Air Conditioner Installation: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Ready to escape the warm air and unforgiving Aussie sun and plunge into a world of cool comfort at the flick of a switch? You’re in the right spot to find out all about it.

Whether you’re keen on a new air conditioning unit for your living room or considering a full ducted system overhaul, this guide will explain what to expect and how to prepare for air conditioner installation day. Let’s dive into the chill zone!

The Buzz Around Air Conditioner Installation

Installing an air conditioner isn’t just about keeping cool— it’s about increasing the comfort and value of your home. If you’re tempted to give aircon installation a go yourself to save on installation costs, let’s put a cork in that thought right quick.

Air conditioning installation is not a DIY job unless you’re a qualified and licensed air conditioner installer. There’s heaps of intricate work that requires an electrical licence and the handling of refrigerant gases, and you also have to ensure trade compliance. So, for the love of your warranty and safety, let the professional installation services handle it.

Choosing Your Cool Companion

The air conditioner installation journey starts with a choice—what type of new unit suits your needs? Are you looking at a split system air conditioner for your lounge or a ducted air conditioning system to pump cool air through every room? There’s also the option of multi-head split system air conditioners that have multiple indoor units connected to one outdoor unit. Like a ducted air conditioner, the multi-head split system also enables you to condition the air in many rooms of your home.

Brands like Fujitsu and Mitsubishi Electric have become household names, boasting split systems that are as energy-efficient as they’re powerful. But remember, the average lifespan and energy consumption of your unit will differ depending on the type and model you pick.

A Site Assessment to Kick Things Off

First up, get a site assessment from licensed air conditioning experts. There are numerous factors that they consider, among them are:

• The size of your house
• The number of rooms, and
• The best location for each unit for a split system or vents for a ducted air conditioner

Those pros will suss out everything from wall mounting brackets to ensuring there’s enough roof or wall space for your new piping.

Split System Air Conditioning: The Inside Scoop

Split system air conditioners are the go-to for targeting single rooms or smaller zones in your house. They’re mighty efficient, and the split system air conditioning installation is usually simpler than its ducted counterpart.

Split Systems – Home’s Hotspot Heroes

With split systems, you’ve got the indoor unit that often hangs out high on your wall, and the outdoor unit that does its heavy lifting outside. For bedrooms or smaller room cooling, these guys are champions. And when it’s about controlling the temp, nothing beats the remote control for a split system air, keeping it cool or cosy right at your fingertips.

Ducted Air Conditioning: The Big League

Then we have the ducted systems, the big guns that can bring cooling (and heating) happiness to multiple rooms or the entire house. The ducted air conditioning installation is a bit more of a rigmarole involving more extensive installation work, so overall air conditioner cost may be higher. But the payoff is seamless control, often with a central thermostat, and an all-around cool house.

The Installation Process: What’s Involved?

The day you’ve waited for has finally arrived—it’s air conditioning installation day! Time for the professionals you’ve carefully selected to roll up their sleeves and transform your home into a haven of comfort. Understanding the steps involved in the process can make the day go smoother for everyone. Here’s an expanded look at what takes place:

1. Home Preparation

Before the experts even arrive, there’s a bit of prep work you can do. Clearing the area around where your new air conditioner unit will go is essential. Move any furniture, decorations, or other obstacles to give the installers easy access and ample space to work. If the outdoor unit will be placed in a garden or yard, make sure the path leading to the site is clear. This not only speeds up the installation process but also helps to avoid any accidental damage.

2. Arrival and Final Consultation

Once the installation team arrives, they’ll likely have a quick chat with you to go over the details of the installation and answer any last-minute questions you might have. This is a great time to clarify any concerns or preferences about the positioning of both the indoor and outdoor units.

3. Installation of the Indoor Unit

The indoor unit of a split system air conditioner is usually mounted high on a wall. The technicians will drill holes, set up mounting brackets, and ensure that the unit is securely fastened. Proper placement is crucial for optimal airflow and cooling efficiency. The installers will take extra care to minimise any disruption to your interior walls.

4. Installation of the Outdoor Unit

Next, attention turns to the outdoor unit. This part involves choosing a location that supports good air circulation and is accessible for maintenance. The outdoor unit must also be placed on a stable, level surface to operate efficiently. Sometimes, this requires the construction of a small concrete pad or the use of rubber isolation pads to reduce vibration and noise.

5. Connecting the Units

After both units are in place, the technicians will connect them with electrical wiring and refrigerant piping. This step is critical and must be done precisely to ensure the efficient and safe operation of your air conditioning system. Proper insulation of the refrigerant lines is also a key aspect of this phase to prevent energy loss.

6. Creating a Path for Drainage

An often-overlooked part of the installation is ensuring that the system has proper drainage. The indoor unit generates condensate (water) that needs to be drained away from your home. The installers will establish a drainage route that prevents water damage and maintains indoor air quality.

7. Electrical Connections

Electrical work is usually required to connect your new air conditioning system to your home’s power supply. A qualified electrician should always be the person to carry out this task. They may be part of the installation team and will ensure everything is up to code.

8. System Testing

With everything connected and in place, the installation service will test the system to ensure it’s running smoothly. They’ll check airflow, thermostat settings, and ensure there are no leaks in the refrigerant lines. This is also when they’ll give you a run-through on how to operate your new cooling system.

9. Clean-Up and Final Inspection

After the installation work is complete, the team will clean up their work area, clearing any debris or packaging materials. They’ll likely do a final walk-through with you to ensure you’re happy with the installation and to answer any questions about maintaining and operating your new air conditioner.

10. Handover of Documentation

Finally, the technician will provide you with any relevant warranties, manuals, and maintenance advice. Make sure to store these documents safely as they’re valuable for future reference.

Now You’re All Set!

At the end of it, you’ll be left with a professionally installed air conditioning system ready to combat the Aussie heat. From the initial consultation to flipping the switch on your new system, knowing what to expect at each step can help turn the installation process from something daunting into an exciting upgrade for your home.

Keeping Your Cool Year After Year

Post-installation, maintaining your new air con is crucial. Regular service by professionals will keep your air conditioning units purring. And, shifting your energy bills to a lower cost bracket, efficient operation and wise thermostat use are just the icing on the cake.

Final Word on Installation Costs

Although we’re not diving into the dollars and cents, bear in mind the initial outlay for supply and install differs depending on your chosen system and specific needs. But considering the running costs in the long run, investing in an energy efficient model could save you a packet on your energy bills over time.

Ensuring Trade Compliance

And lastly, a word to the wise on trade compliance. Ensuring installation is up to Australian Standards is not negotiable. This protects you, your home, and your investment. Always confirm that your chosen installer has the necessary air conditioning licence and electrical accreditation. It’s worth its weight in gold when it comes to peace of mind.

Now that you know the lay of the land when it comes to air conditioner installation, you’re ready to take the next step. Whether you lean towards the independence of split systems or the seamless integration of ducted air conditioning, make sure you choose a reputable provider to supply and install your new system. A cool, comfortable summer is on the cards, and you’ll be the one feeling cool as a cucumber.

Final Word

Before you go, here’s a final piece of advice: when it comes to air conditioner installations, remember this isn’t just about surviving the sweltering summers, but also reinforcing your home’s year-round comfort and efficiency. It’s a worthy investment that can bring about amazing transformations in your living space.

So why wait? Let a professional installer pave your way into the realm of cool, refreshing paradise.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.