Install a Split System Air Conditioner

All you generally need to install a split system air conditioner is a small hole in the wall for the conduit that connects the indoor air-handling unit and the outdoor condenser. Each split system or ductless air conditioner is unique to its manufacturer, but this article explains the general instructions if you need to install a split system air conditioner.

Install the Indoor Unit

 * 1) Select an unobstructed location on a strong wall that is not subject to vibrations or a heat source.
 * 2) *The indoor unit needs at least 6 inches (15 cm) of open space from its top and sides, and it needs to be at least 8 feet (2.5 meters) from the ground.
 * 3) Secure the mounting plate.
 * 4) *Hold the mounting plate against the wall where you want to install the indoor unit.
 * 5) *Use a level to make sure the plate is both horizontally and vertically square.
 * 6) *Drill holes at the appropriate spots to affix the plate to the wall. Insert plastic anchors into the holes. Secure the plate to the wall with tapping screws.
 * 7) Create a hole in the wall to fit the piping.
 * 8) *Find the best spot for the hole, bearing in mind the length of the pipe and that it needs to reach from the indoor unit.
 * 9) *Use a reciprocating saw to drill a hole through the wall. The hole should be no bigger than 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter and needs to slope downward toward the exterior.
 * 10) *Insert a flexible flange into the hole.
 * 11) Check the electrical connections.
 * 12) *Lift the unit’s front panel and remove the cover.
 * 13) *Be sure the cable wires are connected to the screw terminals and match the diagram on the unit.
 * 14) Connect the pipes.
 * 15) *Run the piping from the indoor unit toward the hole drilled through the wall.
 * 16) *Bind the copper pipes, the power cables and the drain pipe together with electrical tape. Place the drain pipe on the bottom to ensure a free flow of water.
 * 17) *Remove the pipe cap and remove any debris.
 * 18) *Secure the pipe to the indoor unit. Use 2 wrenches, working in opposite directions, to tighten the connection.
 * 19) *Join the water drainage pipe to the indoor unit’s base.
 * 20) *Run the bound pipes and cables through the hole in the wall. Pay attention that the drainage pipe allows water to drain in an appropriate place.
 * 21) Secure the indoor unit to the mounting plate by pressing the unit against the mounting plate.

Install the Outdoor Unit

 * 1) Find the best place to install the outdoor unit.
 * 2) *The outdoor unit’s location needs to be away from any heavily trafficked, dusty or hot areas.
 * 3) *Refer to your owner’s manual for the exact amount of space the outdoor unit needs to have around it in order to function properly.
 * 4) Connect the electrical wires.
 * 5) *Remove the cover.
 * 6) *Refer to the unit’s wiring diagram and make sure the cable wires are connected as the diagram suggests.
 * 7) *Fasten the cables with a cable clamp and replace the cover.
 * 8) Secure the pipes’ flare nuts to the corresponding pipes on the outdoor unit.

Complete the Split System Air Conditioner Installation

 * 1) Bleed the air and humidity from the refrigerant circuit.
 * 2) *Remove the caps from the 2-way and 3-way valves and from the service port.
 * 3) *Connect the vacuum pump hose to the service port.
 * 4) *Turn the vacuum on until it reaches an absolute vacuum of 10mm Hg.
 * 5) *Close the low pressure knob and then turn off the vacuum.
 * 6) *Test all of the valves and joints for leaks.
 * 7) *Disconnect the vacuum. Replace the service port and caps.
 * 8) Wrap the joints of the piping with insulating covering and insulating tape.
 * 9) Affix the piping to the wall with clamps.
 * 10) Seal up the hole in the wall.

Warnings

 * Do not install split system air conditioners where the air might contain gas, sulphur or oil.
 * Some split system air conditioner manufacturers void the unit’s warranty if it is not installed by a licensed tradesman.

Things You'll Need

 * Level
 * Drill with drill bits
 * Plastic anchors
 * Tapping screws
 * Reciprocating saw or hole saw
 * Electrical tape
 * Wrenches
 * Cable clamp
 * Vacuum pump
 * Insulating covering and tape
 * Clamps

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Build Your Own Air Conditioner
 * How to Install an Inwall Air Conditioner
 * How to Make a Humidifier or Air Conditioner
 * How to Check Your Air Conditioner Before Calling for Service

Sources and Citations

 * http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,1630888,00.html
 * http://www.ramsond.com/minisplit/74GWX/manual37-74GW.pdf
 * http://www.ac-world.com