5 AC Installation Mistakes to Stay Away From

5 AC Installation Mistakes to Stay Away From

Air conditioners have ceased being a luxury and are now a necessity in very hot areas like the UAE. While the quality of AC matters, its quality of installation matters even more-and that is the difference between working properly and solving problems. Poor cooling, high electricity costs, and subsequent breakdowns are often faced by homeowners and businesses with an air conditioner installation that went wrong. Whether it be the size chosen, ignored air filter, or lack of quality in AC spare parts; even a small thing could lead to bigger problems. Hence, a better understanding of such common AC installation mistakes could help you save time, money, and a lot of stress.

Reliable cooling systems are especially essential in the UAE, where the heat is extreme. The performance of an AC depends not only on the brand but also on proper installation. With trained technicians and genuine parts from trusted AC spare parts dealers in UAE, you can be assured that your AC functions efficiently and has a longer life. Skipping this step will lead to premature damage of parts like compressors, coils, or air filters. In this article, we shall look into the top AC installation mistakes people should avoid to keep their home or workplace cool breezy and energy-efficient. 

Here are some AC installation mistakes to stay away from.

1. Wrong AC Size Selection

One of the biggest and, by far, the most common mistakes during AC installation is when a unit is chosen as a wrong fit. Size in this case is not in relation to the physical dimension of the AC, but rather represents its capacity in cooling in BTUs (British Thermal Units).

Too Small: Undersized air conditioners cannot cool spaces well, as they keep running all the time to achieve a temperature as per a thermostat setting which results in energy wastage and increased wear and tear.

Too Large: Oversized air conditioners cold quickly but fail to condition humidity, leading to cold but clammy and uncomfortable surroundings.

Solution: Always have an expert do a load calculation for the correct size based on the total size of the room, ceiling height, insulation, windows, and climate.

2. Bad Placement of Indoor and Outdoor Units

The position where you place the indoor and outdoor unit of your split AC matters a lot. Bad positioning reduces the efficiency, increased energy use, and short lifespan of the system.

Indoor Unit: Incorrect installation of the indoor unit is too high up on the ceiling or in direct sunlight causes the cold air to circulate poorly across the room. If installed in place above heat-producing appliances, it may not read room temperature correctly and overwork the compressor.

Outdoor Unit: This unit should ideally be kept at a well-ventilated area: installing it in a confined place, or dust-laden space, or directly exposed to sunlight can cause its overheating and inefficient operation.

Solution: Install the indoor unit at an approximate height of 7 feet from the floor and away from direct sunlight or heat sources. The outdoor unit too should be placed in a shade-open area and around 2-3 feet of clearance should be given around it for airflow.

3. Improper Refrigerant Charge

Refrigerant is the lifeblood of an AC system. If the unit is overfilled or underfilled with refrigerant, it will not work at peak performance. Unfortunately, refrigerant charge errors are a common installation error.

Under Charged: This causes the compressor to overheat due to a lack of cooling.

Over Charged: This creates excessive pressure in the system, which can cause compressor failure and refrigerant leakage.

Solution: Ensure that a certified technician installs the system and checks for refrigerant using the manufacturer's specifications. Stay away from unqualified installers who may try to estimate the charge when they should measure it correctly.

4. Skipping Proper Insulation and Sealing

Many errors in installation stem from neglecting proper sealing and insulation during setup. When the duct, pipe, and electrical connections of an AC system are improperly sealed, energy is lost, utility bills go up, and cooling efficiency drops.

Leaky Ducts or Gaps: These allow cool air to escape before it reaches your room, forcing the AC to work harder.

Uninsulated Copper Pipes: Copper refrigerant lines can weep condensation, leak refrigerant, or all of the above when proper insulation is not done.

Solution: All joints and ducts must be installed properly, sealed tightly with quality insulation material. Foam for copper line insulation, and seal wall penetrations to reduce energy loss.

5. Not Testing the System After Installation

One critical but often neglected step is testing the AC system post-installation. Some installers shut down the job without checking whether the system operates fine, assuming that everything was alright with the machine.

Not Conducting a Leakage Test: Not checking for leakage of gas and water can become a huge repair issue down the line.

Ignoring Noise Level: Excessive vibration or strange noises after installation could be a pointer to faulty compressors, fans, or unbalanced mountings.

Solution: After installation, the technician should apply power to the system, check airflow, refrigerant level, temperature consistency, and noise level. It is recommended to complete a thorough inspection for effective post-installation, when everything is considered working.

Conclusion

Installing an air conditioner may seem simple, but skipping steps or cutting corners can create bigger problems later. From placing the unit in the wrong spot to forgetting to check the AC air filter, every step of installation matters. These mistakes can affect cooling performance, increase electricity costs, and even damage expensive components. When installation is not done properly, it also leads to faster wear and tear, requiring frequent replacement of Ac air filter . To avoid this, always plan carefully and rely on experts who understand the technical needs of different AC systems.

The difference in handling the installation and choosing parts from the respected AC spare parts dealers in the UAE can greatly affect the lifespan and working of your AC unit. Whether you're installing new equipment or replacing an old one, good installation and maintenance will welcome years of better operation for your AC. Little attentiveness during installation could save big on repair and replacement in the future. So ensure to stay knowledgeable, make wise choices, and avoid the typical pitfalls of AC installations for the assurance of untroubled cool and clean air.