Just bought yourself a gleaming new Toshiba 5 ticks aircon, or a highly-raved Mitsubishi Heavy aircon?
Whichever model you buy, it is important to choose where to put the indoor and outdoor units. A strategic placement gives you better cooling and optimal efficiency, as well as energy savings in the long run.
Check out these 5 points to note in your decision-making process!
Outdoor Unit: In the Shade Away From Sunlight
Just because your outdoor unit is out of sight, it shouldn’t be out of mind. The position of your outdoor unit has a huge impact on how well your indoor unit works.
One key tip to remember is shielding it away from the harsh sunlight in a cool and shady place. Leaving it out in the sunlight heats up the unit and forces it to work extra hard to deliver cool air.
Working more means that it saps more electricity and is at risk of mechanical problems. Reduce the workload on your outdoor unit by keeping it nice and cool.
Indoor Unit: As High as Possible
Hot air rises and cool air sinks. Going by this simple theory, it is recommended to place your indoor unit as high as possible.
This is also why you will often not find air conditioners installed anywhere below eye level but high up on the wall or ceiling.
Installing it with a high altitude allows it to cool down a room faster and allows pipes to be connected to the ducting pipe easily. However, take note to position it somewhere that is still accessible for regular cleaning.
It is also crucial to avoid placing it above any electrical fittings or appliances to avoid any dangerous hazard if it leaks.
Indoor Unit: Above the Bed
Think about the central area of the room you want to put your air conditioner in. If your air conditioner is being installed in the bedroom, place it directly above your bed for optimal cooling.
If it’s going into the living or study room, put it somewhere where you can direct the airflow to your seat. This also ensures that the air conditioner’s activity sensor can properly detect your presence smoothly.
Outdoor Unit: Stable and Well-Ventilated
Apart from choosing a spot that is away from direct sunlight, you should also place it in a cool and well-ventilated area.
This means that the area should facilitate good airflow with plenty of space to direct the heat produced away. This gives you better cooling and comfort without any hiccups.
In addition, it should be placed in a stable location where it will not vibrate, is easily accessible for maintenance, and away from corrosive substances that can damage it.
Indoor Unit: Away From Heat Sources
What is the orientation of your room? Like your outdoor unit, you should put your indoor unit in a spot that isn’t usually heated by the sun outside.
Usually, the northern or eastern parts of a room are shaded and hence suitable places to install your air conditioner. Keep it away from other heat sources like light bulbs as well, as it can detect the heat radiating from it.
This may cause errors in your smart air conditioner as it assumes that there is more heat in the room than there actually is, and waste electricity cooling it.