How to install air conditioning on the loggia and glazed balcony: instructions and valuable recommendations

A modern split-system in the apartment will help create more comfortable living conditions: adjust the optimal temperature, provide comfortable humidity and clean the air. But in the process of installing an air conditioning system, you may encounter some difficulties. We will tell you how to install the air conditioning on the loggia correctly.

In our proposed article, the specifics of the design of a household climate system are described in detail. Features of the installation of blocks providing cooling or heating of the air mass in the room are given. To help independent home craftsmen, common mistakes made during installation work are listed.

What is a split system?

The design of the air conditioner consists of 2 separate units. One unit is mounted indoors. The other is installed outside - usually by standards on the facade of the house. The modules are interconnected by copper freon tubes and wires.

Cooling / heating of the air in the room is carried out when moving the refrigerant through the tubes. The refrigerant absorbs or gives off heat when it passes from the gaseous phase to the liquid phase and vice versa.

When installing a split system with an indoor unit on the loggia, do not forget to calculate the area of ​​the space enclosed by it to accurately determine the performance

According to the recommendations of manufacturers, the indoor unit must be mounted on the wall under the ceiling, since the warmest air is collected there. In addition, there is another condition - you need to mount the indoor unit close to the external wall of the room to minimize the distance to the external module.

The outdoor unit is installed on the facade in accordance with the norms of SNiP 2.04.05-91. However, in some cases, installing the module on the facade is not possible.

Reasons to install the air conditioner on the balcony

Unfortunately, sometimes there are situations when the external module cannot be installed on the facade:

• the air conditioning unit violates the appearance of the building;
• the building is listed as a historical monument;
• for technical reasons, it is not possible to install an external unit on the external walls of the building;
• there is no permission to install an air conditioner on the wall of an apartment building.

In the above cases, if the indoor unit of the air conditioner is installed in a room with a balcony, then outdoor unit mount on the balcony or on the loggia. And it doesn’t matter - open or glazed.

When it is impossible to install an outdoor air conditioning unit on the facade of the house, it is taken out to the balcony or loggia. Installation is made regardless of the presence or absence of glazing

Installing an external air conditioning unit on the loggia or on the balcony has several advantages:

• the installation process is less costly: high-altitude work is not required;
• the block case is protected from negative weather factors: wind, snow, rain;
• the distance between the air conditioner modules is reduced;
• simplified maintenance, cleaning, repair.

However, there are also disadvantages of this installation option. Let's take a closer look at them.

Features of arrangement on a balcony / loggia

With the installation of air conditioning on an open glazed balcony, everything is clear. This is the only 100% acceptable option without flaws.

On an open loggia or balcony, the air conditioner has constant access to fresh air and can operate at full capacity without overheating. During installation, only one requirement must be observed - the minimum trunk length.

On the open balcony, the external unit can be installed anywhere, taking into account only the length of the freon line

Another thing is if the balcony or loggia is glazed. As a rule, this option is contrary to all the requirements of manufacturers. The air conditioning process requires free access of air, which is difficult in the presence of a glazing structure.

In this case, the owner will have to provide a forced withdrawal of exhaust air and an additional influx of fresh portion, otherwise the equipment will be constantly disconnected from overheating. This means that at least 3 casement windows on the loggia must be open during the operation of the equipment, and the unit itself must be placed opposite one open casement.

In addition, the bulky module housing can take up a lot of space and produce noise. The sound from the working unit will be reflected from the walls of the balcony and will feel a little more compared to installing on the street. The noise intensity depends on the split system.

For normal operation of the climate system on the balcony, the outdoor unit must be located directly in front of the sash opened during its operation

The ideal solution to all the problems that arise is the dismantling of glazing for the summer period. At the end of the season, glazing returns to its place. As a rule, this is not a particularly costly procedure even if PVC windows are installed on the balcony.

Another convenient installation method is on the parapet of the balcony. In this case, the equipment is placed on the brackets. And it is advisable to put it from the side on which the sun's rays least fall. Legally, this is not a building facade.

In this case, there are no problems with the free movement of air. However, as with installation on the facade, a block can tear a block of ice that has fallen from the roof. Therefore, it is additionally recommended visor installation over the appliance.

Consoles on the parapet for installing the air conditioner are mounted with anchors. To protect against atmospheric negativity, installation of protective visors is also required

It should be noted right away that in SNiPs there is a restriction prohibiting suspension of objects weighing more than 30 kg on the railing.The penalty in case of exceeding this figure will have to be paid, even if you weld the brackets on the outside or put additional supports.

Evaporative unit can be placed on the side of the balcony

If there is one loggia, and you need to cool several rooms, instead of several household air conditioners It is recommended to purchase a multisplit system, to which you can connect several indoor units.

Installation instructions for air conditioning units

Consider the best ways to install split systems. Just note that the most common option for installing an external unit - on the wall, is the most unsuccessful in terms of efficiency.

Firstly, with this method of arrangement, the air on the loggia and, accordingly, in the room will be very hot. When the temperature reaches 45 degrees, the air conditioner will simply turn off automatically.

It is not recommended to place an external module of a split system because of overheating of the air in a space enclosed by glass. Equipment will shut off too often

Secondly, windows with this arrangement of the module should be constantly open. In calm weather, this cooling method will also be ineffective. The only way to increase the efficiency of the split system is to remove the glazing for the summer. Therefore, we will not consider such an option for installing an outdoor unit.

Installation of an external unit inside the loggia

If the balcony is not only glazed, but also insulated, and lined with lining, it is easier to install the external unit on the floor. The best option is to use one corner. equipped space. Since a conventional split takes air from the back and side, and lets it go forward, it is necessary to ensure the separation of the air flows so that the warm exhaust air does not mix with the intake air.

When installed in a corner through the front wall of the balcony, air is exhausted, and through the end face a fence. To ensure better sound insulation, the housing must be closed in a sealed box with a service door.

For better sound insulation, the housing can be closed in a box, but in this case, the masking structure must be provided with openings for the influx of fresh air and exhaust exhaust

Thus, the following design advantages are achieved:

• strong reliable basis;
• free air circulation;
• due to the absence of a wall, the equipment does not overheat;
• minimal noise.

Of course, the box eats up part of the usable area, but its upper surface can also be used.

The box can be made of glass or made of cheaper materials. The main thing is to choose the material with which it will not be difficult for a home craftsman to work

Let's look at how air conditioners on balconies are properly closed:

1. A place is being prepared for the placement of an external remote unit.
2. A large hole is cut in the wall for unhindered air circulation.
3. For placement of the body, 2 U-shaped supports from the corners are welded. Supports can be mounted on anchors. Supports are required for cushioning during vibration and additional air circulation. In addition, condensate will flow down.
4. The outdoor module is mounted on stands.
5. An airtight duct made of soundproofing materials is mounted with one drop-down wall for maintenance.
6. In the box and in the wall adjacent to the room, channels for highways are drilled.
7. Freon tubes and cables connecting the outdoor and indoor units are mounted.
8. Communications are closed by cable channel.
9. The drainage route is connected.
10. The system is being tested.

After operation of the split system for 2-3 days, you can assess the need for improvements in sound insulation.

A simpler option for installing an external unit is without a box. This method is justified in new homes, where to the right and left of the balcony there can be similar rooms of neighbors.In this case, the module is also installed on the floor of the loggia / balcony facing the balcony grate.

The decorative panel with insulation is cut to the size of the air conditioner - the joint is sealed after installation. No box is installed. The exhaust of hot air goes to the street, and the fence comes from the loggia.

The shutters should be open during operation. With this installation method, noise isolation is not provided, so you need to immediately purchase an inverter model of an air conditioner with a low noise level.

In order for the climate system installed on the loggia without an insulation box, not to exert sound interference, it is better to choose their most “quiet” models

If the floor on the balcony is strategically important, the unit can be installed on the console attached to the ceiling. This is a more complex technical option, in addition, providing for work with glass, but then free up space at the bottom.

Mounting the outdoor unit on the parapet

A popular option for installing air conditioners is on the railing of balconies. Of course, according to building codes there is a load limitation. No more than 30 kg can be hung on the railing, and the outdoor unit can weigh up to 60 kg and even more.

However, as they say, the severity of the requirements of the LCD is compensated by the non-bindingness of their implementation. In any case, if the module is large-sized and heavy, but a decision has been made to install it on the railing of the loggia, it is morally necessary to prepare for the situation when it is necessary to pay a fine.

Consoles need to be fixed on an anchor from 6-8 cm long. The instructions from the manufacturer of the air conditioner usually show the recommended sizes of fasteners

The outdoor unit must be hung from the side where the indoor unit is installed. This is necessary to reduce the length of the freon trace. Depending on the age and degree of wear of the house, and with it the balcony or loggia, the fence will have to be strengthened.

If the parapet is made of reinforced concrete or brick, the fastening is done on an anchor with a diameter of 10 mm, a length of 6-8 cm. If the fence is rods or sheet material on the frame, then the consoles are attached to the frame.

A good option is to weld the console to the frame. Another option for installing consoles is through bolting. A steel plate is mounted on the inside of the enclosure, on which the load will be distributed.

Mounting the indoor unit

In some cases, there is a need to move to the loggia and the indoor unit. There may be several reasons: it does not fit into the interior design, there is no free space, parents are afraid to catch a cold. Sometimes apartment owners use a large loggia as another room - an office, a recreation area, and a part of the kitchen.

If cooling of the room from the loggia is required, the module must be installed opposite the door to the room at a height of 1.7-2m. The door to the room, of course, must be open. If the split system is installed from the end of the loggia, the air flow will circulate only in it past the door. This is a great option if cooling of the loggia is required, but not in the adjacent room.

So you can’t install a split system, since a minimum of air flow will enter the room

For this method of mounting, you will have to take into account the area of ​​the loggia in addition to the room area, so most likely you will have to buy an air conditioner of greater power. Additionally, you will have to mount a metal frame or suspensions.

How is the split system installed on the loggia with this arrangement:

1. Suspension is bent from a metal profile or corner.
2. Suspensions are attached to a concrete ceiling on an anchor.
3. The module is placed so that the blinds are directed towards the door.
4. A power source is provided: a socket is installed or a cable is laid from the room.
5. Connect the cables leading to the outdoor unit.
6. The drainage route is connected.
7. The equipment is being tested.

Undoubtedly, it is much more convenient and efficient to install the indoor unit in a room with a balcony. However, if there are any problems, it is permissible to take out the indoor unit to the balcony. He in this case is installed on the floor in the box.

Condensate drainage specifics

Condensate from the air conditioner must not be drained uncontrollably into the street. Drops of it can drip on the heads of passers-by or fall on the ebbs of neighbors and interfere with them with their knock. In addition, condensation can cause surfaces to get wet and mold to form. In some cases, this can even cause the destruction of facade tiles.

Therefore, the condensate drainage route must be laid:

• to the nearest drainpipe;
• into the sewer;
• into a container on the balcony requiring regular emptying.

The method of withdrawing fluid through a drain pipe has its drawbacks. In addition to installation difficulties, the drain can become clogged and water will flood back into the module. Therefore, the best option is to drain the drain into the sewer. Design of a drainage route is usually done during repairs.

There are 2 basic requirements for the track:

• the slope along the entire length of the horizontal sections of the route is not less than 3 degrees;
• corner of turns - 45 degrees.

Drainage pipes are laid both externally on the floor base and inside the wall along the gates with their subsequent sealing with repair mortars.

To prevent unpleasant odors from the sewer from entering the room, a water trap in the form of a sewer siphon is made at the junction of the pipes of the drainage system and the pipes of the sewer system. The easiest option is to bend the corrugated pipe of the drainage route in the shape of the letter “S”.

If the drain pump is not included in the split system, buy it separately. Periodic condensate drain is inevitable during the operation of the climate system

If the length of the drainage system is large or difficult to provide the necessary slope, you can install a drainage pump. Pumps for domestic air conditioners are sold as a separate item and it is not difficult to install them. Pump performance must not be less than the amount of condensate produced by the air conditioner. The parameter is indicated in the technical documentation.

Errors installing the air conditioner on the balcony

The biggest mistake made by the installers of the air conditioner is a violation of the norms provided by the city authorities or the Criminal Code. If the house is included in the register of historical or architectural monuments or some neighbor decides that noise or vibration from air conditioner, and the owner of the apartment is not issued permits, you can get a fine.

The second common mistake is the operation of the air conditioner on a glazed loggia with constantly closed windows, which sooner or later will lead to overheating of the equipment. Incorrectly selected location for installing the indoor unit will reduce the efficiency of the system.

Install the air conditioner in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The frequent result of violation of requirements is catastrophic consequences

It is also necessary to pay attention to the installation and fastening of supports. The air conditioner works with vibration and in order to reduce it it is necessary to install shock-absorbing gaskets. In addition, the fasteners and support devices must be checked periodically, as the nuts may loosen due to vibration.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Watch the video about installing an air conditioner with an external unit on the parapet of the loggia:

Of course, the installation of an air conditioning unit external or internal inside the balcony is often a necessary measure. The management company or the developer in the new building may recommend installing a split system on the loggia in order to preserve the integral appearance of the facade of the building or the house may belong to the historical heritage.

The owner of the apartment in this case is faced with a whole heap of problems - the need to separate air flows, ensure cooling of the unit.All these, of course, are surmountable difficulties, but if there is a possibility, it is better to install the outdoor unit on the facade in close proximity to the balcony to facilitate maintenance.

Tell us about how to install air conditioning on your balcony or loggia. Share the nuances of the process and technological subtleties known to you. Please leave comments in the block below, ask questions, post a photo on the topic of the article.