What is required to install an air conditioner. Do-it-yourself air conditioner connection

Now more and more people want to buy and install a split system in their apartment. And it's not just air conditioning. Split system allows you to better freshen the air in the premises. What is its advantage? First of all, it does not block natural light, as it does not crash into the window frame. The second advantage is that it does not depend on the general air conditioning system of the house as a whole. And the last - it consists of only two blocks: internal and external. The only reason why a large number of consumers do not dare to purchase a split system is ignorance of the rules for its installation. Consider all the steps in order and tell you how to install a split system yourself.

Compound

First of all, you need to know what this air conditioning system consists of. It is equipped with two separate units: the outer one - the condenser, and the inner one - the evaporator. They communicate with each other by means of electrical wires and two tubes made of copper through which the refrigerant circulates. In addition, the indoor unit is equipped with a thin plastic tube that performs a drainage function, i.e. removes condensed moisture from the system. According to the rules, it must be connected to a special tank for draining or to a sewer pipe, but for some reason, most often it turns out to be brought out, and water from it drips directly on the heads or under the feet of passers-by.

Principle of operation

It is quite simple and lies in the fact that if the room needs to be cooled, then freon flows through a copper tube from the heat exchanger of the external unit to the heat exchanger of the internal one. Thus, the refrigerant is processed by the fan, and already cold air comes out from the inside of the air conditioner.

If, on the contrary, the room needs to be heated, then the external condenser heat pump starts to work as an evaporator, and the evaporator, in turn, acts as a condenser. The split system is also equipped with a compressor located in the outdoor unit. Its main function is to compress freon, which contributes to a significant increase in the efficiency of the air conditioner.

Mounting methods

Indoor units of split systems can be either wall-mounted or floor-to-ceiling. The latter can be successfully attached to both the ceiling and the floor. Most often, wall blocks are used in apartments of multi-storey buildings. They are equipped with movable blinds, with which you can change the direction of the flow of air masses.

The power of the wall blocks is limited by the manufacturers themselves, since if the jet of chilled air is too strong in a small room, it can literally blow away everything that is there. In the event that the room is quite spacious, for example, it is an office or a workshop, then a more powerful split system with a floor-to-ceiling indoor unit is installed in it.

Mounting tools

In order to install a split system with your own hands, you will need a number of devices that you will have to purchase or rent. The quality of the work performed and the durability of your air conditioner directly depend on what tool you will use during the installation process. You will need:

● Perforator with a set of chisels. It is useful in order to make holes in the main wall.

● Armature detector. It may be needed if the walls in the house are made of concrete. If during drilling the tool gets on the reinforcement, you will have to make another hole.

● Tube flaring kit. It will not be possible to do this work with improvised means, since it will be impossible to achieve complete tightness.

● Pipe cutter. Under no circumstances should you saw off the pipes through which the refrigerant circulates with an ordinary hacksaw. Copper chips always remain in the gap, which can subsequently lead to compressor failure.

● Scraping. This tool is used for stripping the cut ends of pipes. Ordinary files or needle files are not suitable for this purpose precisely because of the sawdust.

● Manometer. It will be needed to measure the pressure of the refrigerant in the system.

● Vacuum pump. It is necessary to process the system before filling it. Quite often you can hear the advice that it can be flushed with coolant. This is fundamentally wrong, since it does not remove moisture and spoils the compressor, just like metal chips.

● Manual bicycle pump. It is used to test the system for leaks.

● Tester and phase indicator. These devices are necessary for electrical work.

Tubes and work with them

Experts recommend buying a copper tube in a store in a whole bay at once, and it does not matter if there is an extra one. It can be applied elsewhere. But if iron filings remain in the cut tube, you risk ruining your air conditioner compressor. Also, when buying it, you need to make sure that there are no visible cracks and dents on the surface, and its ends are rolled by the manufacturer.

Before you install the split system yourself, you need to practice flaring the tubes. It is worth noting that this procedure is done only with a special tool and nothing else.

To practice working with flaring, you need to take the same small piece with the pipe in the store, but do not touch the bay itself. At the same time, it will be possible to try to cut the tube in a circular motion, as well as to scrape the product, holding it with the end down.

Installation

In order to make a high-quality installation of a split system with your own hands, you need to know the sequence of actions. Professionals recommend installing air conditioners only before or during repairs, as you still have to gouge the walls, lay electrical wiring and attach brackets. If the repair has already been made, then all communications can be hidden with the help of external boxes, but this, as you yourself understand, will not improve the interior. How to install the split system yourself correctly will help you understand the phased implementation of this work.

Stage one: wiring

If we take even the most low-power modern air conditioner, which consumes 1.5 kW of electricity, then it also needs to lay a separate wiring with a cross section of at least 1.5 square meters. mm. In addition, you will need an automatic shutdown.
When connecting the wires to the input shield, it is necessary to find where the phase and zero are located with a special indicator, and after determining, mark them from both ends.

Stage two: outdoor unit

It is strongly not recommended to install the outdoor unit of a split system on your own if your apartment is not located on the first floor, as there is a risk of falling from a height. But on the other hand, due to the presence of loggias and balconies on the upper floors, this problem practically does not exist. In addition, maintenance and repair of air conditioners in such cases become more convenient.

Typically, a split system is installed on the east or north side of the house. But even if you had to attach the outdoor unit from the south, the balcony canopy will still protect it from direct exposure to sunlight.

Stage three: indoor unit

In order for the installation of a split system with your own hands to be successful, you must strictly follow the sequence of actions. First, with the help of screws, special brackets are attached to the ceiling (if it is a floor-to-ceiling air conditioner) or to the wall (wall-mounted system). Having finished this work, it is necessary to check the strength of the fastening, namely, install the indoor unit and connect it. If the structure does not stagger or vibrate, then the brackets are securely fixed.

It is easiest to install a split system with a floor unit, since it usually does not need fasteners. But all the same, it is necessary to finally decide on its location, because after laying communications it will be impossible to rearrange it.

Stage four: punching gutters

If you doubt your knowledge or are not sure about something, you can always get advice from a specialist who will tell you how to install a split system yourself and connect freon tubes and electrical wires, thereby connecting the two units to each other. For this, special gutters are usually punched on the ceiling or in the walls, but only if you need to lay a hidden highway.

If you do not want to hammer, then there is another option. All wires can be closed with skirting boards or decorative plastic boxes.

If a multi-storey building consists of blocks, then before starting to punch a hole in the wall, it is necessary to determine in advance with the help of an armature detector the places where the iron core lies. In no case can you cut off the reinforcement, since it is located in the external load-bearing wall. According to the standard, the hole diameter should be at least 80 mm. Sometimes you can hear recommendations about 50-60 cm, but here the thickness of the thermal insulation was clearly not taken into account.

In addition, you will definitely need an assistant to stand below and warn people passing nearby, as a piece of brick or concrete that accidentally falls from a height can injure someone. Such an incident can cost the owner too much.

Stage five: connecting pipelines

In order not to make a mistake and connect all the tubes correctly, you need to study the instructions well on how to properly install a split system. First you need to measure the desired length of the tube and cut it off with a margin of at least 1 m. All the excess will go to the bends.

Professionals warn that tubes must be bent with great care, as they can break, and sometimes wrinkles form on their surface. They create obstacles to the free flow of refrigerant, which leads to a significant increase in energy consumption. The minimum allowable bending radius is 100 mm.

Then, polyurethane foam hoses or flex thermal insulation are put on the tubes. The use of foam rubber is highly undesirable. After that, threaded flanges are put on them, and the ends are flared. Next, the pipelines are connected to fittings. In this work, the main thing is not to confuse the connection. Most air conditioner manufacturers have made cold and hot fittings different in diameter.

For the drainage system, you will need a piece of reinforced plastic tube. It is connected to the drain pipe using a heat-shrinkable tube or a threaded flange. Drainage should be installed at a slope of at least 5-10 mm. This is necessary for the natural flow of water.

Sometimes, for some reason, such an inclination cannot be made. In this case, you will have to additionally install a special pump for pumping moisture. I must say that its purchase can cost about 70-200 dollars. The price depends on the pump model.

Step Six: Sealing and Vacuuming

The easiest and most reliable way to check the tightness is with a soapy solution. To prepare it, you need to buy half a liter of distilled water at the pharmacy and heat it, then throw shavings of laundry soap into it.

By using the rubber hose of a bicycle hand pump connected to the outlet nipple, you can easily check the sealing quality. This is done as follows: one worker pumps air, and the other brush smears soapy water on the threaded connection and monitors the appearance of bubbles. When they stop puffing up, tighten another 1/8 turn. After completion of work, the soap coating is removed with a damp cloth.

After completing the sealing test, the system must be evacuated, i.e., remove moisture from it, dust and air that have got there. To do this, return the nipple to its place and tighten. Next, connect the vacuum pump and pump for about an hour. During this time, the moisture from the system should evaporate along with the remaining air.

Final stage: testing

For testing, the split system is filled with refrigerant from a cylinder through a special adapter on which a pressure gauge is installed. Wait until the pressure gauge shows the pressure indicated in the instructions. It is worth noting here that air conditioners operating on freon cannot be filled with freon, and vice versa.

During testing, the disconnector is turned on, and the air conditioner should enter the mode itself. If this does not happen, you need to try running the test using the remote control. If this does not help, you will still have to call specialists, but be aware that all installation warranties have already been lost.

In the event that the test is passed successfully, the cold air has gone and the blinds have been set to the desired position, you can safely tell yourself and others that you now know how to install a split system yourself. And the final touch - you need to close up a hole in the wall. And not with foam, but capitally.

Now it's the turn to connect the communications to the already mounted blocks. It is worth starting the installation of communications with electricians.

Two electrical cables are laid:

1. From indoor unit to outdoor unit - interconnect cable

2. From the indoor unit to the power source

Electrical diagram, both between units and to the power source, may differ seriously enough from the model and manufacturer. Domestic air conditioners are usually single-phase, and high-power air conditioners are three-phase, in this case, too, a completely different circuit diagram.

On sale there are already flared mounting kits for self-installation of the air conditioner from 0.8 to 50 meters. Buying a ready-made kit is more profitable than buying components separately. Also, the kit is suitable for laying the track during repairs. Included: ready-made tubes for quick connection of the air conditioner in thermal insulation, drainage hose, brackets for the outdoor unit, wires, fasteners. Pickup in Moscow from metro station Lermontovsky Prospekt (8). Delivery throughout Russia.

Standard installation of an air conditioner in Moscow and the Moscow region - 5000 rubles with material. Laying of copper tracks - from 3000 rubles.

Depending on the capacity of the air conditioner, it can be built into an existing electrical network or bring a separate line to the air conditioner. Be sure to install the machine, regardless of whether it is a separate line or the nearest outlet. Wires can be laid together with copper tubes in strobes or decorative boxes.

You need to start with what exactly determine how the air conditioner will be connected to the electrical network of the house.

There are only two options:

  • connecting the air conditioner to an existing electrical network, that is, to the nearest outlet.
  • connecting the air conditioner to a separate power line, which is connected to a separate machine.

You can connect to existing wiring near the air conditioner if:

  • This is a low power air conditioner.
  • is it a window or mobile air conditioner
  • at high electric power of the network
  • if the air conditioner is installed temporarily
  • if there is no washing machine, electric kettle, water heater, electric stove and other energy-intensive appliances on the same power line with the air conditioner
  • electrical wires are made of aluminum
  • electrical wires have a low cross-sectional area
  • no grounding and protection
  • Wiring is worn out or damaged

If the air conditioner is connected to the nearest outlet, the network must be equipped with an RCD and differential. automatic - the air conditioner consumes a lot of electricity for a long time. When connecting the air conditioner to the network, be sure to set the machine to 20A and above at the point of inclusion.

A separate power line is the preferred option for connecting air conditioners. This will protect the existing network and the unit from overloads and voltage fluctuations. A separate line will allow you to bring current directly to the air conditioner, therefore this does not affect its location.

Requirements for a separate power line:

  • the presence of a machine on the line
  • presence of grounding
  • only copper cables
  • cross-section of wires from 3 X 2.5 and above

It is undesirable to include other household appliances and lighting in line with the air conditioner. It is permissible to connect additional systems: heating the drainage of the air conditioner, heating the outdoor unit. It does not make sense to install an RCD and a differential automatic on a separate power line.

You also need to supply power from the indoor unit of the air conditioner to the outdoor. if possible, the cable can be laid together with a freon interconnect route.

When connecting the air conditioner, you must follow instruction manual, which, among other things, indicates exactly how to connect the electrical wires. The instructions also provide a detailed wiring diagram for this particular model.

The second solution to obtain information for the installation of a specific air conditioner is electrical diagram shown on the inside of the cover of the air conditioning units or on the blocks themselves. It specifies in detail how to connect the air conditioner units to each other and how to connect the split system to the existing electrical network.

Consider the most common sequence for connecting a home air conditioner.

We connect the power wire to the mounting block. In the mounting block of the air conditioner, the connection of the supply wire must be made strictly according to the diagram on the cover.

Black the wire that comes from the machine is connected to the L terminal

Blue the wire is connected to terminal N

yellow green the wire is connected to the ground of the air conditioner

Connecting the outdoor unit must be carried out following the user manual or the diagram located on the air conditioner. Connection of split-system blocks to each other is carried out with a power cable, with a cross section of at least that indicated on the cover.

Carry out the installation of electricians slowly and strictly adhering to the scheme. Lay electrical cables in strobes and decorative boxes not open, use corrugated pipe suitable diameter. This will allow you to remove or replace the wires if necessary. If you put the drain along with the cable - do not neglect to hide the cable in a corrugated tube.

Despite the fact that there are air conditioners in almost every home, only a few users correctly imagine the scheme of such a device and how it works, it is connected. In this article, we will try to expand on this topic.

General scheme of the air conditioner

The whole system is built on the ability of substances to absorb heat during evaporation and release it during condensation. Such an air conditioner scheme is incorporated into the operation of a modern split system. The main substance inside the closed system of the device is freon. Having the ability to change its state of aggregation by changing temperature and pressure, we will be able to cool the radiator and drive air from the street through it.

But first, let's get acquainted with the main elements of the split system. The scheme and principle of operation of the air conditioner involve the use of two blocks: outdoor and indoor. What are they needed for?

outdoor unit

This unit is installed outdoors and mainly serves to cool superheated freon (it does not take air from the street, the air conditioner is used to cool the air in the room. Ventilation units are used to take in street air). It consists of the following nodes:

  • Fan.
  • Capacitor. In this part, freon is cooled and condensed. The air that passes through the condenser is heated and vented outside.
  • Compressor. The main element of the air conditioner, which compresses freon and circulates it throughout the circuit.
  • Control block. It is usually used in outdoor units of inverter systems. In conventional air conditioners, all electronics are most often located in the indoor unit.

  • 4 way valve. It is used in models that can work for heating (most modern air conditioners). This element, when the heating function is activated, changes the direction of the refrigerant flow. As a result, the outdoor and indoor units change places: the internal one works for heating, the external one - for cooling.
  • Various fitting connections, through which copper pipes are connected between the indoor and outdoor units.
  • Coolant filter. Installed in front of the compressor in order to protect the latter from dirt, which during installation can enter the system.

indoor unit

It includes elements:

  • Front panel through which air enters. It is easily removed so that the user can get to the filters.
  • The coarse filter is an ordinary plastic mesh that traps coarse dust (for example, animal hair, fluff, etc.). This mesh should be cleaned once a month.
  • Filter system consisting of carbon, antibacterial, electrostatic filters. Depending on the model of the air conditioner, some filters may not be available at all.

  • The fan for circulation of pure air in the room - cold or warmed up.
  • Evaporator. It is a radiator where ice coolant enters. This radiator is heavily cooled by freon, and the fan drives air through it, which instantly becomes cold.
  • Blinds for adjusting the direction of air flow.
  • The indicator panel shows in which mode the air conditioner is operating.
  • Control fee. It contains the central processing unit and the electronics unit.
  • Fitting connections - pipes connecting the indoor and outdoor units are connected to them.

The air conditioner circuit is simple and logical, but some users do not understand why two units are needed? After all, you can take warm air from the room and drive it through the air conditioner, cooling it. But not everything is so simple: you cannot produce cold without producing heat. The heat needs to be vented out. For this purpose, a two-block system is ideal. There are also other systems, such as single-block. There, the heat is removed to the outside through a special air duct, brought outside the apartment.

Detailed scheme of the air conditioner

Now that you know the basic elements, you can consider in more detail the scheme of operation of this system. So, when the cooling mode is activated from the control panel, the compressor turns on in the system. It pressurizes and drives the gas through the radiator. Having passed the radiator (in the outdoor unit), the gas becomes liquid and hot (if you remember, it releases heat during condensation).

Now the hot liquid freon (which was gas before the radiator) enters where the freon pressure drops. As a result of this, freon evaporates, and a gas-liquid cold mixture enters the evaporator (freon becomes cold during evaporation). The evaporator is cooled and the fan blows the cold out of it into the room. Then the gaseous freon enters the condenser again, and at this stage the circle closes.

This circuit diagram of the air conditioner is valid for all types. Regardless of the model, power and functionality of the system, all air conditioners are built exactly on this principle, including automotive, industrial and household ones.

Connecting an air conditioner

The installation scheme of the air conditioner is simple, but the installation itself is quite complicated. Only specialists who have the appropriate equipment can produce it. The whole difficulty lies in the installation of the outdoor unit and the pumping of freon inside. It is also required to make a huge hole in the wall, and if the house is panel, then the complexity of the work increases.

As for the connection to the mains, it is enough just to connect the indoor unit of the device to the outlet, nothing more. But the air conditioner connection diagram for power is a document that displays the location of various components and information for service centers. He is more interested in engineers who are engaged in the repair and connection of equipment. In the context of this article, it is impossible to give a single connection diagram for an air conditioner, since it may be different for different models.

Connecting blocks

After the external and internal units of the air conditioner have been installed, they must be connected to each other. This is done using a four-core copper cable. The cores must have a cross section of at least 2.5 mm 2. The air conditioner connection diagram that comes with the device itself is to some extent an instruction. Typically, the connecting cable is laid along with the freon line, although it can also be laid in a separate plastic box.

Leased line connection

After connecting the two units to each other, you need to connect the indoor unit to the network. You can use the nearest outlet, however, given the rather high power of the installation, experts recommend allocating a separate power line for it, which will go directly to the meter. This will remove a large load from the common line of the electrical system of the apartment. Cable laying to the shield can be made through a special groove or in a plastic box. Don't leave the wire open.

The shield into which the power line of the air conditioner (and the general line of the electrical system of the apartment) will enter must be grounded. In this case, the power supply of the cable must be connected through an automatic machine of a certain power. It is calculated using a special formula: the power of the air conditioner divided by the voltage (220 or 230 V). To the value obtained, you need to add 30% for a power margin.

Connection to the general power supply system of the apartment

Connecting the device to a conventional outlet that belongs to a common power line is possible only if your air conditioner is not powerful and will not create a large load on the network. When the power consumption of the air conditioner is 1 kW or less, it can be connected to a conventional outlet. Typically, models designed for cooling 20 square meters have such a capacity.

Professional installation of the air conditioner is the key to its long service life. At first glance, this procedure does not look difficult - just connect the external and internal unit of the split system. But is it? To analyze the complexity of installation, it is necessary to consider each of its stages.

Before starting the installation, a number of preparatory measures should be done. They are divided into 2 groups - according to the parameters of the room and the provision of installation conditions. The main selection criteria: the area of ​​​​the room, the presence of forced ventilation, the number of people who constantly or periodically stay in it.

After that, you can proceed to the preparatory work in the room. They are carried out during the repair or before it:

  1. Refer to the instruction manual for installation requirements. This will form the basis for a proper installation.
  2. The distance from the indoor unit to the ceiling must be at least 15 cm. This can ensure the safety of the system and its efficiency. There should be no obstacles in front of the air flow - screens, interior partitions, etc.
  3. Power supply to the installation site of the air conditioner. It is advisable to allocate a separate line with a machine in a common control panel.

This stage of work can be carried out independently. Further actions will require a fair amount of skill and practical experience. It is enough to admit the slightest inaccuracy, and even more so - a hidden defect, and the operation of expensive climate equipment will be in jeopardy.

In most cases, installation consists of the following steps:


For each of these stages, it is important to follow the installation technology.



Hole drilling

If the wall hole is to be made immediately behind the indoor unit, the mounting plate must be attached first. An air conditioner housing will be installed on it, so work should be done very carefully. First, markings are made on the wall, the correct installation is measured using the level, and then the plate is installed.

A hole with a diameter of 50 mm is drilled next to it, work is best done indoors, but safety should be monitored. During work, part of the wall may collapse - one of the installers must stand on the street and control the process from there.

Interblock route installation

It is necessary to connect all elements of the interconnecting line to the indoor unit: copper tubes for freon, drainage system and electric cable. For insurance, it is recommended to increase the estimated length of the route by 30 cm. This will make it possible to avoid possible errors during installation.

The most important is the correct connection of the copper piping. It is fully straightened, nuts and flex are installed on the mounting ends. Next, the tubes are rolled and attached to the indoor unit. It is very important to maintain the required force.

If the tightening is not tight enough, freon will leak, and if pinched, the copper sheath may be damaged, which will also lead to loss of tightness.

At this stage, special equipment for soldering and crimping is needed. The cost of a professional tool is high - its purchase for a one-time installation is unprofitable. If you use less quality, then there is a high probability of incorrect connection of the pipeline.

Next, a drainage hose is mounted, the place of its attachment to the block is glued with Teflon tape. Then the electrical cable is connected. The resulting line needs thermal insulation, for this the tubes are twisted with a special moisture-resistant adhesive tape, and a heat-insulating casing is installed.

Outdoor unit installation

Installing an outdoor unit is one of the easiest parts of the job. But for him, it is necessary to comply with the installation conditions. First of all, you need to choose the installation location. The boundary distances from the blocks to the walls are shown in the figure.

In addition, the safety of the device should be considered. In order to prevent theft, the outdoor unit is installed in a lattice case. To protect against external damage, a galvanized steel canopy is required. Fasteners must be capable of supporting at least 4 times the weight of the entire structure.

An inter-unit route is connected to the outdoor unit through the hole. The method of connecting all the lines is the same as for the indoor unit.

Freon filling

Freon charging is one of the crucial stages in the installation of an air conditioner. It is impossible to perform this procedure without special equipment.

Often choose freon brand R-22 or similar. It is optimally suited for Russian operating conditions. The order of work is as follows:


This completes the installation. As you can see from this overview of the installation process, air conditioner installation work is labor intensive and requires a lot of practical knowledge from the installer. Therefore, it is not recommended to install the climate system on your own, since there are many more parameters that can directly affect its efficiency and duration of operation.

This article will discuss how to install an air conditioner with your own hands. Experts strongly recommend preparing the climate device for intensive use in advance. Installation of air conditioners is a responsible and rather complicated event from a technical point of view. With a certain desire, practical skills and a theoretical base, installation work can be done by hand.

The efficiency and duration of the operation of a split system depend on how accurately the installation rules are followed. An unsuitable place, improperly selected equipment for installation, its non-compliance with the technical operating conditions, violation of technology - all this can eventually lead to a breakdown of the unit. And even the most expensive devices fail without revealing their potential.

Properly organizing the whole process will not work if you do not have an idea about the principle of operation of this climate apparatus.

    Show all

    The principle of operation of the unit

    All models of split systems offered for sale are built and operate according to the same principle. They consist of a compressor and an evaporator unit. To connect them, special pipes are used. The outdoor unit is mounted outside the wall.

    Unit device

    An evaporator is installed inside the room. More productive and expensive models are equipped with several with a common compressor.

    The principle of operation of the air conditioner at home:

    1. 1. High-pressure refrigerant (freon) is supplied through a nozzle, the diameter of which corresponds to the outlet pipes.
    2. 2. It goes to the inside of the evaporator, where it gradually expands, and after some time it completely boils. The generated steam actively absorbs heat.
    3. 3. In the process of absorption, condensate is certainly released in the form of water, which settles on the surface of the radiator.
    4. 4. Moisture is transferred to the tank, and then discharged outside the walls of the house.

    If the installation of the air conditioner is done professionally and correctly, the compressor will constantly pump out freon vapors from the internal chamber, while the internal pressure increases in parallel. As a result, the refrigerant heats up, which contributes to its transformation into a dense fog.

    The refrigerant is redirected to the condensation chamber, where it is cooled by an integrated fan, transforming into a liquid. In this state, it is sent to the evaporator (through the nozzle) and everything closes in a circle.

    note! If you install an air conditioner inside a room near a heating device, then the power consumption will increase significantly, and the device itself will most likely fail after a few months of operation..

    Even ordinary dust can lead to breakage of the climate unit. Wet cleaning is not only necessary, but also prescribed, and thorough, regular and thorough. Indoors, it is strictly forbidden to put any products or objects on the unit itself. It is also impossible to cover it with a tablecloth.

    Scheme of work

    Do-it-yourself installation of an air conditioner necessarily involves sealing all connecting elements and joints, which will eliminate the likelihood of refrigerant evaporation. Experts recommend placing the outdoor unit in such a way that it is lower in level than the indoor unit. The standard installation of the air conditioner involves the location of the outdoor unit in a cool place, in the shade.

    The device and principle of operation of the air conditioner

    Tools and preparations

    Do-it-yourself installation of an air conditioner cannot be done without preliminary preparation of tools:

    • electrical tester;
    • bicycle and vacuum pumps;
    • pipe cutter;
    • perforator;
    • indicator;
    • example;
    • pipe flaring kit.

    Required Mounting Tools

    This is just a basic set of accessories necessary for the installation of air conditioners. Additionally, you will need a full coil of copper tube (note that its ends must be rolled initially, at the factory). Any visual defects (dents, scratches) are simply not acceptable.

    note! Installation of air conditioning systems is impossible without making holes in the walls, damaging the exterior and interior finishes, so the work should be carried out in parallel with the repair.

    Step-by-step instructions for installing the climate system

    After purchasing the climate unit and preparing the necessary tools, you can proceed to the main pool of work. The installation scheme is quite simple:

    • choice of location for the installation of the unit.
    • installation of brackets on which the unit will be installed.
    • Initially, the installation of the external (outdoor) unit of the unit is carried out.
    • then the indoor unit and other elements of the system are mounted inside the object.

    note! In the process of performing the relevant work, it is extremely important to strictly observe safety standards, especially when it comes to a height of 2-3 floors. Knowing how to install the air conditioner yourself should not go against the precautions.

    The choice of a place for the installation of the unit is no less important than the purchase of the climatic device itself. Experts advise taking into account a number of requirements when choosing a place for the indoor unit:

    • remoteness from the side wall - from 30 cm;
    • distance from the ceiling - at least 15 cm;
    • to the nearest large object that disrupts the movement of air masses - from 150 cm.

    Unit placement options

    As for the placement of the outdoor unit, the balcony is considered the ideal place, but on condition that it is open. In the case of a glazed loggia, you can stop at the option of mounting on the fence, with sufficient bearing capacity of this design. We recommend that residents of the first and second floors place this part of the split system above the window so as not to cause inconvenience and level the likelihood of theft.

    note! In the case of a private house, no strict recommendations are provided.

    Choosing a place for the unit

    If there are several air conditioner units, then the minimum distance between them should be at least 1.5 m, optimally - 3 m. A number of manufacturers do not regulate this value and you can select it yourself. But it is better to refuse the “sandwich” option, in which neighboring blocks are located with the back side to each other.

    The distance between 2 blocks indoors is from 6 m. More is allowed, but in this case, refueling with refrigerant cannot be avoided. It is better to invest in the specified value.

    Where to install the air conditioner

    Installation of brackets for air conditioning

    Brackets for installing the unit

    So, where is the best place to install an air conditioner? – The climate control unit is fixed in an unhindered access zone. Installing an air conditioner on a balcony is the best option. This type of equipment requires periodic and high-quality maintenance.

    Experts strongly recommend placing the outdoor unit on the north or east side. Installation of a window air conditioner is often performed at the bottom of the balcony. This zone is considered the best, because it allows you to freely open the window, service the unit. The sequence of actions is simple:

    1. 1. The fixing points of the brackets are indicated and marked with a level.
    2. 2. Holes are formed under the anchor bolts.
    3. 3. For communications, it is necessary to prepare a through hole, its diameter should be at least 8 cm. It is better to make mounting recesses and recesses in the space between adjacent bricks, this will not only simplify the work, but also make them visually neater.

    Bracket dimensions

    The brackets are installed in accordance with the preliminary marking, adjusting them according to the level and screwing in the anchor bolts. It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that there should be about 10 cm of free space between the base of the wall and the air conditioning unit. Gaps must be carefully sealed. After making sure that this block is securely fastened, the installation steps continue, but already inside the room.

    ATTENTION! Don't skimp on brackets.

    Brackets for air conditioners. What is the difference?

    Outdoor unit fixing

    Starting to fix the outdoor unit, you need to make sure that the wall is structurally reliable and durable. Large models can weigh more than 50 kg, and in some cases more. Household climate units weigh about 15 kg, and there are no problems with their fastening. Experts advise to provide a margin of safety for all fasteners and walls at least 2 times.

    Advice! If your house has external insulation, you should make sure that the brackets are fixed not to it, but to the wall itself.

    In recent years, in the segment of private development, such material as aerated concrete has been especially popular. With all its positive qualities, it is not able to provide sufficient strength for the installation of an air conditioner. The same is the case with the ventilated facade.

    note! During the installation process, it is extremely important to ensure a horizontal level for the product, while you can use the building level. The slightest deviations are fraught with improper circulation of the refrigerant.

    Proper fixing of the outdoor unit

    • the outdoor unit of the air conditioner should be blown by the wind from all sides (if possible);
    • the body is better placed under a canopy;
    • residents of the upper floors of apartment buildings can place them directly on the roof;
    • the maximum line length is 15 m, if this value is exceeded, then cold losses increase.

    Professionals pay close attention to the competent arrangement of the drain for condensate drainage. In accordance with the rules and regulations, this tube must be connected to the sewer system. That's just our compatriots in the vast majority neglect it, completely in vain.

    The outdoor unit should be at least 10 cm away from the wall surface. It is required to ensure high-quality blowing of the unit. If you do not withstand it, then the device may completely fail. Remember that any activities associated with the installation of the outdoor unit are associated with a high risk to health, since these are high-altitude work.

    Fixing the indoor unit

    Professionals categorically forbid placing the indoor unit behind curtains, near electrical appliances, above the battery. Self-installation of the air conditioner in these places is fraught with failure of the device's processor. Having decided on the place, it is imperative to check the wall for other communication solutions (heating pipes, plumbing, electrical wiring).

    Fixing the indoor unit

    Direct installation of a window air conditioner is possible only if there is a free area. First of all, a metal plate is mounted: at least 10 cm must be retreated from the ceiling, and about 7 cm from the base of the wall. Distances are marked with a pencil. Holes are made for fasteners, and the plate is securely screwed.

    Fixed plate for indoor unit

    The further installation scheme involves fixing the indoor unit on an already attached plate. A hole is made in parallel in the wall for laying a copper cable, condensate hoses, pipes, and electrical wiring. Standard includes all necessary products, solutions and elements.

    Electrical connection

    Electrical connection diagram

    The indoor unit functions only if it has its own wiring, the cross section of which must be at least 1.5 square meters. mm. A mandatory requirement is the presence of a shutdown machine, especially if it is the installation of industrial air conditioners. The wiring is connected to the shield only when it is fully laid: a yellow wire with a small green stripe is connected to the neutral wire.

    note! In order to determine the phase and zero, it is most effective to use an indicator.

    The rules for installing an air conditioner require the connection of individual units using insulated stranded wires, previously passed through a hole in the wall. Each climate control unit comes with instructions that clearly indicate the wiring diagram and sequence.

    Answering the question of how to properly install an air conditioner, professionals invariably state that the key to the success of this entire event depends on the quality and literacy of laying copper pipes. They are cut in such a way that there is a small margin (about 0.8-1 m) for bends.

    Pipe laying

    It is simply not possible to bend them, since dents, wrinkles will form, and the metal may even crack.

    note! The installation of industrial air conditioners, as well as household ones, involves the use of special pipe benders. They allow you to maintain the structural integrity of the tubes. For window air conditioners, this moment is the key to effective functioning.

    Only after this, the tubes can be covered with polyurethane foam hoses, which play the role of thermal insulation. As for the traditional foam rubber, it is completely unsuitable in this context, due to the short service life. Flanges for threading are worn solely on the fact of pipe insulation.

    Installation and installation of air conditioners is carried out with mandatory flaring, while the process itself requires utmost care in order to eliminate the risk of grooves and microcracks. Be that as it may, spare parts and the necessary tools should always be at hand. On rolling, the nut should be placed easily, but when tightening, it is better to use a torque wrench, which eliminates the possibility of squeezing out small particles from the machined area.

    Further, it is enough to fix the corresponding pipeline at each fitting. A small piece of pipe in a reinforced casing is attached to the drain pipe (for such cases, it is better to use heat-shrinkable tubes).

    Advice! An important component of the successful installation of an air conditioner at home is the presence of a drainage pipe located at the maximum possible distance from the bearing walls.

    The next step is to insert pipes into the holes in the wall, while they should be placed as evenly as possible. At the wall, the canvas is fixed with clamps. An air conditioner with installation outside the home must be mounted extremely securely. Small holes are filled with mounting foam. To check the tightness, you can use a soapy solution.

    Vacuum system

    To install air conditioners, it is necessary to evacuate the system. Even if the activities are carried out at home, this is indispensable, since moisture and fine dust are removed as part of the evacuation. During the installation of the air conditioner, connections and threads are sealed, otherwise it will not work to remove air from the unit. A vacuum pump is used to pump out air for 20-40 minutes.

    vacuuming

    After the installation of the air conditioner is completed, the refrigerant in the cylinder is supplied to the system. A small adapter is attached to it, and then a pressure gauge. The filling of the air conditioning tank is independently carried out taking into account and correcting for pressure. Upon completion of the process, the disconnector is activated and the system enters the test mode.

    note! The uniform circulation of cold air indicates that everything is done correctly. The air conditioning unit can be used for its intended purpose.

    Results

    Now you know how to install the air conditioner yourself. This work is quite feasible. Naturally, this is not a simple and easy task. The key recommendation is to strictly follow the instructions and if any defects occur, they must be eliminated in a timely manner. In this case, the air conditioner will work effectively for a long time. Be sure to watch the video on installing the air conditioner from A to Z.