Installing and Disassembling a Split Air Conditioner
Although split air conditioners are easier to install than window air conditioners, one should consult an expert before doing anything. It looks all so easy to install and disassemble a split air conditioner but the best option is to let an expert do it or even if someone wants to do it themselves, then do it in front of an expert. To install the split air conditioner, the first job is to
install the condenser unit. The condenser unit stays in the open, out of the house. Since outside air circulates through the condenser unit, there should be ample space around the unit. There should be at least 12 inches of space between the condenser unit and the wall of the house. 12 inches should also be kept free on both sides of the condenser.
After the proper space is selected, the pad should be laid on the ground, a check should be done to see that the pad is on even ground and then the condenser unit should be put on top of the pad.
The next step is to
drill a hole in the wall through which the refrigerator coil will go inside the house. The room in which the air conditioning unit will be placed needs to be located and the wall opened up in that room. The refrigerator coil now needs to be connected to the condenser and run through the wall into the room. After this is done, the PVC line needs to be assembled and run into the room. The PVC line helps in condensation.
The final coil work is to connect the electrical cable and a low voltage wire to the condenser. The other end of the electrical cable and a low voltage wire is then run into the room. The wiring is complete at this point.
Now, the metal mounting bracket is screwed into the wall. While screwing the bracket, the users’ manual should be referred to and the bracket should be put up at the height that is recommended by the manufacturer.
Now the air conditioner unit needs to be fixed to the bracket. The last step is to make the final electrical and other wire connections. After this is done, the installation is complete and the split air conditioner is ready to work.
Opening or disassembling a split air conditioning unit by the user is not recommended at all. It is a simple process but an expert should be allowed to do the job or even if the user does it on his or her own, it should be done in the presence of an expert.
In any case, opening or disassembling a split air conditioner is a simple process. Before anything else, one should check that the electric supply is off and then take off the electric supply wires. At this point, it is advisable that one earths himself or herself.
The first work should be done on the indoor unit. The cover is first taken off. The modern split air conditioners have latches that attach the cover to the bracket. So, it’s a simple task of unlatching and taking off the cover. After the cover is off, all the open end of the wires should capped.
Extreme care should be taken not to break the refrigerator coils because gas runs through them and leaking may cause an explosion. After this is done, one needs to go outside and gently pull out all the refrigerator coils and the PVC line.
Once this is done, they need to be disconnected from the condenser unit. The condenser unit is then unscrewed and taken off the supporting pad. One should go inside now and take off the metal bracket using screwdrivers. This completes the opening and disassembling process.
Split Air Conditioner Systems
Split air conditioners have a split design with an external or out door unit that houses the compressor and one or more internal units that are served by the compressor and house the air handlers. Their design makes them similar to central air conditioning units however the fact that they use smaller air ducts makes them less expensive and easier to install. In a split air conditioner the refrigerant is pumped to the cooling coil in the air handlers through the ducting. The conduit which just needs a three inch hole drilled in the wall connects the inner and the outer unit. It houses the refrigerant and suction tubing, the condensate drain and the power cable.
Advantages
Split system air conditioners have many advantages over the traditional central air conditioning systems. The primary benefit is ability for zoning so that you can cool or heat individual rooms, thereby saving energy. They are also considerable smaller than central air conditioners.
The internal units of split system air conditioners are designed to suit the decor of your home. The installation is fairly simple and one out door unit can serve up to four indoor units. Since the connecting conduit has to be bought separately and is available in different lengths you can place the internal and external units almost 50 feet apart.
There is also a lot of flexibility in terms of the indoor units. You can choose the traditional wall mounted design or go for the ceiling mounted model. The indoor units can also be suspended from the ceiling or you can opt for the newer floor standing models. Almost all manufacturers offer remote controlled units so it’s easier to switch them on or off.
The refrigerant used in most spilt system air conditioners in environment friendly Freon. Most manufacturers will include refrigerant specifications in the user manual.
While choosing a split air conditioner the first thing to look for is the cooling capacity.
Units are available from 12000 BTU and even though they are cheaper than central air conditioners they are certainly more expensive than the window air conditioners. Prices for a 1 ton unit can range from $1100 to $2300.
This does not include the installation charges. You will need the services of an HVAC professional to install a split air conditioner. He will set up the lines for drainage, electricity and coolant and put in the right amount of coolant. The tubing needed may have to be purchased separately.
Usually a single indoor unit is enough to cool one zone or room but this depends on the insulation, the amount of sunlight received in the room, other electrical appliances being operated in the room and the number of people. If your BTU requirement is more you can even opt for two indoor units for one room. Since the compressor is in the external unit, split air conditioners are remarkably quiet.
Depending on the BTU requirement and the number of rooms you will also have to make a choice between dual zone and triple zone versions. A dual zone model has two air handlers while a triple zone unit has three air handlers.
Many newer models also have heating options in the split air conditioning units. The heating is achieved through the use of electric heat strips or heat pumps.
The other things to consider would be the voltage requirements. The 5 star rating acts like a seal of approval from the US department of energy and is given to products that are very energy efficient without compromising on the performance or features. So look for the 5 star logo on the product.
