The most important issue is that the unit is installed correctly by a suitably qualified installer. Not only will he have all the correct tools and experience, but can assist on a few of the finer details that either you or the sales person may have missed. Perhaps you may have changed your mind, but prior to any work being carried out all issues will be finalised. The actual installation is largely dependent on the type of unit selected. For simplicity, we will explain the installation process of the most popular unit used in a household which is the midwall split unit.
This unit comprises two sections which are the inside INDOOR unit and the outside OUTDOOR unit which houses the compressor and noisier parts. Generally the indoor unit is best installed on an "outside wall". The outdoor unit is generally located on the same wall to minimise costs and also as high as possible out of harms way. You should even consider your neighbour and keep it out of sight as best as possible. Whatever position is finally accepted, it needs to be in a well ventilated area. Rain would not present any problems.
Our installation team, if not accompanied by the sales person, would confirm the position of each unit that was no doubt discussed between you and our sales person. Thereafter they will commence the installation by moving the relevant furniture and laying down sheeting to protect floors and carpets. He will then proceed to drill and create a 50mm Ø hole through the wall. This hole is used for the refrigerant piping, electric cable, communication cable and condensate drain pipe. Once outside, all relevant piping and cables could be housed inside a PVC or metal casing called trunking. The drain pipe is used to route the water away to a suitable point of release. The water is generated by the indoor unit during the summer months when cooling is required. This whole process is reversed in the winter months. This harmless water is merely part of the cooling process whereby moisture is removed from the air.
Once completed, the team will proceed to clean the work area and return all furniture to original positions. The team leader will then go through the operation of the unit by means of the remote control. The sales person will call within 48 hours to enquire whether everything was curried out to your absolute satisfaction and that the unit is operating to your expectation.
Having explained most of the factors regarding the midwall split unit, the installation of other units that are available are fairly similar in the way they are installed.
The Under Ceiling split unit is similar to the midwall, but capacities are generally higher and the unit is positioned just under the ceiling, if not touching it.
The Cassette split unit is, where possible, installed in the middle of the room in the ceiling. It blows air in four directions evenly throughout the room from its central position. All piping and cabling is hidden within the ceiling void and access to the roof void is by way of your trapdoor.
Mini-ducted in-ceiling Hide Away split units are totally hidden within the roof void and the only evidence of an airconditioning unit in any room is a visible ceiling diffuser and a return air filter frame.
Console units are used where the indoor and outdoor unit cannot be split up. This unit is an all in one setup which requires quite a large hole through the wall - ±800 x 400mm, or as in the case of the latest technology units, requires 2 x 200mm Ø holes through the wall. These units are located at floor level and are a little noisier than any of the above split units as the compressor is positioned in the indoor unit (no outdoor unit). There is no need to conceal any outside condensor unit as it is behind the colour coded grill.
Window/Wall units are installed at head-height in either the window or the wall. Wall or window openings are ±660 x 425 and many a DIY enthusiast still select these units as their first choice for workshops, containers and caravans.
The Brand of the unit is entirely up to personal preference and/or budget. We at Curries Air consider the brand to be of utmost importance when obtaining original spares. We prefer to supply and install brands that are able to supply parts and technical backup on a continuous basis. Generally, all brands offer a minimum 12-month warranty and Curries Air offer extensions and various preventative maintenance programs.
cnr Constellation & Mosquito
Rhodesfield, Kempton Park
Johannesburg
