Installing and using an air conditioner may seem simple enough – but it still requires some careful planning and consideration to make sure that is works properly. Any mistakes during the aircon installation process can impact overall performance, here are some of the most common mistakes the JetStyle team has seen across aircon installations (that we have had to fix).
Mistake #1: Installing the wrong size unit
Most people assume that a larger aircon = more power to cool down a room. However, bigger is not always better. An oversized unit will result in poor humidity control, higher energy costs, and uncomfortable temperatures.
Choosing a system that is too small can lead to insufficient cooling, high energy bills, and a shorter lifespan.
We recommend contacting a aircon contractor to conduct a load circulation before purchasing your aircon to inspect your home and check for insulation to determine the right size to buy.
Mistake #2: Poor insulation
If you are installing an aircon in a room or building with poor insulation, you are inevitably going to be overpaying on electricity bills. If you have good insulation, you will need to use the air conditioner on a lower mode, less often – your home will stay relatively cool!
There needs to be insulation around a window AC unit, so that both above and below the unit there is insulation panels preventing the cool air from getting out.
If you are using split system aircon, make sure the ducts are correctly sized as improperly sealed ducts can cause cold air to escape.
Finally, make sure you check the quality and dimension of insulation materials. Copper pipes must be 0.71mm or thicker, insulation should be atleast 12.7mm thick, and the drainage pipe must be above 16mm.
Mistake #3: Poor positioning
Another issue we see regularly on the job is poor positioning, which can directly affect energy efficiency. Consider placing the unit in a shaded location to prevent uneven cooling. As your technician is installing an outdoor unit, make sure that the unit is tilted towards the back to allow it to drain properly.
Take down the size, dimension, and placement of the fan coil unit (FCU), and ensure it fits in the room with enough clearance space (at least 75mm or more) for adequate airflow.
The wrong placement and dimensions can obstruct furniture or cabinetry, impact airflow, and create uneven cooling.
Mistake #4: FCU/ compressor horsepower is undersized
The purpose of the FCU is to distribute air evenly throughout the room, and the compressor is responsible for cooling the refrigerant in the aircon. Both components work together to deliver cold, efficient airflow. So when (or both) is undersized, it can the parts to work harder to cool the room causing more wear and tear on the unit and poor cooling regulation.
Mistake #5: Wrong outdoor condenser unit size/weight
Another common issue we see on the job is homeowners having made the mistake of choosing the wrong outdoor condenser unit. It’s usually placed outside the window, where cool air is blown through the room from the front of the unit. Generally this involves installing the unit by removing the window sash. However, what happens is that it’s quite heavy or challenging to lift the condenser unit out of the window frame, or it simply does not fit.
Another common mistake many homeowners make is choosing the wrong outdoor condenser unit. This component is usually placed outside the window, and the cool air is blown into the room through the front of the unit. To install the unit, the window sash is typically lifted out of the window frame, and the air conditioning unit is placed in the window frame. The technician will require a crane, boom lift, or scissors lift to hoist the component up for installation.
Furthermore, the stainless steel bracket or ledge might not be able to support the condenser unit’s weight. So please ensure you choose a quality stainless steel bracket that is sturdy and durable enough to contain your outdoor condenser unit. This can also minimise the risk of rust and damage down the line.
Mistake #6: Hiring an unqualified technician
Aircon installation is not as straightforward as you would think – it’s possible to get it very wrong, if you leave the service to the wrong hands. Hiring the cheapest installer means you’re probably going to compromise on experience or quality. Poor installation can lead to system failure, higher energy consumption, and more expensive repair costs in the future.
The solution – only hire a reputable, experienced, qualified technician to install your aircon. Read online reviews, get a referral from a friend, do your research.
Mistake #7: Incorrect power system
Another sizing issue. Every aircon requires a specific level of energy to run efficiently. If the wrong plug socket or isolator is installed you can experience power trips, which is surprisingly common – we often find that customers can’t work out why their lights flash on and off when an aircon is turned on, only to discover that it’s because the electrical system is being overworked and it does not have enough power to run the unit!
Mistake #8: The drain line is not sloped
Your aircon will produce condensation and liquid during operation, it’s completely normal. However, it needs to be drained properly to prevent water leaks. If the drain line has an insufficient gradient or slope, water will accumulate in the drain pan, which can overflow, leaking and cause water damage to the aircon or your house. Additionally, without proper aircon cleaning stagnant water in the drain line can result in mould and bacteria, which creates an indoor air quality issue for you and the family.
Learn More: Is Your AC Leaking Water? Reasons For The Leak
Mistake #9: Wrong thermostat positioning
Yes – it’s true, the positioning of your thermostat can affect aircon performance. If it is in the wrong spot it can cause inaccurate temperature readings and therefore inefficient cooling (from these readings), reducing overall lifespan. We recommend placing the thermostat away from any heat sources.
As you can see, plenty of things can go wrong during the installation process. And it all starts with hiring the wrong aircon company. Hiring someone who has the experience, reliability, and job portfolio that you can trust means having a system installed that shouldn’t need any repairs for years to come.
At Jetstyle Aircon, our technicians possess years of experience installing and servicing various types of aircon for homes and businesses! Do not hesitate to contact us today to enquire about our aircon installation prices and aircon promotions.
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