Do-it-yourself air conditioning installation: installation instruction + installation requirements and nuances

In today's world, it is impossible to imagine life without an air conditioner. Control of indoor air temperature allows a person to feel comfortable at any time of the year. The equipment is used in office buildings, offices, shops and theaters. Maintaining the temperature, humidity and cleanliness of the air in the room, the air conditioner provides high productivity, good mood and well-being to users.

When buying an air conditioner home often, users are faced with the problem of installing it. Payment for specialist services can reach almost a third of the cost of equipment. Therefore, many owners visit the idea of ​​self-installation. But what is required for this and is it possible, in principle?

We will help you find the answers to these questions - in our article we will talk about whether it is possible to install the air conditioner with your own hands and what is needed for this. And we’ll also talk about how to perform the installation of HVAC equipment at home, observing all the rules and possible nuances that arise when installing it.

The principle of operation and the arrangement of the air conditioner

Before you begin installing the air conditioner, you need to familiarize yourself with its device and understand the principle of operation.

The device of the air conditioning system is quite simple - structurally it consists of the following components and elements:

• compressorwhich is installed outside the building;
• condensing heat exchangerlocated in the outdoor unit;
• evaporator block, which is installed indoors (depending on the models, there may be several blocks);
• pressure regulator;
• connecting pipe system.

The system itself is a closed loop. Inside the circuit, the main element used to cool the air is refrigerant.

Typically used as refrigerant freon. Being in a gaseous state, it under pressure, pumped by the compressor fan, passes into a condensing heat exchanger, where when connected to external air it turns into a liquid and enters the evaporation unit in liquid form through a pressure regulator.

Initially, ammonia was used as a refrigerant in air conditioners. However, due to the fact that ammonia is extremely toxic, it was later replaced by safer freon

Thanks to the action of the pressure regulator, the boiling point of freon is reduced. Once in a special chamber located in the evaporator block, the freon expands and “boils”, while intensively absorbing heat and releasing cold. As a result of this process, condensate is released, which settles inside the evaporator chamber on the radiator, through which liquid is discharged into a special tank. Condensate is discharged from the air conditioning system through a pipe.

Absorbing heat, freon again passes from a liquid state to a gaseous state and, under pressure, through a system of tubes is withdrawn back to the compressor unit, closing the circle of the working process.

The noise level during operation of the air conditioner is calculated in accordance with the standards prescribed in SN 2.2.4-2.1.8.562-96. It should not exceed 40 dB during the day and 30 dB at night. The appearance of a hiss, hum or rumble indicates a malfunction in the air conditioner

Thus, the closed cycle of the refrigerant depends on the careful connection of all elements and the exclusion of depressurization at the joints and connections of the system.

We talked about the device and the principle of operation of household equipment for air conditioning in this stuff.

Also, to ensure the normal functioning of the air conditioner, it is worth choosing the right place for its installation. If the technical conditions for installation are not observed, the wear of the system parts and the likelihood of malfunctions increase. Installation features will be discussed later in the article.

Technical requirements for the installation of blocks

There are a number of rules for choosing a place to install air conditioning units, but the nuances are not always indicated in the instructions and technical documentation of the equipment, although they are very important during operation. Existing calculations for air conditioning systems require the observance of a number of parameters during installation.

So, for the indoor unit, the following parameters must be observed:

• the distance from the top cover of the indoor unit of the air conditioner to the ceiling, to ensure normal air intake, should be at least 15 cm;
• the distance to the corner wall to which the air conditioning unit adjoins is at least 30 cm;
• the distance to a possible obstacle to the movement of air blown into the room is at least 1.5 meters.

Failure to comply with these technical parameters can lead to a malfunction of the air conditioner and an increase in power consumption.

Also, the lack of air mass supplied for cooling can lead to unstable operation and breakdown of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

The installation of air conditioners in apartment buildings on their own is actually not permitted by law. Existing norms of federal laws, the civil and housing code oblige to coordinate the moment of installation of air conditioners with the residents of the house, with the management company, with the executive authorities

As for the household rules for installing the indoor unit of the air conditioner, when choosing a place where the flow of cold air will be directed, it is necessary to exclude the possibility of a person constantly being there.

Cold air should not enter the place for rest (sofa, bed) and the place for work (computer or desk). Otherwise, constant diseases cannot be avoided due to blowing with cold air.

To install the external unit, the following parameters must be observed:

• the distance from the back wall of the external unit to the wall of the building is not less than 10 cm, otherwise it will be difficult to “capture” external air;
• maintain a sufficient distance from the ground (when installing air conditioners on the ground floors or in private homes) to prevent snow, dirt, water from entering the unit;
• install at a distance of at least 1 meter from gas pipes;
• provide at least 1 meter of free space for blowing air with a fan.

The outdoor unit of the air conditioner must be installed on the outer wall of the building adjacent to your apartment. You should also exclude the location of the block on the wall of the neighboring apartment. If necessary, provide an external unit special visor - this is necessary to prevent icicles from falling during the winter period onto the air conditioning unit.

It is important that the location of the outdoor unit take into account the possibility of free access to it for maintenance.

Installation of an external air conditioning unit on the first floors should be carried out in compliance with the conditions for unhindered passage of pedestrians near the walls of the house. It is also worth protecting with a special grill to prevent exposure to the block of vandals

It is worth noting that at the dawn of the mass installation of air conditioners in apartment buildings, it was believed that the outdoor unit should be installed below the indoor one. This myth was based on the fact that this is how constant oil lubrication of the compressor of the outdoor unit will be ensured (otherwise the oil is supposedly collected in the indoor unit).

From the point of view of the location of the external and internal blocks, the distance between them is considered the determining parameter. The established framework is from 1 to 6 meters, but the manufacturer may indicate specific parameters that should be strictly observed.

If the maximum permissible distance (more than 6 meters) is exceeded, freon will have to be additionally pumped into the system, and if it is located less than a meter, it is necessary to form a ring from the tube to ensure the necessary footage.

In more detail the question of the right choice of optimal places for air conditioning We considered in another our article.

Air conditioner installation procedure

Even with self-installation, you will definitely need help. This is due to the rather large weight of the external air conditioning unit and the work that will be carried out from the outside of the building.

Installation work should be carried out carefully and with mandatory observance of safety measures. Doing as shown in the figure is dangerous

Stage # 1 - preparation of tools and materials

When installing an air conditioning system in the apartment with your own hands, an important role is played by preparation for the upcoming work. The necessary set of equipment, materials and tools used will ensure continuous work on installing the air conditioner.

So, for installation you will need the following tools:

• puncher, the main tool for making through holes in the wall;
• drill with a set of drills, necessary for making holes for fasteners;
• vacuum pump to start the air conditioning system;
• hacksaw or special copper pipe cutter;
• a file or sandpaper to trim the surface of the pipes;
• pipe bender to ensure shaping of the pipe system;
• pipe calibrator and flare;
• shtroborez (or a chisel with a hammer);
• level;
• screwdrivers;
• set of hex keys.

Self-installation of an air conditioner is not possible without these tools.

Not every owner has the necessary kit for installing an air conditioner. Therefore, before deciding on the independent installation of equipment, it is necessary to provide yourself with the whole set of work

Also, before starting work, it is necessary to prepare consumables:

• power cable for the manufacture of power wires and connecting modules - use a cable for four conductors with a cross section of 2 x 2.5 mm²;
• seamless copper pipe - their length should exceed the estimated length of the route by 50 cm, but the diameter of the pipes is selected in accordance with the instructions for the air conditioner;
• synthetic and insulating heaters;
• corrugated hose with a built-in internal plastic spiral for drainage - its length should be 1 meter longer than the calculated route length;
• steel brackets for installation of an external unit of an air conditioner - the load limit of the brackets is calculated based on the mass of the unit (brackets must be taken that can withstand the load twice as much as the weight of the external unit);
• fastenersselected for mounting the bracket and the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

When installing, it is better to apply high-quality materials, selecting them directly to your equipment. This will ensure reliability during operation of the system.

Copper, being a ductile metal, is excellent for soldering and flaring. It is also more than other household metals resistant to corrosion, does not interact with freon at the chemical level, and is resistant to temperature changes

Stage # 2 - installation of the outdoor unit

Next, consider how the outdoor air conditioner should be installed.

The following general requirements should be added to the above:

• installation should be carried out on the supporting elements of the facade of the building or balcony;
• if the walls are made of aerated concrete, the use of a damping seal is mandatory;
• maximum permissible noise should not exceed 30 dB;
• atinstallation on the balcony or the attic it is worth considering the possibility of vibration during operation of the equipment;
• when installed at a height of 3 floors and above - the work must be carried out by high-altitude installers with the use of climbing equipment.

If all these requirements are met, you can proceed with the installation of the external air conditioning unit.

Having decided on the installation option: on the balcony, under the window or next to the window, it is necessary to make markings using a level. After marking with a puncher, all the necessary holes are made - for mounting brackets and wiring the tube system inside the room - into which anchor bolts are inserted.

It should be noted that in houses in which there is no thermal insulation, the diameter of the hole for the air conditioning communications systems should be 50 mm, and where thermal insulation is used, at least 80 mm.

To carry out high-altitude work on installing an external air conditioning unit, you must have special climbing training and equipment, undergo training, certification and internship to perform work at heights. Thus, to carry out the installation of an external air conditioning unit at a height above the 2nd floor of the building, you should definitely invite specialists

Brackets are fastened with bolts that must be tightened as tight as possible. It should be borne in mind that during installation, the weight of the outdoor unit can be more than 20 kg, so when installing it, you can not do without the help of a partner.

The external unit is hung on the bracket. First, at the places of contact between the bracket and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, it is necessary to lay the rubber. It is thanks to this layer that the vibration from the operation of the air conditioner will be smoothed out.

Stage # 3 - installing the indoor unit

To install the indoor unit of a household air conditioner, it is also worth following all of the above requirements. Considering also that the outdoor and indoor units should be installed relative to each other at a distance of not more than 6 meters.

When working indoors, it is necessary:

• prepare a place for work by removing the curtains and removing household appliances or furniture from the wall on which the air conditioner will be installed;
• check the availability of the mains (outlets) to connect an air conditioner to it, if the standard power cable of the device is not enough, you will have to increase it;
• mount the unit on a wall or ceiling.

In the room in which the air conditioner indoor unit is installed, it is necessary to make markings using a level, after which make a hole in the wall with a drill and arrange the mount for the air conditioner unit. It is significantly lighter than the outside, but, nevertheless, the mounts must hold it securely.

The use of a level when installing an air conditioner is a prerequisite. So, when installing the indoor unit, observe the parallelism of the equipment relative to the ground. If you violate this requirement, then in the future, when the air conditioner is in operation, the formed condensate will not be able to be discharged through the drainage system in a timely manner and the air conditioner will “leak”

Insert plastic dowels into the holes and fix them with a hammer as much as possible. Having attached the mounting plate of the air conditioner, fix it with self-tapping screws. Then suspend the indoor unit.

Stage # 4 - installation of communications equipment

Air conditioning communications include:

• electrical connections;
• piping system;
• drainage system.

When installing the external unit with a punch, a hole is made in the wall called the main channel. It must be of the required diameter so that communication can be launched through it.

For the smooth operation of the air conditioner, whose power is more than 1.5 kW, it is recommended to conduct a separate power line. To do this, you need to connect one more to the main shield circuit breaker, from which run a four-wire cable directly to the installation site of the air conditioner. When connecting, be sure to determine zero and phase.

It is worth noting that work with electricity is considered hazardous and cannot be performed without knowing the basics of electrical engineering.

We also recommend that you read the rules. connecting the air conditioner motor.

It is recommended to install the air conditioner, starting with the preliminary preparation of communications. Carrying out the power supply, connecting pipes should precede the installation of the indoor unit. At the end of the work, communications must be protected with a special plastic box

The installation of the piping system must be carried out with special care, because a violation of the tightness entails the leakage of life-threatening freon.

Work execution order:

• the copper pipe is cut to the required length with a margin of 1 m;
• edges are ground with sandpaper or a file;
• pipe bending must be carried out with a radius of at least 10 cm;
• to insulate pipes put on them special polyurethane foam hoses;
• flare the ends of the tubes and connect the pipeline;
• tighten the fitting flange after connection.

To give greater tightness to the pipe system, professionals advise soldering copper tubes. Soldering is carried out using a propane heating pad: the pipe is heated to a temperature of 250 degrees and a special solder is used. The following soft solders can act as it: L-SnCu3 (S-Sn97Cu3) and L-SnAg5 (S-Sn97Ag5). They provide reliable bonding, resistance to mechanical stress and corrosion.

Having made the connection between the outdoor and indoor units in accordance with the instructions, proceed with the assembly of the drainage system. The withdrawal of the used liquid can be carried out outside the premises or in a special container indoors. It is recommended to equip the outlet flow outside the premises.

The drainage channel is made of reinforced plastic pipe. It is enough to connect it with a flange to the drain. The drain pipe must be laid at a slope of at least 3 mm per 1 m.

After completing these works, the corrugation is pulled to the output of the communications from the indoor unit, and the connection should be fixed with a clamp. The communications of the outdoor unit are closed by a hose. Possible gaps in the through hole are sealed with foam.

We talked about installation of communications in more detail in next publication.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Self-installation of the air conditioner is clearly shown in this video:

In the same video, you can see what are the most common mistakes made when installing the air conditioner yourself:

Installation of the air conditioner can be done independently. To do this, you need to have a little knowledge and skills. When installing the air conditioning units, be sure to follow the instructions and safety requirements. However, when performing work, one cannot do without the help of an assistant - the weight of the outdoor unit can exceed 20 kg.

If you have questions after reading the article or have suggestions for installation based on personal experience, be sure to share them in a special section for comments below the article. Here you can also add unique photos of the installation of your air conditioner.