Most people hire a professional to install a separate air conditioner. However, if you have some experience with plumbing and electrical work, you can install a circuit yourself. Each split system or ductless air conditioner is unique to the manufacturer, but this article provides general instructions for installing a split system air conditioner.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Installing the Inside
Step 1. Choose an unobstructed location on your interior wall to attach the indoor air conditioner unit
- Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Avoid locations where gas may leak or where oil or sulfur mist is present.
- Indoor units require at least 6" (15 cm) of open space around the top and sides. This unit must also be affixed to at least 7 feet (2.13 m) above the ground.
- Install the unit at least 3.3 feet (1 m) from the antenna power cable or connector used for television, radio, home security systems, intercoms or telephones. Electrical signals from these sources can cause operational disturbances in your air conditioner.
- The walls must be strong enough to support the weight of the AC unit. You may need to build a wooden or metal frame to provide additional assistance.
Step 2. Attach the mounting plate to the interior wall. Secure the mounting plate to the interior wall
- Hold the mounting plate against the wall where you want to mount the indoor unit.
- Use a spirit level to make sure the frame is square horizontally and vertically.
- Drill holes into the wall at the correct point to attach the slab to the wall.
- Insert the plastic anchor into the hole. Fasten the slab to the wall with screws.
Step 3. Make a hole in the wall to fit the pipe
- Find the best point for the hole to the exterior based on the opening in the mounting box. You should also consider the length of the pipe and the distance it takes to reach the unit outside.
- Drill a 3" (7.5 cm) diameter hole into the wall. The hole should slope down toward the exterior to ensure adequate drainage.
- Insert the edge of the pipe into the hole.
Step 4. Check the electrical connection
- Lift the front panel off the unit and open the cover.
- Make sure the cable wire is connected to the screw terminal. Also, make sure the wires match the diagram on the unit.
Step 5. Connect the pipes
- Run the pipe from the unit inside to the hole drilled into the wall. Minimize bending to ensure the unit works properly.
- Cut PVC pipe 1/4" (6 millimeters) shorter than the length between your interior and exterior wall surfaces.
- Attach the pipe head to the interior end of the PVC pipe. Insert the pipe into the hole in the wall.
- Tie the copper tubing, power cable and conduit together with electrical tape. Lay the drain pipe at the bottom to ensure a free flow of water.
- Attach the pipe to the unit inside. Use 2 wrenches, working in opposite directions, to tighten the joint.
- Connect the water drainage pipe to the base of the unit inside.
- Insert the tied pipes and wires into the holes in the wall. Make sure the drainage pipe allows water to flow in a suitable place.
Step 6. Attach the unit inside to the mounting plate by pressing the unit against the mounting plate
Method 2 of 3: Install the Condenser Outside
Step 1. Choose the best place to install the unit outside
- The location of the unit outside needs to be installed away from areas that have a lot of current, dust or heat.
- The outdoor unit requires 12" of space around the circle to ensure proper operation.
Step 2. Lay the concrete base on the ground and make sure the concrete base is balanced
This base must be high enough so that the condenser will stand above the snow surface in winter.
- Place the condenser outside on a pedestal. Use rubber pads under the feet of the unit to minimize vibration.
- Ensure that no radio or television antenna is within 10 feet (3 meters) of the outdoor condenser.
Step 3. Connect the power cord
- Open the lid.
- Refer to the unit's wiring diagram and make sure the wires are connected as the diagram suggests. Following the manufacturer's instructions for wiring is crucial.
- Secure the cable with the cable clamp and replace the cap.
Step 4. Install the pipe head on the appropriate pipe in the unit outside
Method 3 of 3: Complete Air Conditioning with Separate System
Step 1. Remove air and moisture from the cooling circuit
- Open the heads of the 2-way and 3-way valves and from the connecting ports.
- Connect the vacuum hose pump to the connecting port.
- Turn on the vacuum until the total vacuum is from 10mm Hg.
- Close the low pressure button and then turn off the vacuum.
- Test all valves and connections for leaks.
- Remove the vacuum. Replace the connecting port and pipe head.
Step 2. Wrap the joint from the pipe with an insulating cap and insulating tape
Step 3. Fix the pipe to the wall with a pipe clamp
Step 4. Cover the hole in the wall using the expanded polyurethane foam
Tips
- Do not skip the step of isolating the tube from the unit inside to the outside. If the drainage pipe leaks, the insulation will prevent damage to your walls or posts.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions that came with your separate system air conditioner when you install the unit in your home or office.
- Provide a special outlet for your AC.
Warning
- Follow all legal codes for electrical wiring and other aspects of installation.
- Some manufacturers of separate system air conditioners void the unit's warranty if it is not installed by a licensed dealer.
- Do not allow any wires to touch the compressor, cooling tube or moving parts of the fan.
