Most people hire a professional to install a split system air conditioner. However, if you have some experience with plumbing and electrical work, you can install the unit on your own. Each split system or ductless air conditioner is unique to its manufacturer, but this article explains the general instructions for installing a split system air conditioner.
1. Select an unobstructed location on your interior wall to mount the indoor air conditioning unit.
- Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Avoid locations where gas may leak or where oil mist or sulphur exists.
- The indoor unit requires at least 6" (15 cm) of open space surrounding its top and sides. The unit should also be mounted at least 7 feet (2.13 m) above the ground.
- Install the unit at least 3.3 feet (1 m) away from antenna, power or connecting lines that are used for television, radio, home security systems, intercoms or telephones. The electrical noise from these sources could cause operational problems for your air conditioner.
- The wall should be strong enough to hold the unit's weight. You may need to construct a wood or metal frame to provide added support.
2. Secure the mounting plate to the interior wall.
- Hold the mounting plate against the wall where you want to install the indoor unit.
- Use a level to make sure the plate is both horizontally and vertically square.
- Drill holes into the wall at the appropriate spots to affix the plate to the wall.
- Insert plastic anchors into the holes. Secure the plate to the wall with tapping screws.
3. Create a hole in the wall to fit the piping.
- Find the best spot for the hole to the exterior based on the opening in the mounting bracket. You should also consider the length of the pipe and the distance that it needs to travel to reach the outside unit.
- Drill a hole that is 3" (7.5 cm) in diameter through the wall. The hole should slope downward toward the exterior to ensure adequate drainage.
- Insert a flexible flange into the hole.
4. Check the electrical connections.
- Lift the unit’s front panel and remove the cover.
- Be sure the cable wires are connected to the screw terminals. Also, make sure that they match the diagram that comes with the unit.
5. Connect the pipes.
- Run the piping from the indoor unit toward the hole drilled through the wall. Minimize bending to ensure that the unit performs well.
- Cut a length of PVC pipe 1/4" (6 millimeters) shorter than the length between your interior and exterior wall surfaces.
- Place the pipe cap on the interior end of the PVC pipe. Insert the pipe into the hole in the wall.
- Bind the copper pipes, the power cables and the drain pipe together with electrical tape. Place the drain pipe on the bottom to ensure a free flow of water.
- Secure the pipe to the indoor unit. Use 2 wrenches, working in opposite directions, to tighten the connection.
- Join the water drainage pipe to the indoor unit’s base.
- Run the bound pipes and cables through the hole in the wall. Make sure that the drainage pipe allows water to drain in an appropriate place.
6. Secure the indoor unit to the mounting plate by pressing the unit against the mounting plate.
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