Air conditioning installation can be one of the quickest and simplest DIY jobs you’ll ever undertake within your property. Though most people call the professionals in, as they assume the job with be difficult and laborious, most are surprised to see the workmen finish in only a couple of hours. I’m not saying the DIY method is for everyone of course, just that those with some basic knowledge of electrics and ventilation systems will have no trouble completing the task themselves.
So, you probably want to know how to do it, right? Well, luckily for you i’m one of those people who can turn their hand to anything, and actually installed a full air-con system at my friend’s house only a couple of weeks ago. With the process fresh in my mind, I thought it might be worth writing a short article to help those amongst you who really haven’t a clue about this sort of thing.
Have a quick read through and i’ll try to explain it all as quickly and simply as possible. There really is no need to overcomplicate things, especially when we’re talking about air conditioning.
Choosing The Best Possible Location
As most air conditioning systems are now powerful enough to cool an average room regardless of their location, when deciding where to place the main station, you really only need to consider aesthetics. Obviously you don’t want to make a feature out of your air conditioning unit, so placing it up high (ideally above doors) is always a good move. That way you can reach it when you need it, but it doesn’t turn into your main focal point.
Installing The Ductwork
This is probably the most complicated step you’ll need to take when installing a full air conditioning system, as without ductwork, the warm air will have no way of escaping your property. So long as you intend to fit your unit on, or near a wall that borders the exterior of your property, the job can become far simpler.
All you need to do is drill a hole large enough to lay your ductwork, ensuring that the very end of the tubing will reach the outside of your property.
Installing The Main Unit
Most of these will simply screw to the wall, so you should be able to compete this step in no time at all. Attach the interior end of your ductwork to the main until and then attach it to the wall. If you succeed in doing this you’re pretty much done. Just take a moment to turn the unit on (either by plug, or wire it into your mains electric) and make sure it works. Then go outside and fit a grille over the exterior end of your ductwork, because this will help to stop birds, insects, and small animals from getting stuck inside.
So there you go. If you follow this guide to the letter you’ll have a working air conditioning system in no time whatsoever. You could perform a few extra steps to make for a perfect installation, but i’d advise you keep the whole process as simple as possible.
Good luck!
