Having an air conditioner (AC) at home is a necessity, given the extreme summer heat in India. Besides keeping the house cool, an air conditioning system helps improve air quality and control humidity levels. There are different types of air conditioners, including window air conditioners, portable air conditioners and ductless mini split air conditioners. One can get an AC professionally installed. However, it is beneficial to be aware of the air conditioning installation process. In this article, we explain how to install a window air conditioning system.
See also: How to install a washing machine?
Air conditioner installation: Materials required
- Measuring tape
- L-shaped bracket
- Screwdriver
- Screws
- Scissors
- Drill
- Foam insulation weather strip
- Support bracket, if required
Window air conditioner installation
Preparation
Measure the window opening before buying an AC unit. Make sure the window is sturdy enough to support the weight of the air conditioner. Check for any damage or rot and make the necessary repairs before installation.
Analyse if there is a need for a support bracket, a system that supports the window sash and sill and transfers some of the weight of the AC unit, thus, minimising damage.
Place the air conditioner
Open the lower window sash and place the bracket. Insert the accordion panels on both sides of the AC. Place the air conditioner inside the window opening. Rest the AC unit on the lower side of the window frame or support bracket. Since AC units are heavy, make sure you have help.
Secure the air conditioner
Read the manufacturer’s instructions before installation. The AC unit must be balanced in the open window. Set the AC unit over the window frame. Bring the upper window sash down to the top of the box and behind the upper flange, ensuring stability.
Attach the cabinet/flange guide to the window sash and window stool with the help of screws. Using additional screws, attach an L-shaped window locking bracket to connect the bottom and top window sashes. This will prevent accidental opening of the lower sash. With the help of a power drill, make pilot holes for screws. Secure the bracket using a screwdriver.
Secure the accordion panels
Pull the accordion panels from both sides of the AC to the window sash track. Secure the side panels with screws. Window ACs have a foam insulating strip. Cut the required length and place it between the upper and lower window sashes. Connect the AC to an outlet and switch on the unit.
Portable air conditioner installation
Portable air conditioners are convenient compared to window-mounted AC units. They are placed on the floor and a panel in the window opening allows the exhaust to flow out.
- Position the AC unit near a window and an electrical outlet.
- Open the window. Cut and attach the foam weather strip to the window sash and frame.
- Adjust the air conditioner’s window vent panel across the width.
- Lower the sash and let it rest on top of the panel.
- Place a security bracketto prevent the window from opening.
- Put the vent hose in the vent panel and secure it into the rear of the AC.
- Connect the air conditioner.
Split air conditioner installation
- Select an interior wall, at least seven feet above the ground, to mount the indoor unit of the air conditioner. There should not be any pipes or wires behind the wall.
- Fix the mounting plate to the wall. Insert plastic anchors into the holes and secure the plate.
- In the mounting plate, mark a hole in the centre and create an opening using a drill through the wall. Make sure it is slightly slanted to allow proper drainage.
- Remove the cover from the
- front panel of the AC unit. The cable wires must be connected to the screw terminals and the wiring must align according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Secure the copper pipes, power cable and drainpipe with electrical tape. Position the drainpipe at the bottom and pass the pipes and cable through the hole in the wall. Secure these cables.
- Position the AC securely to the wall and ensure the connections at the back of the unit and the mounting plate are aligned.
- Install the outdoor condenser in a shaded location. Locate the hole you drilled through the mounting plate for the indoor unit. Place the external unit within 15 metres to allow the pipes and cables to be attached. You can place the outdoor unit over a concrete pad on the ground or a wall bracket.
- Attach the pipes and cables to the external unit. Before connecting the copper pipes, use a vacuum pump to clean the pipes and connect them to the pipe port.
- Connect the power supply to an outlet.
FAQs
Can I install the air conditioner myself?
You can get an air conditioner professionally installed since it involves working with ductwork, wiring and heavy equipment.
Can we install AC without holes in the wall?
You will have to drill holes in the wall to install a split air conditioner.
Can the AC leak in a wall?
Air conditioner leaks happen when condensation builds up on the evaporator coil and drips over the wiring or walls, which poses significant safety risks.
What is the size of holes required for AC?
Holes of three inches (7.5 cm) must be drilled through the wall.
Is water from AC harmful?
Water from an air conditioning system is produced due to condensation and can be reused.
Can we reuse AC water?
You can reuse the AC water for cleaning outdoor spaces.
What is the disadvantage of wall-mounted air conditioners?
Wall-mounted AC units are bulky and require more maintenance.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |