Installation of a split system (or, simply put, an air conditioner) is a laborious procedure, but not as complicated as you might think. In principle, even someone who has never done anything like this before can cope with such a task. This will require a little theoretical knowledge, which you can learn from this article, a set of tools, patience and desire. Let's talk about how to put the air conditioner on your own.
A bit of general information
Our main goal is to install an air conditioner without damaging it. But, in addition to this, it is necessary to correctly install both the indoor and outdoor units. Otherwise, the efficiency will be much lower if the device is functioning at all.
To start work, you will need a special tool: a hammer drill and a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge pump, and a building level. As for consumables, the installation of the split system is carried out by a standard set, which should be included. This is insulation, drainage hose, dowels, brackets, etc. If this is not the case, then you need to buy it, and only then start installing the air conditioner.
Mounting the indoor unit panel
In this case, it is necessary to observe one simple rule that applies to all air conditioners, regardless of brand and manufacturer. It consists in the fact that at least 10 centimeters must be retreated from the ceiling. If this rule is not observed, then the air conditioner will constantly become clogged with dust. In addition, poor air intake will reduce productivity, and this can affect the longevity of the device as a whole.
From the corner of the wall you also need to retreat a little. The distance from the panel to the curtain should be at least 10 cm. This is necessary so that the curtain does not flutter during operation of the air conditioner. Further, with the help of dowels and level, the panel is fixed. It should be placed strictly horizontally. This is to prevent condensate leakage. Next, temporarily hang the indoor unit.
Cable duct mounting
Cable routing must be carried out with at least a slight slope. This is done so that condensation does not appear. Be sure to consider this when installing. First you need to drill a hole with a diameter of 55 millimeters at least. Do not forget about the slope, which will exclude the appearance of an air plug in the drainage hose. After the through hole is made, we stretch the box, cut the ends, and we adjust the whole thing.
The next step is to cut the track. It is extremely important to understand that the use of a conventional hacksaw is simply unacceptable. This is due to the fact that small shavings, dirt, etc. debris will remain in the copper tube. If all this falls into the compressor, then it will soon fail. Therefore, use special pipe cutters, which today can be found in any specialized store or rented from a neighbor. Despite the fact that the climatic equipment is different, the installation of air conditioners is approximately the same. There are currently a large number of split systems, but the principle of operation is the same, and installation is carried out according to general rules.
Box laying and mounting brackets
At this stage, you yourself choose the sequence of actions. You can first hang the block on the panel, and only then start laying the track in the box. You can, and vice versa, pave the route, then attach the block. The main requirement is not to bend the copper tubes. If this happens, the compressor will soon break.
Next, you need to get insurance and go outside, as the next stage is carried out there. Whether mounting a multi-split system or the most common, you need to mount the brackets on the wall. They should be located in one horizontal plane, so use the building level. It is desirable that the work was performed by two people, since the outdoor unit has an impressive weight. After fixing the brackets, the external unit is put on them and is additionally fixed with bolts.
Rolling and evacuation of the route
The essence of rolling is to expand the copper tubes at their junctions. For this, a special rolling machine and nozzles are used. Before rolling the tube, put a nut on it, because after its expansion you will not be able to do this. It is imperative to ensure a reliable connection through which freon would not leak. To do this, tighten the nuts as tight as possible at the joints, but do not overdo it.
Evacuation is necessary to remove residual dust and moisture from the track. To do this, you will need equipment for the installation of split systems, such as a vacuum pump. It turns on, and at the same time the port on the manometer opens. When the arrow goes into vacuum, it is necessary to turn off the pump and close the port. If the arrow does not fall, it means that one of the connections is leaking air, tighten the nuts more tightly. If this does not help, then it is worth checking the quality of the rolling. If this is not done, then it is likely that the compressor will burn out after one winter.
Installation of a split system: instructions for launching freon
After you successfully complete the evacuation, it's time to fill the freon into the system. To do this, use the hex wrench to unscrew the feed hose (this is a thin tube). It is important not to confuse with a thick suction tube, as the check valve may deteriorate , which is not good. Consistency is important here, so the supply first opens, and then the suction. At this point, record the freon pressure in the system and check all electrical connections. If everything is in order, then you can carry out a test run.
If the compressor did not turn on immediately, do not be alarmed, this is quite normal, there is nothing wrong with that. Record pressure and tension. If everything is in order, then set the power of the air conditioner to maximum. So he should work for 10-15 minutes. During this time, freon will go through the system, and the oil will have time to return.
Do-it-yourself split-system installation: important points
It must be understood that there should be no air in the system, which is why evacuation is a mandatory procedure. As noted above, all connections must be reliable and durable. It is advisable to do a few checks using a vacuum pump. Only after you make sure that everything is in order, you can carry out a test run.
It is safe to say that the installation of the interblock track and its sealing are the most difficult and time-consuming steps. As you can see, you cannot do without an assistant. This is due to the fact that it is very difficult and unsafe to install the outdoor unit on your own. In general, there are no overwhelming tasks. We follow the horizontal, seal the joints, do not use the usual hacksaw - and everything will be fine.
Conclusion
So we figured out how split systems are installed. Dismantling / installation in priority should be carried out by specialists with experience and high qualifications. So the equipment will last for many years. But it is extremely important not to forget to service it periodically.
By the way, while drilling a hole in the wall, there is a risk of stumbling onto fittings or wiring. Therefore, first check if there are any hidden communications, and only after that proceed to work. The event is quite noisy and dusty, so prepare the room in advance. In general, there is nothing complicated, the main thing is to comply with all of the above rules. But one way or another, self-installation should be carried out only if you are confident in your abilities. But it is better to call specialists. If the installation is carried out incorrectly, then at least there will be someone to make a complaint. That's all that can be said about the installation work.