Summer, heat ... Prices for split systems are quite high, and at home I really want to feel the desired coolness. At the same time, installing an air conditioner often costs a little less than the product itself. How to install the air conditioner yourself? This is our article.
1. Before you install the air conditioner yourself, you must select its correct position in space: the indoor unit must be mounted on a strong wall. The place should be accessible so that in case of breakdown you do not have any problems with the repair. Another very important point: it is not recommended to mount the unit in a zone of constant exposure to direct sunlight, and it should not impede the free circulation of air.
It is advisable to arrange the outdoor unit so that it does not interfere with your neighbors with its noise and powerful stream of hot air. The installation location of the outdoor unit must have a solid base - otherwise it may collapse or noise from vibration. In no case should it be placed on the ground. Observe the length of the refrigerant pipe.
2. The next step is how to install the air conditioner yourself - this is drilling a hole in the wall for pipelines. Select a location for it using the special marks on the rear mounting panel. The diameter of the hole is usually 6-7 cm. Drilling is carried out with a puncher or circular saw, and the hole can also be knocked out with a chisel. Do not touch the wiring and other communications located in the wall. Use a special tube to protect against short circuit.
4. Install the indoor unit evenly - its hooks should enter the rear panel as tightly as possible.
5. Before you install the air conditioner yourself, select the copper pipes of the modification that is indicated in the annotation of the air conditioner. As a rule, they are made of oxygen-free copper and should not have welded joints.
6. Answering the question of how to install the air conditioner yourself, it is impossible not to mention the correct cutting of the pipe. It is necessary to produce it only with a pipe cutter in order to avoid the ingress of iron chips into the tube. Deburr the inside of the cutting area. Before flaring, it should be smooth and shiny. To the length of the pipeline that will connect the indoor and outdoor units, add 1 cm to reduce stresses on the joints. The pipes are bent manually. Make sure that there are no cracks on their surface.
7. The next stage is flaring.
8. Insulation of pipelines - both narrow and wide - is carried out separately.
9. Pipeline connection. It must be absolutely dry and clean. Check for refrigerant leaks. Seal joints with sealant. First attach a wide, then narrow pipeline.
10. Remove air from the pipeline between the indoor and outdoor units with a special vacuum pump, otherwise it will fall into the cooling circuit, which will significantly reduce the power of the air conditioner.
11. Check for leaks by applying soap suds to suspected locations. After completing the test, fully open the service valves.
12. Turn off the power, strip the wires, and plug them deeply into the appropriate connectors.
13. Install the drain pipe with a downward slope without horizontal sections.
14. Connect wide and narrow pipelines, wires and a drain hose with a reinforcing tape, which should cover them with a dense continuous layer. Pay particular attention to the isolation of joints.
15. Secure the pipe with mounting clamps.
16. Seal the hole in the wall.
How to install the air conditioner yourself? There can be no simple answer to this question, since modern air conditioning is a complex device. If you do not have professional skills for installation, consult a specialist - do not risk your health.