How To Install an Air Conditioner at Home
Air conditioners are the cooling gadgets of the hot summers. Having one installed at your home/office will help you escape from the hot and humid weather. As people worldwide experience the global heat wave, the need for an air conditioner has become necessary.
Due to the high demand for these appliances, $125.6 million AC units were sold worldwide. Even though purchasing an AC is an excellent option, it’s also important to know how to get it installed in your space.
For many, the AC installation work might be pretty challenging. It is because when people ask their HVAC technician what is included in the installation process, they’re often shocked to learn how much goes into it.
However, to make things simple, this content will provide you with a detailed explanation of how to install an AC unit into your space correctly. So, let’s begin!
Steps To Install an Air Conditioner In Your Home
To make sure that the AC unit is installed correctly, the steps mentioned in this section will help you greatly:
Step 1: Pick the Area for Installation
Choose an area that is away from sunlight and various other heat sources. You should look for an area where you can easily make a hole to link the pipes from the indoor system to the external one. The best height for AC units is around 2.1 meters above the ground.
Apart from that, make sure to keep a space of 6 inches to 12 inches on both sides of the cooling system for outstanding performance.
Step 2: Place the Mounting Plate
Before placing the AC, you should place the mounting plate. Utilize a level as it will help keep the plate even when it’s in vertical and horizontal position. You should mark those places with a pencil where you want to put the screws.
After that, just place the mounting plate and put the plastic anchors. You just have to secure the plate with the screws.
Step 3: Drill a Hole in the Outlet
You must look for an area to make an outlet hole for the pipes that will connect the outdoor unit with the indoor one. Before drilling a hole, check to see if there are no electrical pipes or wires located behind or inside the wall.
Take a keyhole saw or drill to make around 7cm to 8cm holes for the wires and pipes. Also, try to make sure these holes are slant-lowered a bit. This is because it simplifies the drainage process.
Step 4: Inspect the Interior Electrical Connections
Open up the front panel of the indoor unit, get rid of the cover, and check whether or not the wires are linked to the screw terminals in the correct order. That way, you can make sure that the communication wires are completely secure in their respective places.
Step 5: Link the Cables and Pipes of the Indoor Unit
Take the pipes and cables and run them through the holes you made. After that, take the tape and secure the drainage pipes, cables, and copper pies. Put the drainage pipe below for a free water flow.
You don’t have to add more insulation because every line is insulated right before they arrive. All you need to do is make sure that you don’t bend the pipes and cables way too much because it can lessen the cooling efficiency and cause numerous recurring problems.
Step 6: Place the Indoor Unit
You just slowly lift the AC unit with the assistance of another person and connect the wires located at the backside of the unit with the ones on the plate. Firmly press them to secure the connections. Remember, tilt the AC unit approximately 2 Degrees to 3 Degrees backward so that the water can flow out smoothly from the drain pipe.
Step 7: Find a Good Area to Place the Outside Unit
Now that the installation of the indoor unit is completed, you must look for an area where you can place the external unit. Make sure it’s away from dust, heat, sunlight, and other things. Find the hole that you made before and look for a good position for the unit. Make sure this position is within 50 Feet.
Doing so will make sure that the cables and pipes are attached correctly. It’s also an excellent idea to install the outdoor unit around 10 feet away from the TV antenna or radio.
Step 8: Fix the Brackets or Make a Concrete Pad on the Outside Wall
In this step, you must decide whether you want to put the outside unit on the wall or place it on a concrete pad. If you choose “brackets,” make holes after making sure the bracket is aligned horizontally.
But if you want a concrete pad, be sure to place the outdoor unit on an even and flat surface. Don’t put the outdoor unit on the grass because it shifts around because of its weight and massive size.
Step 9: Install the External Unit
When placing the outdoor unit on the wall, make sure the screw holes of the frame and the AC unit overlap. The exterior unit is much heavier than the interior, so it is suggested that you lift it by taking the help of a family member or friend. Otherwise, you can call in an AC technician to help you with it.
If you want to place the outdoor unit on the concrete pad, place a rubber cushion and then put the unit on top of it. It can help reduce vibrations when used. Use the anchor bolts to properly secure the unit to the concrete pad, as it will offer a strong foundation.
Step 10: Link the Piping and the Wires
Now, the only thing you have to do is cover up all the electrical ports and connect the wires. For the wire connection work, check the cooling system’s connection diagram. Use flare nuts to link the copper pipes. Lastly, link the power supply to the designated outlet.
After completing all these steps, you just have to bleed out the air from the Freon circuit and repair the pipe with the help of clamps. Use polyurethane foam to seal the holes on the wall, and you’re all done with the installation work. You can now use the AC unit to stay comfortable during the hot months.
10 Factors to Consider WhileInstalling An Air Conditioner
If you have decided to get an AC unit at your office/home, there are certain aspects that you must take into consideration:
- The Size of the AC Unit: You must opt for a cooling system that will match perfectly for your home. Good installation work involves your home’s size and setup. This can help determine the actual size of the AC you want.
- A Stable Airflow: An AC unit needs to move a specific amount of air to keep your home cooler. The manufacturer provides appropriate airflow rates for certain situations. For a quality AC installation, you or an AC repair person will set the airflow based on those airflow rates. After that, they will inspect whether or not the system is operating correctly.
- Cost of the AC Systems: It’s normal for people to obtain a cooling system, which is less expensive so that they save up money. However, expensive systems are much more cost-effective in the long run. They will not consume too much energy and will help reduce their energy bills. They are known as efficient units that will keep a space cool and cozy.
- Energy Consumption: Before the installation work, make sure to purchase an energy-efficient AC unit. Doing so will help reduce the energy cost. Look at the “energy efficient” rating to find the best cost-effective solution. This particular range is between 8 and 11.5. When the rating is much higher, it means the system is more energy efficient.
- AC Maintenance: You can only be sure that your cooling system is excellent when you sign a contract with a reliable AC installation firm. They have trusted and certified workers who can tune up your system every few months to make sure your residence stays cool.
- Check the Ductwork: Right before you install the AC unit, you must check whether or not the ductwork is in great condition. Seal up the joints to let the cool air stay inside your house. Ineffective and old ductwork will leak out about 20% of the cold air.
- Durability: Go for a durable system that will not require replacement/repair on a regular basis. To locate the best model, you must do some research on it. You can also contact a trusted HVAC company that will suggest various AC models and brands.
- Extra Features: Before you buy your cooling system, make sure to do some research on its additional features or equipment. Once you know what type of add-ons you want, it becomes easier to install those components easily.
- Check the Noise Level of the Unit: A high level of noise might make you distracted or irritated. It’s recommended that you get an air conditioner that produces around 50dB of sound. A whisper will be around 20dB, a noise similar to an alarm clock will be about 60dB, and a noise that sounds like an ambulance siren is roughly 120 dB.
- Examine the AC Filters: The AC filters with a basic filter. But it might be enough for the indoor air quality. Remember, all AC filters are not the same. Normal fiberglass filters do not have much surface area but enable more airflow and will not catch many particles.
Ending Note
Installing an air conditioner can be an ideal option during the summer. It will keep you cool and relaxed and help you conduct all your activities effectively. To make sure the installation work is done correctly, you must have good knowledge, tools, skills, and people to help you.
Otherwise, you can leave the installation work to the people from Smile HVAC, a company that specializes in installing, fixing, and replacing AC units. We have installed all kinds of AC systems and also got the job done in the given time.
Before you start with the installation work, we will discuss the cost and how much time it might take. If you wish to install an AC unit and need our assistance, please contact us at (+1) 437-777-4555.
You can also send us an email at [email protected]. For more information on our service, please go through our website at https://smilehvac.ca/.
