Where should your split system air conditioner be installed?
17.02.2021
Where and how you install your split system air conditioner can greatly affect its efficiency and effectiveness. In fact, if you install it in the wrong location, it may barely heat or cool your space at all.
So, to make sure you stay cool in summer and warm in winter, we’ve answered the all important question – where should your split system air conditioner be installed?
Where should your split system air conditioner be installed?
There are a few simple rules to follow when choosing a location for your split system air conditioner. They include:
Install it where it’s needed most
Where do you spend most of your time when you’re at home? For most people, that would be the lounge so a central spot in this room is usually a great place to install your split system unit. However, if you work from home or struggle to sleep on warm nights, your home office and/or bedroom may also be good options.
Choose a central location in the room
Generally, it’s a good idea to install your split system air conditioner in a central location in a room so that it can heat or cool the entire space efficiently. It also may be a good idea to install it right above where you usually are when you’re in the room. For example, your couch in your lounge or your office chair in your office.
Make sure it’s installed high on the wall (2+ metres)
Hot air rises to the top of a space while cool air sinks to the bottom. Because of this, cool air distributes around your room much better if your air conditioner is installed high – above 2 metres if possible.
Ensure there’s at least 15 cm clearance around the unit
Air conditioners require clearance on each side so that there’s proper airflow around the unit.
Whole house or room cooling & heating?
Another thing to think about when considering where to install your split system air conditioner is whether you want to heat one room or your entire home.
If you’re planning to heat just one room, the rule above applies – install your split system air conditioner where it’s needed most. But if you want to heat your entire home, it’s best to install your split system air conditioner in a central position in your property.
It’s important to ensure that you choose a split system air conditioner that’s powerful enough to heat and cool your entire home so take a look at our guide to choosing the right size air conditioner to get started.
Installing a split system air conditioner in your bedroom
Where should you install a split air conditioner in your bedroom? If you place it too close to your bed, it could keep you up or dry you out by blowing cold/hot air all over you. On the other hand, if you don’t place it centrally, it might not be effective or efficient.
To get around this, buy a unit with louvres and direction control like Carrier’s range of split system air conditioners. You can place these in a central position above, to the side or at the foot of your bed and change the direction of the louvres so that the unit doesn’t blow air directly onto you.
Positioning your split system air conditioner’s outdoor unit
When it comes to choosing where to install your split AC, you also have to consider the positioning of the outdoor unit. It should be:
- Away from direct sunlight as much as possible (the south or south east side of your home away from the afternoon sun is often a good location).
- In an open space where air can flow around the unit.
- Accessible for carrying out maintenance and repairs.
- Installed on a rigid flat surface if possible to reduce vibration.
- As close to the indoor unit as possible to maximise efficiency.
The question of where to install split AC in your room should be the first you ask when you consider purchasing a new unit. Take a little time to consider the ideal location and get professional help when installing and your air conditioner will work better and cost less to run.
Find out more about Carrier Air’s range of split system air conditioners here.