Rules and procedure for installing an air conditioner with your own hands

Cooking tools

If the decision to install the split system on your own is finally made, first of all, you should check the availability of the necessary tools and consumables. For the complete work you will need:

Perforator with a drill with a cross section of 40–45 mm and a length of at least 800 mm.
A set of victorious drills with a diameter of 6–12 mm.
Screwdriver with a set of bits.
Metal scissors and reamer.
Ruler, pencil and building level.
Adjustable wrench.
Vinyl insulation, masking tape and plastic bags.
Brackets for fixing the outdoor unit, bolts with dowels 120 mm long.

When deciding on self-installation, it is worth considering the degree of accessibility to the installation site of the outdoor unit. If it will be mounted at a significant height, you will have to include in the rental costs of the aerial platform.

Schematic work of modern "windows"

Despite all the variety of window units presented today in this market segment, the schematic work of each of them has general principles. As a rule, the air conditioner is a kind of monolithic single unit mounted in a window opening or in a mounting hole in the wall. The latter method of installation is rarely used.

Window air conditioner operation

In earlier models of "windows" all the accumulated condensate was discharged directly to the street (to the outside), while modern models are equipped with a special tank designed to collect condensate formed on the evaporator. And the ventilation blades provided by the design rotate and take the accumulated water, spraying it inside the body cavity of the unit. This allows the accumulated heat to be dissipated outside the building.

During the operation of the unit, the refrigerant coming from the compressor begins to circulate through the casing (inner side of the monoblock) and the heat exchanger (outer side). In this case, the fan draws in air from the room and passes it through the dust filter.

The cleaned air blows in the entire volume of the evaporator, while the refrigerant takes away all its heat, respectively, the air is cooled and returned to the inside of the room. At this time, the heated refrigerant flows to the heat exchanger. All the accumulated heat is given up to the air flow, which is forced by the fan through the air intakes located on the sides, and, ultimately, is thrown out into the external environment.

As a rule, the operation of window air conditioners implies a certain cycle, the observance of which is controlled by the operation of the temperature sensor.

Installation rules

Connecting a mobile air conditioner with your own hands assumes compliance with the following rules:

the mobile air conditioner is connected to the mains directly - using an extension cord or adapter is unacceptable;
cannot be installed in the bathroom;
correctly installed equipment should be at least half a meter from other objects in the room;
do not put a fuse on a grounded cable - the air conditioner may freeze;
upon completion of installation, it should be possible to freely remove the plug;
the device cannot be switched on when the protective panel is removed.

With a competent approach to business, you can unpack and connect the air conditioner yourself within an hour. However, in the absence of a window or any other ventilation system in the room, the installation of a portable air conditioner is not possible.

Installation methods:

when it is necessary to remove the air exhaust pipe through the window;
when the pipe is brought out into the street through other ventilation systems.

Before starting installation, many manufacturers recommend drawing up an approximate plan of action with a design diagram for removing hot air. It is necessary to measure all objects involved in the process: first of all, the opening of the window for laying, as well as the diameter of the duct. After that, you need to take a utility knife or saw and cut out a special insert from the metal, which will correspond to the obtained dimensions. As a result, you will get a flat rectangle in which you will need to cut holes with a diameter of about half a centimeter. This will be needed to secure the pipe.

Next, the insulating glass unit is sealed. For this, the best option would be to use self-adhesive mounting tape or sealant. The previously cut insert must be attached to the glass unit. For the installation itself, you need to decide on the places where the air conditioner will stand and where it will be mounted. Then the drain hose is simply inserted into the air outlet. It should be borne in mind that before turning on the mobile air conditioner itself after installation, several hours must pass.

Device

Window-type climatic devices appeared almost a century ago, but the basic principle of their operation has hardly changed since then. The case of a window air conditioner is a monoblock that is mounted in a window opening, or it is extremely rare in a specially prepared hole in the wall.

The first air conditioners carried condensate out into the street, now such models are also used quite often, but modern industry has launched the production of new, more technologically equipped devices that have a built-in capacity for collecting moisture. The rotating blades of the ventilation unit capture moisture from the air, and then dissipate it along the air conditioner body, this contributes to the efficient removal of heat into the external environment.

Depending on the capacity of the installation, different versions of air conditioners can cool a room from 10 to 60 m2, while the operating temperature range can vary from 18 to 45 degrees Celsius. The design contributes to bringing the humidity up to its standard value - 30-35%, this forms a favorable and healthy microclimate in the room.

The most modern models of window air conditioners can not only cool the air, but also heat it, however, this option has significant limitations - the external air temperature must be at least -3 degrees, so you cannot use the device as a heater in winter.

The only exceptions are models equipped with electric heaters - they are suitable for intensive heating in conditions of low temperatures outside.

Varieties of window air conditioners: household, mobile, do it yourself

The first window air conditioner was created in the 30s of the last century in America. To this day, his more perfect descendants are installed annually in hundreds of thousands of apartments and offices. The success secrets of household window air conditioners are ease of installation, reliability and low price.

Features of window air conditioners

Household window air conditioner is a monoblock. All the necessary components are located in one building. It is ideal when there is very little time and money for installation. Therefore, you can do everything yourself.

Moreover, some owners make the window air conditioner mobile.

That is, the window window already mounted at home does not cost anything to pull out of the opening and install, for example, in the country. And the opening in the window is closed with a special latch or a removable sash. Very convenient, inexpensive and fast! It is only necessary to provide a suitable opening for a mobile window air conditioner in a window or wall of a country house.

Installation can also be carried out in a wall opening if the wall thickness is at least 15 centimeters. Otherwise, it will have to be further strengthened.But if the wall is thicker than 25 cm, the side air ducts of the air conditioner are closed.

DIY window air conditioner installation

Do-it-yourself installation of a window air conditioner is not difficult. The wall or window frames must be quite strong, because the weight of the block sometimes reaches 20 kg. It is desirable that the gap between the body and the opening is minimal.

A used or new window air conditioner is attached to a frame made of corners, which is held by anchor bolts. All of these can be purchased together in a mounting kit. The horizontal is set in level.

Outward should protrude at least 30 centimeters of the block. Between the outer panel of the air conditioner and the nearest wall, it is necessary to maintain a distance of 0.5 meters.

The outer edge should be 2 centimeters lower than the inner edge to allow condensation to drain.

Most models of window air conditioners are installed by hand from inside the room. The mechanism can be pulled out of the case. The body is attached to the bracket, after which the mechanism is inserted into it.

The gaps between the body and the opening are sealed with foam rubber or sealed with a sealant.

A drain hose is attached to drain the condensate. It may not be used, but in this case, water will drip directly from the drain hole, which is not always convenient.

Power supply for window air conditioner

Some owners plug their second-hand window air conditioners into a regular electrical outlet. This approach is possible if the power of the device does not exceed 1.5 kilowatts. More powerful models must be powered from a special line through an individual machine. It is also necessary to ensure the grounding of the device.

Which air conditioner to prefer

The choice of window air conditioners is truly great today. You should choose a device that suits you in terms of power. Depending on this parameter, the area of the cooled air will also depend. If you listen to the recommendations of experts, then the device should be bought "with a margin", for reassurance.

Window air conditioner

If we talk about specific manufacturing firms, then it is desirable to prefer the models of Japanese firms. They have been the leading manufacturer of air conditioning equipment for years. Japanese manufacturers provide reliable and durable devices for a very reasonable price that will work properly for many years.

The cost of the device primarily depends on the capacity of the air conditioner and the availability of additional options. There are also very small and compact devices that can be installed directly into the window.

Window air conditioner device

The principle of operation of this is the transfer of thermal energy, which is carried out due to thermodynamic processes occurring in the cooling circuit. The air that circulates outside the building is cooled by a condenser heat exchanger.

The heat content of the refrigerant is minimized and the reverse process takes place in the evaporator. A refrigerant with a small amount of heat cools the surface of the evaporator, thereby cooling the indoor air.

This is how a window air conditioner works

A window air conditioner consists of the following elements:

Refrigeration circuit - consists of a compressor, an evaporator and a condenser. It is needed to cool the air circulated inside the room.
Axial fan - designed to drive outdoor air through a heat exchanger.
Centrifugal fan - is required to supply air cooled from the street into the room.
Control Panel. The rotary mechanisms are located here, as well as the thermostat.

The whole structure is enclosed in a body made of metal. Separately, it is worth highlighting the air shutters that open and close depending on the operating mode of the device.

Monoblock and plastic windows

It is much more difficult to install a window air conditioner in a plastic window than in a wooden window structure. However, given that such a monoblock does not need to lay a route for freon, in high-altitude work and in monitoring the tightness of pipes, it is still possible to do it yourself. With strict adherence to all stages of installation and the recommendations of specialists, everything can be done significantly easily and quickly.

So, first you need to make sure that the air conditioner has its own electrical wiring and its own "automatic" in the switchboard. When choosing a device, preference should be given to the option, the width of which is necessarily less than the width of the window itself

Taking into account the architectural features of the room and how the furniture is installed in it, it is necessary to determine the most suitable place for installing the unit.

To install a window air conditioner in a plastic window, the following steps should be followed:

When buying a device, you need to choose one that has a frame for installing an air conditioner in the kit.
The first step is to prepare the opening for the selected model.
The second step is to remove the glass.
The third step is to install the "jumper".
The fourth step is cutting the glass to the exact size.
The fifth step is the installation of the case, observing the sealing of the joints and in accordance with the level indicators.
The sixth step is the installation of the monoblock into the prepared case.
The seventh step is to connect the drain hose.
Providing the device with power supply.

The device requires mandatory grounding. After the installation has been carried out, it is necessary to check the work done. After making sure that the entire installation procedure is fully followed, you can connect the installed device to the network. Remember that when installing your purchase by a specialist of the company, he must provide you with a certificate of the installation certificate. This certificate should be checked for the signature of the installer. It contains the exact data on the work performed, the correct date is entered. After that, you can sign the acceptance certificate.

How to install an indoor unit on a glazed balcony

When installing an indoor unit on a loggia or balcony, it is enough to provide a number of basic rules. The structure is mounted on a wall or floor, depending on the type of equipment. First, the floor should be insulated so that the resulting condensation when cold air comes into contact with the floor does not destroy the concrete coating.

The door to the refrigerated room must be constantly open for the air conditioner to work properly. You need to understand that when placing the outdoor unit on a glazed balcony, there may be a low efficiency of the equipment and the difference between the temperature set on the air conditioner and the actual air temperature.

What does a plastic window consist of?

First, consider the design of a plastic window. Without this, you will not understand the installation process itself.

Plastic windows are made from a special material called PolyVinyl Chloride. Therefore, plastic windows are abbreviated as PVC windows. As with any window, the main element of a PVC window is a frame made of a profile consisting of cells. The more such cells in the frame (also called cameras), the warmer the window will be.

Typically, the frame color is white. Although plastic can be black, brown, and even colored. The most common and cheapest option is white plastic windows.

In addition, the window consists of an opening part (sash) and a fixed part, which is called "wood grouse". A double-glazed unit is inserted directly into these parts of the window, which is pressed against the frame with a special plastic strip. For tightness, a black rubber seal is placed.

Special mechanisms are installed on the window sashes, with the help of which the window opens and closes.

In addition, on the outside, the window has a so-called ebb - a small board with the help of which precipitation is removed, and slopes - plates with which the side and upper parts from the side of the street are sealed.

The structure of the plastic window

Window air conditioner and wooden windows

Vented air conditioners are simple equipment, in the main body of which all the components are located. Installation of such a device is carried out both into the surface of the wall and into the window. Many of these units have a compressor that operates on a cyclical basis. Controlled by a thermal sensor, it can turn on and off independently. Thermal sensors are of both electronic type and bellows.

Installing a window air conditioner in a wooden window is much easier than in some plastic ones. Being a single device, that is, a candy bar, it still copes with all the functions assigned to it. In addition, modern models can be equipped with additional functions such as heating and humidification. It is not difficult to mount an air conditioning monoblock in wooden window systems. This work does not require special tools, as well as experience in this area.

The main thing is to choose a suitable place for the installation of the device. This should be the area on the outside wall where the unit will be maximally protected from snow, rain and dirt. In extreme cases, in the absence of such a niche, you can build a decorative visor to protect the air conditioner.

It must be remembered that it is strictly forbidden to embed the air conditioner into the wall, as well as to close it on all sides with a protection box. The monoblock must be blown with air from all sides. Having made a metal frame from a profile with a thickness corresponding to the weight and massiveness of the model, it is installed in the window opening. After measuring the air conditioner, an opening should be cut in the window slightly larger than the dimensions of the device. After the device is installed, all remaining gaps should be carefully sealed with polyurethane foam.

Preparatory stage

Split systems are most often used for air conditioning of private houses and apartments, since they are reliable, convenient and compact. The air conditioning unit consists of two blocks - internal and external, connected by two freon tubes, an electric cable and a drainage line.

Installation of "splits" is much more difficult than installing floor and window air conditioners. Here, 2 separate blocks need to be correctly placed outside and inside the room, laid and the lines must be hermetically connected. The issue of connecting to the mains is easier to solve - a line is laid to the installed indoor module, protected by a circuit breaker.

What you need to do before proceeding with self-installation:

Buy additional materials.
Prepare special tools and fixtures.
Determine the location of both units and the route for laying highways with freon.

The arrangement of the blocks of the split system is subject to certain rules. The flow of cooled air from the indoor unit should not directly blow people around, and the maximum distance from the outdoor unit should not exceed 5 m. Most often, the unit is placed on a side partition next to a window and an external wall. Technological indents from walls and ceilings are shown in the diagram.

Now a few tips on where to install the outdoor unit:

From the point of view of ease of installation and maintenance, it is better to place the unit on an open balcony or loggia, where it can be safely cleaned or repaired.
Hang it under the window of the living room or kitchen.
It is not recommended to independently mount the module to the wall on the side of the window opening - such activities are performed by fitters and climbers with special equipment.
Do not place the outdoor unit near the bedroom window.The compressor of the refrigeration machine will start and stop, while it can vibrate and rattle, interfering with proper rest.

How to clean a window air conditioner

The more efficient operation of the air conditioner can be ensured by regular cleaning. To do this, disconnect the device from the mains, remove the front panel and remove the filter. If it is removable, it is better to replace it completely with a new one.

If the filter is reusable, it is advisable to clean it thoroughly. This can be done with a vacuum cleaner or dishwashing liquid, if it can be washed in water.

From the outside, the appliance can be gently brushed to remove dirt and debris from the effects of bad weather. To do this, you need to open the external unit by unscrewing the bolts. If it is not possible to get to the metal blades, you can gently wipe them with a damp cloth. The holes in the pan and drain pipes must also be clean.

It is recommended to clean the filter in the spring, and then wet clean it every month after regular use. Heat exchanger plates made of metal are best washed with water.

When cleaning metal ribs, you need to be careful: the vacuum cleaner easily deforms the fine structure of parts. The manual for the use of the device must indicate whether the device needs lubrication. This often applies to older type air conditioners.

Correct installation methods

The efficiency of the equipment functioning depends on the correct installation. Mobile air conditioners can be installed in several ways, depending on the available capabilities and the type of window structure.

Changing the design of a plastic window

For the air conditioner to work effectively, it is important to maintain the integrity of the window and at the same time create an obstacle for hot air, dust and noise to enter the room. One of the suitable options is to change the design of the plastic window.

It will be difficult to carry out this procedure on your own, therefore it is recommended to use the help of specialists. To install the air conditioner, the following structural changes are required:

A deaf window sash is disassembled or replaced with another.
A glass unit with reduced dimensions and an additional plastic profile with internal steel reinforcement are installed in the new sash. The profile is used as a horizontal element of the frame.
Instead of a piece of glass between the profile and the lower part of the sash, a sandwich panel is installed with an opening for the equipment pipe to exit.
For the winter period, the hole is closed with a plug or the blind sash is changed to a standard one in order to preserve the effect of using a heat-insulating glass unit.

The decision to change the design of the window allows the efficient use of the air conditioner, but involves large financial and labor costs. In addition, the retrofitting does not guarantee that the sandwich panel will retain heat with the same quality as a standard glass unit due to different technical characteristics.

The use of plexiglass

Temporary installation of a protective plexiglass sheet allows avoiding possible problems associated with changing the window structure. The structure is installed over the entire area of the opening of one of the window sashes. In this case, it is allowed not to dismantle the sash, leaving it open in order to create a barrier to noise and dust and not to let warm air through the window.

Material costs when using this option are reduced to the purchase of a plexiglass sheet and fasteners for mosquito net... Optionally, the opening can be sealed with a rubber seal.

It is necessary to measure the window structure before installing the plexiglass with an open sash in order to accurately determine the gap from the edge to the beginning of the main frame of the structure inside the opening.In this place, a plexiglass sheet of the required size will be installed with a pre-prepared hole for the size of the air conditioner pipe. When using a sealing gum and standard mosquito net fasteners, the sheet will be evenly located in the free space and will close the opening. With the onset of winter, it will be possible to remove the seal and close the window.

Dismantling an old window

Before dismantling the old window, it is advisable to close the doors in
cover the room and all things and furniture in the room with foil. This is necessary to
make it easier to clean the room from dust, as it will be very
many.

The rest is simple. The sash of the window is removed. They are easy to remove with a pry bar. Then the old window frame is sawn and dismantled also using a crowbar or pry bar.

After removing the old window frame, it is necessary to remove
plaster layer along the perimeter of the window opening.

If time permits, it is advisable to putty all the cracks and irregularities in the window opening. Basically, this stage is skipped, since no one wants to wait a day until the putty hardens. Therefore, at least do not forget to cover the window opening with a primer.

We remove the sash of the window.
Dismantling the old window.
Dismantling the old window.

Tips for installing an air conditioner.

People, trying to save money, install the air conditioner on their own. Such an installation is a rather risky undertaking, since all warranty obligations for the repair and replacement of equipment are removed from the manufacturer. Self-assembly and installation does not require special knowledge and special equipment. To install the air conditioner, it is enough to have tools such as a hammer, drill, hacksaw, as well as installation instructions and an assistant.

Choosing an air conditioner in a store, you can make a mistake with the size, it may turn out to be wider and you will need to increase the window opening. Therefore, it is necessary to know exactly the dimensions of your window where the air conditioner will be installed.

It must be remembered that the indicated instructions for installing the air conditioner yourself can be used if you have wooden window frames. And if plastic windows are installed, you need to invite a specialist who will install the air conditioner for you.

The sequence of necessary actions:

we study the documentation;
we decide on the future location of the indoor and outdoor units;
we make our way through the outer wall at the place where the connecting route is laid;
we install the drainage system;
we are laying an electric line;
measure and assemble the freon pipeline;
we fix both blocks;
we connect them with a route;
we start the system.

In no case do not brick the air conditioner with concrete in the wall, as it needs natural cooling over the entire area. When installing in the window opening, it is necessary to make a frame from a metal profile. The thickness of the metal profile is determined based on the dimensions of the device and its weight. For some types of air conditioners, the metal profile is already included in the kit.

After that, it is necessary to measure the dimensions of the apparatus and its frame. The installation location of the device should be increased by approximately 10 - 15 mm. Carefully install the air conditioner in the opening made, and fill the remaining free space with polyurethane foam. The device is installed with an inclination so that the rear part protruding into the street is inclined so that the condensation that accumulates during operation is outside the ventilated room.

For normal operation of the air conditioner, it is necessary to carry out additional wiring and a separate automatic package on the switchboard.

There are cases that when installing an air conditioner, the inner section of the window opening needs to be cleaned in full. After installing the air conditioner, glaze the free space above the equipment with glazing beads.This method is good because it saves time when dismantling the air conditioner, you just need to take out the glass and put the one that was originally.

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Advantages and disadvantages of a window air conditioner

Climatic equipment in the form of a monoblock does not require laying a freon line between the outer and inner parts, this simplifies installation and increases its reliability. Among the advantages of a built-in air conditioner:

affordable cost;
long-term operation;
ease of maintenance and installation;
high efficiency in a compact size;
models with built-in filters provide clean air.

Among the disadvantages of the unit:

increased noise;
the need to make an opening in the window profile, if it is not provided for by the design;
violation of the tightness of the window.

DIY installation rules and features

When installing the air conditioner on your own, you need to follow the instructions exactly and take into account a number of nuances.

A set of tools and materials

The first stage of the work is the preparation of the necessary inventory. It is recommended to prepare the tools in advance so as not to be distracted during installation.

To install a window air conditioner you will need:

hammer drill or hammer drill;
a set of nozzles for drilling various holes, including a nozzle with a cut-off wheel;
building level and tape measure;
metal file;
chisels;
glass cutter;
silicone sealant;
metal inner and flat corners.

Having prepared the tools, you should draw up a plan for the upcoming work, make accurate measurements and prepare a special frame with a hole in the central part for removing warm air. Frame preparation is especially important when working with reinforced-plastic windows, since installation will be more difficult compared to installing the air conditioner in a wooden frame.

Procedure

After completing the preparatory steps, you can proceed to the direct installation of the structure. In work, you need to adhere to the following order of actions:

Find the best place to fix the air conditioner. It is preferable to install in places where the sides of the air conditioner fit into the holes with minimal gaps. To adjust the dimensions, you need to remove the glass unit, insert a jumper and cut the glass according to the specified dimensions.
Install the bracket and the air conditioner unit. Modern types of air conditioners can be fixed even with a closed window, since the mechanism can be removed from the case and fixed on the bracket.
Check sealing. In case of insufficient sealing, precipitation and wind will penetrate into the room.
Place the air conditioner in a prepared cabinet. Shock-absorbing pads are removed from the equipment and fixed in the hole, after which they check for the presence of an angle of inclination of the rear side for high-quality drainage.
Connect the drain hose. To fix it, it is enough to tighten the fasteners securely at the base. As a result of installing the hose, the resulting moisture will drain through a separate outlet, which will extend the life of the equipment.
Provide power to the air conditioner. For this purpose, a separate line can be used, equipped with a circuit breaker that operates independently of the main fuse.

After installing the equipment, you need to make sure that all actions are carried out correctly and start the air conditioner to check the operation. Having found problems in the operation of the device, you need to immediately eliminate them.

Monoblock air conditioners

First, you need to understand the design and operation of window air conditioners. For the most part, such coolers are monoblock devices. This means that all the main design details are in a single block. This is the main feature of window coolers and their main difference from split systems.

Window models of air conditioners are installed in a special hole in the window frame made of wood or PVC. They draw air from the street, purify and cool it and supply it to the room. Such models are quite effective for small apartments, have low noise levels and aesthetic appearance.

Small mobile air conditioners

Monoblock devices also include mobile mini-coolers that can be installed in rooms where there is access to a window. The air inflow into the device is carried out through a special hose, which is discharged into the open sash of the window. As a rule, small window air conditioners for a house are installed for the summer season in an apartment or in a country house. The disadvantages of such models include bulky appearance and high noise levels.