AIRCON  PIPING INSTALLATIONS

When performing the aircon installation at your home or office, ideally it should be done by an aircon specialist who will be handling the HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning) system as well as its electrical system. It is not feasible to do the aircon piping installations on your own unless you are able to handle the HVAC system  which included the aircon unit, copper piping and water drain piping that requires a few steps so as to ensure the aircon system is in order and works efficiently.

The following are the steps to be undertaken :

1st Step – Right Location of the Indoor AirCon Unit

The location of the Indoor unit is vital for a proper aircon installation. No pipes should be around, the unit to be installed should not be near to any doors and there should be a good air circulation in the area. Avoid any furniture from obstructing the front aircon vents of the unit so that the aircon installation will be successful.

2nd Step – Right Location of the Outdoor AirCon Unit

Need to ensure that the outdoor unit is well protected from the direct exposure of the sun. No doubt It was built to withstand the harsh weathers but if some sort of protection to provide some shading away from the direct exposure of the sun will make it more lasting and able it to operate in a more efficient manner, whilst the big fan not facing towards the house.

Just as for the indoor unit, there should be a sufficient space for the outdoor unit. This will allow proper air flow to the front of the unit, especially when the coil of the copper tubing is at the back of the aircon unit. At the same time the base for the unit to be installed has to be well secured and flat. However, if the unit is to be mounted on the rooftop, it is advisable for it to be placed on wood so as to possibly avoiding it from being blown away in the event of a strong wind blowing.

3rd Step – Copper Piping Bending

When an aircon installation is to begin, a pipe bender must not be used on the copper piping as the units use ½ inch pipe and the bender will cause it to be crushed. So, all that is needed is to cut its insulation, pull it apart and exposing the piping.

As it is quite a delicate job, the bending need to be done with great care and very slowly. Since a wide radius is needed with most units, this should not pose much problem and from the centre, work outwards whilst pressing it with your thumbs firmly. Need to ensure the indentations of the thumb are not less than 1 mm deep and put the insulation back into place and fasten it using waterproof tape.

4th Step  – Water Drain Piping

The water drain pipe and the indoor unit can be placed at either end of the drip tray. Just ensure that the rubber bung is in the other end of the hole. When installing the water runoff, to ensure it is angled downward the wall and have an adequate distance from the house as the aircon unit can put out close to 2L of water a day during the hot days.

5th Step 5 – Connection of the Piping

When the pipes are to be connected to the unit during an aircon installation, firstly put tiny drops of oil onto all its facings, Then, attach the pipes to the brass cones whilst tightening with two wrenches. Beware not to over-tightening it!

Subsequently, cover the copper pipes with insulation foam and put foam over all the connecting parts. Ensure no refrigerant leaks from any connectors when starting the unit, whilst expelling air out of the unit; ensure the timings are according to what is stated in the manufacturer’s instructions.