Can I install a split system air conditioner myself and should I

Installing an split system air conditioner, like any appliance should be done by a professional especially in cases where you need to install cabling, electricity, safety switches or any specific element that needs to be properly installed to ensure the warranty is maintained and your system runs correctly. In this day and age of DIY, it can be very tempting to install your own air conditioning system especially a split system air conditioner, however the fact of the matter is, if you are not a professional installed with certification, licenses and the background to understand how to install the copper pipe, safety switch and work with refrigerant, it’s best to least installation to the professionals.

It’s important to be aware that while installing your own split system might save you in the short term, it might cost you in the long term with servicing, re-install and voiding of your warranty if the installation is undertaken without a licence, so be aware of the risks involved before you undertake installation. In this article, we explore the split system air conditioning system features, what’s involved in a split system installation, what a professional installer provides during installation and long term maintenance to be aware of for your system.

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Split system air conditioning features

Split system air conditioners are the trailblazers in air conditioning unit for a number of reasons.

Easy to install, simple to maintain and cheaper than ducted systems, the units are a popular choice for both landlords and property owners who are seeking simple and easy to use heating and cooling options for their properties that provide perfectly climate controlled environments.

Split systems have a range of benefits however some of the major reasons individuals choose split systems for their properties are outlined below:

– Simple to install – the systems are easy to install by a licensed and qualified technician and can be done in one day. The installer simply installs the wall mounted unit and the outdoor compressor to your property without the need for major construction or changes to the property. The installer will provide the copper pipe to connect the tow units together and also a safety switch to isolate the split system air conditioner.

– Cheaper than ducted air conditioning – split system air conditioner are a simple and affordable choice for heating and cooling a small home or a unit. The systems are ideal for cooling a communal space such as a living room or kitchen/dining area or in environments where there is not a great deal of floor space. In many cases, a split system or even two units within a small house or a unit is far cheaper than ducted air conditioning and is far easier to install and maintain.

– Cool or heat one room – a split system air conditioning unit is perfect if you only need to heat or cool one room. Specifically, if you run a business and want to cool a waiting room only or you have a property that just needs the master bedroom heated or cooled, a split system can provide the climate control you need for this exact purpose.

– Sleek, wall-mounted design – the seamless design means the system will blend into any environment and is not as much as an eyesore as some window mounted unit and portable units can be. A split system is fitted high on a wall and is usually barely noticed once installed.

– Easy to maintain – the split system is simple to maintain with filters that can be pulled out and cleaned as well as basic maintenance provided by the property owner. While major services should be undertaken by a licensed professional, owners can clean the filters to ensure a clean and fresh air is circulating at all times.

What’s involved in a split system installation

The installation process is undertaken by a trained and licensed professional usually called an HVAC installer, which stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

These installers are professional and knowledgeable about all areas of air conditioning and make a career out of installing, servicing and maintaining air conditioning units.

HVAC installers can install split system air conditioning units in properties of all sizes including offices and homes.

Inclusions in your split system air conditioning system installation may be:

– Removal of any old split system unit from your property
– Adding a concrete pad under your outdoor unit (if required)
– Installing your wall unit inside your property
– Adding in approved circuit breaker (safety switch) and electrical wiring
– Installing Australian standard refrigeration copper pipe between the indoor and outdoor unit
– Installing insulation on all refrigerant pipes
– Removal of rubbish from site
– Testing of the system
– Providing owner with a comprehensive overview of how to use the system

If you are going to engage a professional HVAC installer it is always wise to engage an individual from a reputable company with public liability insurance and an individual with the best equipment. Usually, HVAC installers will be available via your air conditioning retailer and will come recommended for your peace of mind.

HVAC tasks involved in a split system installation

While you might think you can do it yourself, there is a lot of installing a split system air conditioner than meets the eye.

Before you consider whether you should install a split system air conditioner yourself or not, it might be worth considering all of the tasks an HVAC installer can provide to ensure you understand the intricate nature of the installation process.

Jobs for an HVAC installer may include:

– Testing pipe for leaks including using a pressure gauge
– Testing of electrical circuits to ensure proper functioning
– Repair or replacement of defective equipment or wiring
– Servicing the heating or cooling components
– Replacing defective parts
– Undertaking complete analysis of heating and cooling system to identify problems
– Changing filters, clearing ducts and refilling toxic refrigerants
– Installing and updating thermostats
– Ensure all work complies with Australian standards
– Ensure all work complies with warranty
– Install auxiliary components including blowers, dampers, flues and stokers
– Install electrical wiring
– Document installation for warranty
– Ensure system compliance
– Adjust system controls
– Drill into walls and floors
– Bend copper piping

There are plenty of tasks involved in installing a split system air conditioning unit as shown above and it is important that you engage the services of a professional HVAC installer to ensure all of the installation, repairs and maintenance is undertaken correctly and to manufacturers standards.

Should you install a split system air conditioner?

The short answer is no, it is important that all installation is carried out by a licensed professional and unless you have certification, it’s important to leave this to the experts.

Some appliances can be easily installed without a professional, however, a split system air conditioning is not one of them and should be properly installed to ensure the unit is working correctly. Furthermore, you do need the help of an air conditioning specialist in the initial stages of purchasing your unit to ensure you are buying a unit that meets the need of your floor space.

Many individuals focus on the price and features of a unit without actually focusing on the floor space that needs to be heated or cooled which can be a massive issue for energy efficiency. A split system air conditioning unit works to heat or cool a set amount of floor space, and it is important to arrange an onsite quote by an air conditioning expert to ensure that the system you are getting installed works for your space.

As a very brief overview, the size guide for a split system air conditioning unit is outlined below:

– 2.8kW – 20 sqm
– 4.2kW – 30 sqm
– 5.6kW – 40 sqm
– 7.0kW – 50 sqm
– 8.4kW – 60 sqm

There are plenty of factors that will influence your final choice including the height of the ceiling, insulation in the property, location of the sun in the property and the climate. All support can be provided in the decision-making process by an experienced air conditioning professional.

If you’re looking for a split system air conditioning unit, focus on features, the size of space being cooled and the price – these all are important considerations and should be key in your decision on the best split system air conditioning for your needs. If you are looking to install or purchase a split system air conditioning unit for your Adelaide property, Rite Price Heating & Cooling have plenty of options for your home or office. We provide some of the best HVAC technicians in Adelaide and offer a complete service for installation and ongoing servicing for your split system unit.

We understand the importance of installing a split system air conditioning unit properly and go above and beyond to ensure our technicians and installers offer the highest standard of service to ensure your unit is installed properly the first time.

Rite Price Heating & Cooling offer a wide range of split systems for all properties and can advise on the perfect system for you to run in winter and summer. We offer systems that are perfect for your space and can also arrange installation and service as required. For more information contact the team from Rite Price Heating & Cooling today.