Where should your split system air conditioner be installed?
There are a fair few things you’ll need to think about when buying and installing a split system air conditioner. Choosing the right location in your home to install your unit should be one of the most important considerations – along with the brand, size and type of air conditioner you choose.
But where in your space should your split system air conditioner be installed? The answer depends on your home and personal preferences.
The basics of choosing a location for your air con
When choosing a location for your split system air conditioner, there are three basic rules to follow. The indoor unit of your split system air conditioner must be installed:
- On an exterior wall, nearby an ideal location to install the outdoor unit.
- High up, close to the ceiling with adequate clearance on each side of the unit.
- Near the middle of the space.
Installing your unit on an exterior wall ensures that the installation job is as easy and cost-effective as possible, with minimal wiring and piping required to connect the indoor and outdoor unit. The other two rules (2 & 3) ensure that the unit is well positioned to evenly heat your entire space by effectively circulating air around the room.
You’ll also need to consider the positioning of the outdoor unit of your split system air conditioner. The unit should be installed in a location that is:
- Shaded and doesn’t receive direct sunlight.
- Well ventilated with plenty of space on either side of the unit.
- Away from trees or shrubs that may drop leaves and/or block the unit.
Your outdoor unit should also be installed against a wall or concrete slab where it won’t come loose or vibrate.
When the rules don’t apply
In some cases, the above rules for installing your air conditioner may not apply. For example, if you install an air conditioner in the centre of a bedroom, it may blow cool air over you as you sleep – so installing it to one side may be preferable.
What’s more, if you install your air conditioner near an espresso machine, oven or gas hob, the excess heat they create may affect the theromostat’s temperature reading.
In other cases, there may not be an external wall available so you may have no choice but to install your unit on an interior wall. This could increase the cost and complexity of your installation.
What’s most important is that you consider the way you use the space and which areas you want to heat and/or cool with the unit. Apply the basic rules when choosing a location and then think about the smaller details such as where the air may blow, and whether appliances could affect the unit’s thermostat.
Installing your split system air conditioner
Even if you’re a DIY genius, your split system air conditioner should be installed by a licensed professional. By using an experienced professional to install your split system air conditioner, you ensure that:
- Your unit’s warranty remains intact.
- The unit is installed correctly.
- You have recourse if the unit is not installed correctly (or if the unit has problems after installation).
As well as those obvious benefits, your installer can help you choose an ideal location for your split system air conditioner. Most dealers will have installed hundreds or even thousands of split system air conditioners so their expert opinion can be invaluable.
When you book an install, it’s a great idea to consider the way you use your space and the rules mentioned above to choose an ideal location for your split system air conditioner. Once your installer shows up, they’ll be able to confirm that the spot you’ve chosen is a good one, or voice concerns about your chosen location and suggest alternatives.
The importance of location
The location of your split system air conditioner is just as important as the brand you buy or the size of the unit you choose. By thinking carefully about how you use your room, following a few simple rules and using an experienced and licensed installer, you can ensure you choose the best possible spot. Choosing the right location will ensure your air conditioner keeps you comfortable year round by cooling and heating effectively and efficiently.
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Simple as that.