How to install an air conditioner

Installing an air conditioner (also known as an air-to-air heat pump) is a specialist process. It should be carried out by a professional who can advise you on suitability and install quality units that deliver maximum effectiveness with the minimum of disruption.

AC installation guide

There are six main steps to installing an air conditioner:

Step 1: Install the indoor AC unit(s). First, your contractor will install the wall-mounted, floor-standing, or ceiling-concealed AC indoor units, which are designed to emit warm or cold air into your rooms.

Step 2: Set up access points inside your home. Next, they will create an access point(s) to connect the indoor unit(s) to the outdoor unit by drilling a hole in the wall for the electrical wiring and drain piping.

Step 3: Install the outdoor AC unit. The next step is to install the outdoor AC unit. This is usually mounted on the side of your home. In colder locations, the unit must be off the ground and above where snow could settle.

Step 4: Connect electrical wiring. Afterwards, the installer will connect the electrical wiring. The wires should be insulated as necessary.

Step 5: Connect the piping. After the wiring, the installer will connect the refrigerant pipes that transport hot gas or cold liquid to the indoor units and the drainage pipes that remove condensation. These should also be insulated as required.

Step 6: Quality testing phase. Finally, the installer will thorough test the entire system to ensure it is working optimally before use.

What do you need to know before getting your ac installation?

Before you install an AC system, you need to decide if you want to heat and cool just one room (using a pair system) or many rooms (using a multi system) as this will impact the overall installation.

Furthermore, you also need to consider your hot water needs. For example, a multi-plus air conditioning system can easily be connected to a small domestic hot water tank of 120l, which is ideal for homes up to 80m².

Another consideration for your AC installation is its quality and energy efficiency. High quality units will be more reliable and long-lasting, and high energy efficiency ratings will reduce running costs.

Unit efficiency is also improved by ensuring your home is well-insulated with a clear area around the indoor and outdoor units, so they get sufficient airflow.

Even though air conditioners take 80% of the energy they need from the outside air, they still require a reliable electricity supply to run.

Have your air conditioner installed professionally

Use a professional contractor to install your air conditioner.

Before starting, your AC installer will inspect your home to check if it’s suitable for an air conditioner. They will recommend the type of system and size of AC that you need, advise where to position the outdoor unit, and discuss what kind of indoor units to install: wall-mounted, floor standing, or concealed in the ceiling.

Now your home can be as warm or cool as you want throughout the year, and you can relax in total comfort.