Air conditioner installation: steps, requirements and professional advice

1. Why is proper installation so important?

Many people think quality depends only on the brand. In reality, poor installation can ruin even an expensive air conditioner.

Incorrect installation leads to:

• higher electricity consumption
• weak cooling or heating
• refrigerant leaks
• noise and vibration
• shorter compressor life

Installation determines around 50% of system efficiency.

2. Preparation before installation

Choosing the right capacity

Before drilling any wall, you should calculate room area, ceiling height, sun exposure, insulation, number of windows and whether the room is on the top floor.

• 20 sq.m well insulated room → usually 9,000 BTU
• 35 sq.m → 12,000 BTU
• 50+ sq.m → 18,000 BTU or more

Wrong capacity means constant strain or poor efficiency.

Choosing a place for the indoor unit

The correct position should provide even air distribution, minimal direct airflow toward a bed or sofa, enough distance from the ceiling and service access.

Do not install it:

• directly above a radiator
• in a corner without airflow
• facing a curtain or wardrobe

Choosing a place for the outdoor unit

The outdoor unit needs good ventilation, must not be trapped on a closed balcony, should not sit directly below a gutter and must be fixed with solid brackets.

Important: use anti-vibration pads and correct drainage slope.

3. Main installation steps

Marking and drilling

• the exact position is measured
• a hole is drilled, usually 55-65 mm
• the hole is sloped slightly outward for drainage

Installing the indoor unit

• mounting plate is fixed
• the unit is perfectly levelled
• stability is checked

Crooked installation causes vibration and noise.

Installing the outdoor unit

• brackets are fixed
• load-bearing strength is checked
• rubber pads are installed

Connecting the pipe route

Copper pipes, power cable and drain pipe are connected. Critical: proper flaring, vacuuming and leak testing.

Vacuuming

One of the most important steps. A vacuum pump removes moisture and air from the system. Without it, the compressor wears faster and efficiency drops.

Start-up and test

After releasing the refrigerant, pressure is checked, outlet air temperature is measured, noise is evaluated and consumption is observed.

4. How long does installation take?

• Standard installation: 2-4 hours
• More complex installation: 4-6 hours

It depends on height, pipe length and how difficult the location is.

5. What does standard installation include?

Usually: up to 3 m pipe route, 1 drilled hole, vacuuming, outdoor unit mounting, start-up and test.

Additional charges may apply for: longer pipe route, lift access, removal of an old unit, special brackets.

6. Common mistakes

• no vacuuming
• too short pipe route
• poor flaring
• wrong drainage slope
• outdoor unit installed without service access

7. What should you expect from the service team?

A professional team should use a vacuum pump, level the unit, measure pressure, issue a warranty card and explain maintenance basics.

If they only “tighten the pipes and leave”, that is not professional installation.

8. Maintenance after installation

Recommended: professional maintenance once a year, filter cleaning every 1-2 months and periodic drain inspection. That adds years to the unit lifespan.

9. Conclusion

Installation is not just “hanging a box on the wall”. It is a technical process that directly affects bills, efficiency, durability and warranty.

A well-installed air conditioner runs quietly, efficiently and without problems.