Air conditioner outdoor unit: dimensions and installation tips. Purpose, device, proper installation and repair of the outdoor unit of the split system How much does the outdoor unit of the air conditioner weigh

20.06.2020

Today, to maintain a favorable microclimate in the premises, split systems are popular. They consist of two parts: external and indoor unit. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner has key value for the quality of the equipment. We will understand its device, principles of operation and features of installation and maintenance.

Equipment device

The external unit of the split system is called the compressor and condenser unit (KKB). This is key element climatic equipment that provides cooling or heating by changing the state of the refrigerant (working substance). KKB is a building that houses:

compressor;
condenser (heat exchanger);
expansion coils;
capillary tubes;
4 way valve;
filter dryer (receiver);
fan.

The outdoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the equipment in the room through a system of freon (heat-insulating copper) lines. A drainage line runs from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.

The KKB case is made of galvanized steel.

Equipment features

A number of KKB models are equipped with a special "winter kit". It is designed to keep the instrument in good working order. winter time years at low temperatures. The winter kit works only for cooling, so it is best suited for installation in server rooms and other rooms with high level heat dissipation.

It includes the following elements:

The fan control controller turns off the ventilation and turns it on when the condenser heats up.
Heated drain pipe.
Compressor crankcase heating before start.

The general principle of operation of a split system can be described as follows: warm air is removed from the room and removed to the street, cooled air is supplied in the opposite direction, which loses temperature, passing through the air conditioner and in contact with the refrigerant.

When switching the split system mode to heating, the reverse process occurs. The outdoor unit absorbs cold air from the outside and raises the temperature to the desired level. The indoor unit delivers heated air into the room.

KKB works due to the physical properties of the refrigerant, which transfers energy when the state of aggregation changes.

The outdoor unit of the air conditioner works as follows:

From the container, the compressor is supplied with a working substance in a gaseous state.
From the compressor under high pressure, the refrigerant enters the condenser, where it turns into a liquid, giving off heat.
Having lost some of the energy, freon enters the highway.
From the line, the working substance passes into the throttling device, where it loses pressure and cools.
Cold liquid is transferred to the evaporator, where it actively circulates through the tubes.
The evaporator is blown with warm supply air by means of a fan.
Cold air is supplied to the room.
Warm supply air heats the heat exchanger, passing through it before being fed into the room.
From the heat exchanger, the refrigerant is heated, which turns into a gas.
Freon, passing into a gaseous state, gives the air cold. From the heat exchanger, the gaseous refrigerant enters the compressor again, where the process is repeated.
A closed cycle of work is created.

Main settings

When choosing and buying outdoor unit Split systems need to pay attention to four main characteristics:

Size, height, width, length.
Power.
Line length.

Dimensional dimensions of external units depend on the power and functionality of the equipment.

Average dimensional characteristics of the outdoor unit of the split system:

width 80 cm;
height 50 cm;
thickness 30 cm.

Models that are offered on the market may have different capacities. It all depends on the purpose of the equipment. A standard household split system has a capacity that allows you to cover a space of up to 100 square meters. m.

An important characteristic of the outdoor unit is noise. If the air conditioner in the room works without noise, then the external unit can cause significant inconvenience to the neighbors. When choosing a model, it is better to clarify the indicator of the noise produced during the operation of the external unit. Permissible indicator 32 dB.

It is necessary to pay attention to the permissible length of the connecting lines between the blocks.

Do not exceed the distance that is stated in the technical data sheet of the model, as this can lead to a serious decrease in the efficiency of the equipment.

Installing an outdoor unit involves several steps. At the first stage, the installation site is determined, equipment and tools are prepared. At the second stage, the marking and direct fixation of the equipment is performed. At the third stage, performance verification and testing activities are carried out.

Location selection

Structures of modern buildings ( apartment buildings, shopping and office centers) provide for the installation of air conditioners and split systems. This moment is laid down during the design. Special boxes are mounted on the facades of buildings. They solve two key problems. First, it minimizes the likelihood that fasteners will be poorly made. Secondly, the boxes are harmoniously built into the design of the building and do not spoil its appearance.

If there are no boxes in the building, then the choice of location must be made taking into account the following factors.

General rules for choosing a place for an air conditioner:

The block is mounted on the wall adjacent to the apartment. You can not fix the device on the "territory of neighbors". Before starting work, it is necessary to clarify the possibility of installing air conditioners on the facade of the building. The city authorities may issue a decree according to which such work is prohibited, because it spoils the historical or cultural appearance of the building. There may be other reasons for the ban.
The optimal mounting locations are the space under the window, slightly below the window sill, and the place to the side of the window. This position will make it easier installation work and allow for easy maintenance.
If it is impossible to mount the block on the facade, you can install it inside an open balcony or loggia.

Mounting tool

Before starting work, be sure to prepare a set of tools. To install an outdoor unit, you will need:

perforator;
a drill for drilling a hole in the wall through which the highway will be laid;
drills for making holes for fixing brackets;
vacuum pump, which removes moisture and air from the freon circuit;
gauge manifold for connecting the refrigerant cylinder to the container in the unit;
a set of rolls that are needed for rolling copper tubes when connected to air conditioner valves;
pipe cutter for cutting copper pipes;
pipe bender for forming bends on tubes;
standard set wrenches, hexagons, screwdrivers, wire cutters, level gauge.

When installing, be sure to consider the following rules:

Availability of income fresh air. It is impossible to mount the outdoor unit in a closed space without air access and or with its limited supply (glazed loggia). Such an error will lead to overheating and breakdown of the KKB.
During operation, you will periodically have to change the refrigerant. To do this, the valves must be located so that the master can freely and without risk replace them. For most models, the valve is located on the left side.
It is necessary to provide for competent drainage of condensate so that it does not fall on the walls, visor or sidewalk.
Fasteners must be mounted on supporting structures, which must be designed for a load of several tens of kilograms. You can not fix the brackets on the walls of aerated concrete, on the external decorative facing layer or on the insulation layer.
The distance from the wall to the unit should be at least 10 cm. This distance will allow ventilation and reduce the risk of overheating of the device. The distance from the wall to the inner wall of the unit must not be too large. It is impossible for direct sunlight to fall on the hidden wall of the block.
When laying connecting lines, avoid a large number bends, because they will lead to a decrease in the required refrigerant flow, this will reduce the efficiency of the air conditioner.
It is recommended to equip a cornice that will protect the outdoor unit of the air conditioner from direct moisture.

Mounting to the wall is carried out using special brackets, which are usually included in the package. It has the form of a profile of various sections, bent at an angle of 90 degrees. It has several holes: one for fixing to the wall, the other for mounting the unit. Load bearing capacity brackets exceeds the weight of the air conditioner several times, so their use will ensure safety and reliability.

Installation process

Step-by-step instructions for installing an external air conditioner unit:

The location of the block on the wall, holes and channels for trunk lines are marked. The key parameters mentioned above are taken into account.
Holes are made in the wall for brackets.
A hole is made in the wall for communications. A box is laid in the hole, in which a freon and drainage line, electrical wiring are laid.
Brackets are attached. For their fixation, anchor bolts or dowels with "capercaillie" are used. The block is mounted on the brackets. It is fixed with bolts.
Strength, reliability and stability are tested.
Freon tubes are chamfered and flared. Tubes are connected to the block.
There are wires in the KKB. Their optimal length is measured, they are stripped and connected to the terminal block. The connection of each wire is made in accordance with the electrical diagram, which must be attached to technical passport devices.
After installing the indoor unit, a vacuum pump is connected to the KKB, with the help of which air is dried and evacuated from the lines and internal elements of the unit.
A protective box is put on.
The refrigerant tank is filled with freon. A test launch of the equipment is carried out, the modes and correct operation are checked.

Breakdowns and malfunctions

Like any other appliance, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner can break down. At low temperatures in winter, the use of an air conditioner without a winter kit can lead to compressor failure. The external block under the influence of external natural factors is strongly cooled and freezes over. Under such conditions, freon cannot boil in the outdoor unit. Liquid refrigerant enters the compressor, which leads to its breakdown.

To avoid damage to the compressor from freezing of the outdoor unit, you should install a winter kit or use the device in accordance with the technical instructions: heat the room only in autumn and spring at positive temperatures outside.

Another possible view mechanical breakdowns - failure of the fan, which pumps air into the unit. The cause of premature wear of the fan may be the ingress of dirt and dust into the unit.

Malfunctions in the electronics are associated with the failure of the control and regulation boards. There may be problems with the integrity of electrical networks.

Maintenance and care

In normal operation, the outdoor unit requires a preventive maintenance inspection once every 6 months. The master inspects the fixtures, checks the integrity and level of contamination of the filters, specifies the amount of refrigerant and measures the operating pressure of the networks.

The greatest difficulty in maintenance is the replacement of the working fluid.

The refrigerant is a chemical substance that poses a health hazard, so it is worth trusting a professional craftsman to work with it. You can check the condition of the filters, remove dust and dirt yourself.

Household and semi-industrial split systems consist of two blocks: internal and external, which is located outdoors. Such a separation is quite justified and even beneficial for users, since the noisiest components of the device - the compressor and the fan - are taken "overboard", and there is absolutely no need to think about where to remove warm air.

The internal structure of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner

Regardless of which structural type the split system belongs to, its outdoor module always has the same working units:

The compressor is responsible for compressing freon under pressure before passing into the liquid phase;
The fan provides blowing of the heat exchanger and removal of warm air from the unit during cooling or its intake during heating;
The condenser is responsible for cooling freon and its condensation;
The freon system filter protects the system circuit from dust, dirt and other small debris;
A capillary tube or TRV (thermal expansion valve) is needed to regulate pressure and transfer freon into a mixture of gas and liquid.

If the air conditioner can work in heat pump mode, then the outdoor unit is equipped with a four-way valve, which is controlled by the indoor unit. The four-way valve is responsible for changing the blocks in places - the external one takes heat from the street, and the internal one brings it into the room.

Monoblock split systems

There are air conditioners without an outdoor unit, but not mobile or window installations, namely monoblock splits, in which all components are placed in one module. They consist of:

compressor;
electric drive;
heat exchanger;
fan;
mechanical and carbon filters;
recuperator.

Such models of split systems have a double air duct through which warm exhaust air is emitted and fresh outdoor air is taken in. The condensate exits through the tube responsible for the removal of heat, along with the hot stream. Outside, the duct openings are closed with decorative ventilation grilles.

Among air conditioners without an outdoor unit, there are models that work not only for cold, but also for cold / heat. Manufacturers produce monoblock split systems with both linear (on / off) and inverter drives. There are even multi-split systems with two connected units that can function together or separately. They have a small height difference. Blocks are placed either above or below on the wall.

Most air conditioners that do not have an outdoor unit operate in standard modes: cooling, heating, ventilation, dehumidification. The average noise level is 28-37 dB with energy efficiency class A to A++. Many have convenient settings like:

additional heater;
on/off timer;
air distributor;
defrost functions;
economical nighttime power consumption mode.

The main part of monoblock split systems has an extended operating temperature range, which allows them to function in severe frosts.

The main advantages of such devices include:

lightweight wall mounting;
fresh air supply;
no need to lay a drain for a non-reversible device.

But they also have significant disadvantages, which are noted not only by installers, but also by the buyers themselves:

fixed installation, involving placement only on the outer wall of the room;
very sensitive heat exchanger;
fungus on the wall outside from constantly flowing condensate;
increased noise (when compared with conventional two-block systems);
uneven distribution of flows when installing the unit closer to the floor;
high price that does not meet the expectations of users.

Many are alarmed by the fact that the world's leading leaders in climate technology do not produce monoblock split designs. Most of them belong to Chinese companies. In Russia, the following brands can be found on store shelves:

UNICO STAR;
UNICO SKY;

In some cases, when the rules prohibit the installation of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner on the facade, the monosplit system is the only way solve the problem of air conditioning apartment or office.

Dimensions and capacity of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner

The selection of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner and the place for its installation depends on the size of the unit. The concept of dimensions includes specific quantities closely related to each other, denoting the physical parameters of the module, that is, height (H), width (W), depth (D), and cold power, which can be both nominal and variable.

Some capacitors require very powerful airflow, which can only be provided by two fans, respectively, the dimensions of such a module will differ significantly from the dimensions of the unit that cools small room in the apartment. When the power exceeds the established limits of the norm for the dimensions of the case, the question arises of selecting a module with large dimensions.

In the technical characteristics of the device, data such as H * W * D and cooling capacity are usually indicated. The former are measured in millimeters (mm), the latter in kilowatts (kW).

The size of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is affected by its power, and it is affected by the area of the heat exchanger, compressor and fan.

Place for placing the outdoor unit of the air conditioner

As already mentioned, the size of the outdoor unit sometimes determines the most optimal location for its installation.

The standard installation involves mounting the device under the window just below the level of the window sill or to the side of the window, without entering the territory of the neighboring apartment. But there are also not quite standard options for the location of the external module. If the allowable length of the route and the height difference allow, then installation can be carried out on the roof or attic of the house. Many install the block on the facade of the balcony / loggia or inside them in the absence of full glazing. Those living in a private house or on the ground floor sometimes mount it under the loggia, closing it from the adverse effects of atmospheric phenomena and thereby not violating appearance buildings.

Of particular interest is the installation of an outdoor unit in the basement of the house. It is possible to carry out such a project in the presence of increased routes and height differences. If the basement is heated at the same time, then the air conditioner can not only cool, but also bask in the cold.

To do this, there is no need to install a winter kit on the device or buy a system with an extended operating temperature range, since the outdoor unit of the air conditioner installed in the basement will not be exposed to extremely low temperatures. The main thing is to ensure normal air circulation so that the heat exchanger does not overheat.

In summer, such rooms are usually cool, so there is a plus here - with this location, the external module will produce greater efficiency, since the air there is colder than outside.

What is the outdoor unit attached to?

During installation, the outdoor unit must be fixed. For standard fastening of the unit to the wall of the building, brackets consisting of two welded strips are used. They are usually made from a durable profile of different sections. They have two holes for attaching to the wall and two for installing the air conditioner itself. Such fasteners withstand loads exceeding the weight of the average block several times.

To install the device on the roof, floor, ground, use universal stands for the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, which are made of metal and coated with powder paint. They are attached to the surface through welded holes with frame-facade fasteners and have sliding bars that can be adjusted to any size of the device. Typically, the outdoor unit stand can support more than 250kg, which is equivalent to the weight of a very powerful industrial unit.

Rules for installing the outdoor unit of the air conditioner

Before proceeding with fixing, you should take into account the rules for installing the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, non-compliance with which entails incorrect operation of the device:

The device should not break the silence at night - the maximum allowable noise is about 32 dB. It is necessary to organize a normal condensate drain so that it does not fall on the walls of the house, the porch visor and people passing by;
Be sure to take into account the strength of the walls. It must withstand a load of several tens of kilograms. It is impossible to fix the air conditioner to aerated concrete structures, outer lining houses and a layer of insulation;
Brackets with a block provide the most reliable base and fastening;
In order to avoid overheating of the compressor, the minimum distance from the wall to the outdoor unit should not be less than 10 cm. There should not be any obstacles for normal airflow;
The air conditioner is placed taking into account the need for free air circulation. The radiator needs normal cooling;
Provide good access to service valves so that preventive inspection can be carried out;
It is impossible to allow multiple bending of the copper pipeline, since the creases prevent the normal pumping of freon by the compressor;
The maximum length of the pipeline between the modules of the split system should not exceed the length set by the manufacturer, otherwise the work efficiency drops noticeably;
Do not allow direct sunlight to hit the back of the device, so too much distance from outer wall before the outer block should not be;
It is desirable to provide protection against moisture.

Compliance by installers with all the rules for installing the outdoor unit of the air conditioner guarantees long-term and uninterrupted operation of the refrigeration machine.

Installation steps for the outdoor unit of the air conditioner

If the installation is carried out at the stage repair work, then first they ditch the wall and lay the track. When installing a split system after repair, communications are placed in boxes.

The external module itself is fixed, observing the main stages of installation work:

Make markings for brackets. They take into account their location relative to each other, relative to the window sill and relative to the existing hole for the track.
A puncher drills holes in the wall.
Brackets are attached with dowels with "wood grouses" or anchor bolts. An external unit is installed on them and fixed with bolts and nuts.
Connect freon tubes. They must first be trimmed, chamfered and flared. Only then can you connect.
Connect the wires. Measure the desired length, strip and connect to the terminal block. The connection is carried out according to the principle wiring diagram indicated on the unit itself or in the user manual.
When the internal module is already installed, a vacuum pump is connected to the external one, air is pumped out of the route and the indoor unit. Then gas is released by opening the taps on the outdoor unit, and all protective covers are screwed on.
Put on a protective cover on the device.

If the installation is carried out by unskilled people, it may be necessary to repair the outdoor or indoor unit, which is not always cheap.

Repair and preventive maintenance

In what other cases may it be necessary to call the master and carry out repair work to troubleshoot the outdoor unit of the air conditioner?

As a rule, breakdowns of an outdoor unit can be associated with the failure of the mechanical part of the device or electrics and electronic system. The first group includes malfunctions of the refrigeration circuit elements, and the second - failures in the control board or problems in the electrical circuit.

Mechanical breakdowns

If there is a breakdown in the mechanical part, then this can be expressed as:

freezing of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner;
the appearance of uncharacteristic noises and vibrations;
reducing the efficiency of blowing the heat exchanger;
the appearance of oil smudges on the ports.

Most of these problems are related to the leakage of freon or its initial shortage. The presence of such is easily determined by the master using a pressure gauge.

There are other reasons why the outdoor unit of the air conditioner freezes over, not only in winter in heating mode, but also in summer almost immediately after installation.

There may be excess refrigerant, excess air, or excess moisture in the system. It is possible that the capillary tubes are clogged or the device simply needs preventive cleaning, which includes washing the panels of both units, cleaning or replacing filters, and removing excess dirt from the fan and heat exchanger. Often there is such a problem as the incorrect length of the copper pipeline, from which there is either a shortage or an excess of freon.

If none of these causes are identified, refueling or full recharging is carried out, and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner continues to freeze, then the cause should be looked for in a compressor malfunction.

Electrical and electronic failures

An equally serious problem can be the failure of the control board. As a rule, this is signaled by error codes and LED lamps on the body of the indoor module, which give the corresponding brake lights. If the board burned out, then the outdoor unit of the air conditioner may smoke, although smoke sometimes indicates a burnout of the compressor motor or blower fan.

At the slightest suspicion of electrical failures, you must immediately turn off the machine in the electrical panel, which is responsible for the air conditioner.

If the outdoor unit of the air conditioner smokes in heating mode in winter, then this may not indicate a fire, but the defrosting of the heat exchanger (condenser). In this case, the smoke is just steam.

Regardless of the complexity of the breakdown, you must immediately turn off the power to the device and call a service technician who will inspect the system and repair the outdoor unit, if necessary.

Often, during repairs, many people think about installing a split system and plan the design of rooms to fit the size of the air conditioner. The indoor unit of this device must be placed in such a way that it is not only correctly located, but also looks most harmoniously in the intended interior.

The purchase and choice of the air conditioner itself is often planned closer to the end of the repair, and you need to supply the “power” now. So this article is written for such cases. In it, we will consider in detail what distances must be taken into account for subsequent installation, and we will identify the most universal sizes of indoor units (wall-mounted household appliances).

First, we want to warn you right away that there are “non-standard” models of air conditioners that can have unique dimensions and characteristics. And therefore this article should not be taken as 100% universal.

Air conditioner size. Split indoor unit

Most often, living rooms have a small area (up to 25 sq.m.). Air conditioners up to 2.7 kW are suitable for such premises (do not confuse with power consumption) - they are usually called "sevens" or "nines". As a rule, "sevens" and "nines" (of the same model) have the same overall dimensions, as well as the same diameter of the tubes. Therefore, further we will take into account the same dimensions and characteristics of the considered standard sizes.

Overall dimensions of the indoor unit, which we are primarily interested in

block length. The most standard length of indoor units is 700-800 mm. Slightly less common up to 900 mm. By personal experience it is best to take into account the average length of 770 mm.
block height. Most often, these dimensions lie in the range of 250-290 mm. For planning, we will take into account 270 mm.

We are not very interested in depth (170-240 mm). Thus, we have identified the average size of the internal block 770 x 270 mm.

Distances from walls and ceiling

Air conditioners "on / off". The cable is brought out in such a way that it is subsequently located under the indoor unit ( to the left by 300 mm. and lower by 100 mm. from the center of the block).
Most

Greetings to all visitors to the Conditioner site! There are situations when you need to know the dimensions of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. This question arises when the placement of the block is planned in confined space. Sometimes these dimensions play a decisive role in the choice.

It happens that in the allocated space there is not enough space for the free arrangement of blocks. Then you have to choose another installation location or, for example, replace two external units with one (this will already be a multi-split system).

On the Internet, for a specific model of air conditioner, you will find specifications, where the overall dimensions of the units are indicated. But if you have not yet decided on a specific model, then you will need to know at least the approximate dimensions. Today we will try to determine the average dimensions of the outdoor unit, focusing on the characteristics household wall-mounted split systems.

What determines the dimensions of the outdoor unit

The dimensions of the block body, of course, are determined by the dimensions of the constituent parts. The largest parts of the outdoor unit are the condenser (radiator) and. The size of the blocks depends on their performance. The more powerful the air conditioner, the greater the “opportunities” and dimensions should have its main components.

It's no secret that air conditioners come in different cooling capacities. In most cases, there is a direct relationship between the cooling capacity and the dimensions of the unit (especially one line). But when comparing different brands or models, different numbers can turn out!

Of course, the more powerful the air conditioner, the larger its parts, the larger the dimensions of the blocks. But now there are "splits" with overestimated characteristics. To reduce the price, they are assembled from budget components, which hardly provide the declared cooling capacity. Including for this reason, different brands can have significantly different dimensions with the same power.

Dimensions of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner

If we consider the performance of the "split" up to 2.7 kW, then the height of the external unit will be approximately 42-60 cm. On average, this figure will have a value of about 50 cm You may need the height of the "foot" of the bracket - usually 7 cm.

Width (without “protruding” cranes) is usually 66-80 cm. Considering my experience, I suggest taking a distance of 70 cm The depth of small air conditioners is usually 23-30 cm.

Thus, we got the approximate dimensions of the external unit:

height 50 cm;
width 70 cm (note that the service taps "protrude" beyond the body by an additional 6 cm);
depth 27 cm.

I will supplement these figures with the distance between the outer block and the wall of the building - an average of 15 cm. Given this indent, the outer block will be located at a distance of 42 cm from the wall (cladding) of the house.

For clarity, we present the average dimensions of external blocks for domestic air conditioners in the form of a table.

Focusing on these figures, do not forget about the variety of climate technology. If you have limited space for the outdoor unit, then before buying a device, still check the dimensions for a specific model of air conditioner.

Additional questions can be asked in the comments!

The introduction of new technological solutions in household equipment often runs counter to practical expediency. The example of climate technology is the most indicative in this sense. So, recently the market has been actively filled with which are intended for indoor use. The features of such systems include the complete exclusion of dirty installation operations, which attracts a considerable audience of consumers. But with all the ease of installation and further maintenance, such models are not able to approach the performance characteristics provided by the external air conditioner unit as part of a split system. Another thing is that the owners of outdoor installations have to deal with troublesome tasks, but of a different kind.

What is an outdoor unit?

The composition of the outdoor segment, which is part of the split system complex, includes a condenser, valve decoupling, pipes, filter driers and a fan. Depending on the modification and design, the internal "stuffing" may vary, but the traditional air conditioner kit with a remote unit has just such a set of elements. By the way, the most noticeable differences are observed in the so-called winter systems, which provide for the presence of special controllers for controlling the fan. Modern air conditioners also use multifunctional power switching relays. Such devices are designed for non-standard operation of the compressor in conditions of high or low temperatures. Unlike the indoor segment, the outdoor unit does not have electronic modules - its operation is completely subordinated to the mechanical function.

Block sizes

The outdoor unit is available on the market in various configurations and shapes. And although manufacturers, in order to simplify the segmentation, tend to unify the model lines, the choice of sizes is still quite wide. If we talk about average parameters, then it has a width of 770 mm, a height of 450 mm and a thickness of 245 mm. At the same time, the radius of the fan varies on average from 200 to 250 mm. Of course, there are also aggregates, the sizes of which deviate from these indicators. So, in the Mitsubishi lineup, an almost square-shaped external air conditioning unit is presented, which has a width of 880 mm and a height of 840 mm. As for the parameters of the internal segment, they are not so impressive. Usually these are long narrow modules of medium size - 700 x 200 x 200 mm.

Choosing a place to install the unit

Usually, when choosing the optimal point for installing air conditioners outside, users are faced with the problems of combining ease of use and protection of the module. For example, the location of the block at height is the best option from the point of view of its safety, but in this case, access to the air conditioner for the purpose of maintenance becomes more difficult. A good solution would be to place the module on the wall near the window opening or loggia. At the same time, other nuances must be taken into account, including the absence of direct sunlight and permission for installation from neighbors, since a noisy unit can cause inconvenience to people living on the same level of the building.

In addition, it produces condensate, which will drip down in drops. Accordingly, you will have to negotiate with neighbors on the lower floors. In case of successful coordination of the installation site of the unit with other residents, you can proceed to direct installation operations. By the way, another condition for installing an outdoor unit is the possibility of laying communications in the wall.

Installation of the external unit of the air conditioner

When installing air conditioners, special installation kits are used, which include pipes with flex, brackets with sets of fixing hardware, drainage communications, etc. The physical installation of the segment is carried out using load-bearing components that are embedded in the walls using anchor elements. At the same stage, brackets are used, the power potential of which is oriented to the mass of a particular module. Also, the installation of the external unit of the air conditioner provides for its communication connection with the internal segment. To do this, a hole is made in the wall desired diameter, which will allow organizing, in addition to the main wiring, also the laying of a vacuum pump and a gauge manifold. At the final stage, a direct connection of communications between the two blocks is made.

Features of installing the indoor unit

When installing the evaporative, that is, the internal module of the air conditioning system, it is especially important to observe the correct position of the unit. Usually this unit is mounted directly under the ceiling surface with a slight indentation. Mechanical fixation is also carried out using suitable brackets. True, in this case, the mass of equipment is not so large, which simplifies the workflow. After marking, the master installs the anchor elements and, if necessary, fastens the supporting profiles. Next, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is installed with strict observance of the horizontal position. Also, some models of such segments, according to the instructions, should have a slight slope towards the passage of drainage.

Maintenance and care

In the standard mode of operation, the air conditioner must be serviced every six months. Most of the work is carried out with the external unit, which is most prone to contamination. Specialists usually check the condition of the filters, the level of refrigerant, the operating pressure of the module route, etc. The most difficult operation is the replacement of the working fluid. The refrigerant is a chemically unsafe substance, so its refueling is best left to experienced craftsmen. But the care of the rest of the components is quite accessible to ordinary users. For example, the answer to the question of how to clean the external unit of an air conditioner is quite simple. First of all, it should be disassembled, after which, using a rag or vacuum cleaner, remove internal surfaces module from dust and dirt deposits. In the process of such care, external filters and heat exchangers are cleaned, which prolongs the life of the air conditioner.

Outdoor unit in multi-systems

The concept of technical implementation of a split system provides for the possibility of using several indoor modules in one complex, which are serviced by one outdoor unit. Unlike standard configurations, the external module of such a system has engineering differences. For integration into a multi-system, it is equipped with an additional thermostat, which allows you to more effectively control the settings of the fan and compressor. In turn, the indoor unit of the air conditioner acts as a source of information signals that determine the control of the outdoor module. That is, the user, using the remote control, accesses the panel of the indoor unit, and the latter, in turn, regulates the system of bypass communications on the freon line via a digital channel.

A question of price

In modern modifications, split-system air conditioners are not cheap, which is largely due to the complexity of the design. Even in the initial segment, the cost of an air conditioner with a remote unit is rarely less than 20 thousand rubles. Of course, you can find options for 15 thousand rubles. from little-known brands, but their quality is questionable by both specialists and users themselves, who often complain about problems.

Decent quality models are offered by Fujitsu, Daikin, Mitsubishi, etc. The average cost of an air conditioner from the range of these companies varies in the range of 30-40 thousand rubles. At the same time, the most technologically advanced and productive kits can be estimated at 70-80 thousand rubles.

Conclusion

The use of air conditioners with a design that involves the installation of a remote unit causes many problems during installation and further maintenance. And this is without taking into account the difficulties in transporting equipment. These factors allow us to speak of such units as obsolete. Especially against the backdrop of the spread of mobile devices with a modest size. Nevertheless, the external unit of the air conditioner remains relevant in the market. This is explained by its high performance, functionality and safety during operation, since the main work units are located outside the living quarters. And if for domestic use you can find a low-power replacement for a split system in the form of a monoblock, then in the context of maintenance office space, public buildings and institutions multifunctional complexes are still unmatched.