Practical AC Installation Guidelines – Every Homeowner Should Know!
Follow these points as a quick checklist before your technician arrives; theyโll help you avoid most positioning, efficiency, and maintenance headaches down the road.
Step | What to Check | Why It Matters (in one line) | Quick Tip |
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1. Pick the Right Wall | Choose an exterior wall that receives the least direct sunlight. | Reduces heatโgain and shortโcycling, saving energy. | Southโ or westโfacing walls in India usually get the most sunโprefer north/east if possible. |
2. Set Indoor Height Correctly | Mount the indoor unit 7โ8โฏft (โ2.2โฏm) above floor level. | Cold air can spread evenly without blowing straight on occupants. | Leave at least 6โฏin/15โฏcm of clearance at the top and sides for filter removal. |
3. Plan a Straight, Short Drain | Keep the condensate drain sloping downward all the way to the outlet. | Prevents stagnant water, algae growth, and wall seepage. | If a lift is unavoidable, add a condensate pump approved for HVAC use. |
4. Give the Outdoor Unit Room to Breathe | Place the condenser where thereโs unobstructed airflow (12โฏin/30โฏcm minimum clearance on all sides). | Better heat dissipation = cooler refrigerant, longer compressor life. | Avoid closed shafts, cramped balconies, or areas cluttered with plants. |
5. Provide Shadeโbut Not a Cage | A light awning or pergola reduces direct sun on the condenser. | Cuts head pressure by up to 10โฏ%, boosting efficiency. | Never wrap the unit in tarpaulin; it traps heat and blocks air. |
6. Keep Away from Kitchen Heat & Fumes | Cooking grease coats coils and degrades performance. | Less cleaning, fewer odors pulled into the living space. | Maintain โฅ3โฏm (10โฏft) gap from gas stoves, tandoors, or exhaust chimneys. |
7. Check Electrical Load & Earthing | Use a dedicated MCB/RCBO rated for the ACโs amperage and proper earthing. | Prevents nuisance trips and protects electronics during surges. | Ask the installer to measure running current once the unit is commissioned. |
8. Confirm Wall Strength & Fasteners | Hollow brick or AAC blocks need chemical anchors or a backing frame. | Stops vibration, sagging, and potential collapse. | Always insist on galvanized or SS anchor bolts for coastal areas. |
9. Verify Refrigerant Piping Length & Bend Radius | Stick within the manufacturerโs max equivalent length; minimize sharp bends. | Keeps pressure drop low and avoids oil return problems. | For unavoidable long runs (>15โฏm) request an oil trap and extra refrigerant charge. |
10. Seal & Insulate Everything | Close pipe sleeve gaps with expanding foam and insulate suction lines with UVโrated armaflex. | Blocks pests, prevents condensation drips, and saves energy. | Paint exposed insulation or use UV sleeves to stop cracking. |
Bonus Tips & โGoodโtoโAskโ Questions
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Sizing โ Confirm that the chosen tonnage matches the roomโs load (ruleโฏofโฏthumb: 600โฏBTU/ftยฒ, but a heatโload calc is best).
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Service Access โ Make sure both units are reachable for filter cleaning and coil washingโfuture you will be grateful.
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Noise Control โ Ask for vibration pads under the outdoor unit if itโs placed on a ledge or roof.
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Warranty โ Photograph the serial numbers and keep invoices; most brands require proof for compressor claims.
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Annual Maintenance โ Book the first service at the sixโmonth mark to keep warranty valid and efficiency high.
Ready for a hassleโfree installation? Download our complete โAC Installation Tips for Homeownersโ guide or schedule a preโinstallation site check with our certified technicians today. Stay cool, save energy, and keep that new AC purring for years!
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Let Bade Bhai AC Expert handle the dirty workโwhile you relax in comfort.