laying the interblock communications, they begin to connect the wires and the freon line. The installation instructions for the air conditioner must contain a wiring diagram that must be followed during operation.

The length of the tubes is adjusted (we cut off the required size), then it is necessary to remove the burrs (we remove the chamfer using a reamer). After threading the nut, each edge of the tubes is flared by rolling. Then the edges are connected to the fittings of the indoor and outdoor units, tightening the nuts with a torque wrench (the connections must be absolutely tight).

After checking the tightness, air is removed from the line using a vacuum pump; a manometric manifold makes it possible to control the pressure

Having finished connecting the route, check the tightness of the line and “vacuum” it (remove moisture and air) using a vacuum pump. To do this, a vacuum pump is connected through a pressure manifold to the service port of the outdoor unit, which, by pumping air out of the system, creates a vacuum in it. This process lasts about 20 minutes (depending on the volume of the circuit). After turning off the pump, observe the change in pressure for half an hour; if the pressure gauge needle does not deviate, then the system is sealed. Only after a thorough check of the tightness is it possible to open the taps of the outdoor unit and fill the circuit with freon. Attention, a freon leak can cause a compressor breakdown, but more important is the extremely harmful effect of freon on the human body.

So, the system is assembled and filled with refrigerant, all that remains is to connect the air conditioner to the electrical network and check its operation. The connection diagram for the air conditioner is simple; in most household split systems, the power supply is connected to the indoor unit; to do this, you just need to connect an outlet to it.

Now you have a general idea of how to install an air conditioner yourself. We were talking about installing a split system as the most efficient type of household air conditioners. The video instructions below will help you figure out how to install an air conditioner.

Installation of a mobile air conditioner does not require the intervention of highly qualified specialists: you just need to place the device within 2 m from the window (to remove hot air), and then connect it to the network.