Are you looking to install a new air conditioning unit amid Singapore’s sweltering heat? While it offers a chilly respite for your home, an aircon installation requires careful coordination and expertise as it relies on various components to function correctly.
As such, any mistakes during the installation can affect its performance. In this article, we explore the eight common mistakes to look out for during an air conditioning installation to ensure your home remains cool, even on the hottest day.
This is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make when selecting an air conditioning unit. As such, selecting the right-sized air conditioner is crucial for optimum cooling efficiency and energy consumption.
You can measure the size of your rooms to determine the right-sized aircon, or even use a BTU calculator. For instance, a small room requires a low-capacity aircon whereas a larger room will require a higher capacity to maintain the desired temperatures.
Proper drainage is essential to prevent water from accumulating, potentially leading to water damage and mould growth. If the aircon’s drainage system is not correctly installed or maintained, it can lead to water leakage and compromise indoor air quality.
For optimum drainage, ensure that the pipes are properly sloped and free from blockages. You can also install a drain pan with a working overflow switch to prevent water from accumulating.
The thermostat's placement can significantly affect your comfort and energy efficiency. As such, installing the thermostat near heat sources, direct sunlight, or draughty areas can lead to inaccurate temperature readings and uneven cooling distribution.
At the same time, this can cause the aircon unit to cycle on and off unnecessarily, leading to higher energy bills and even feeling uncomfortable. Ideally, you should install the thermostat in a central, shaded location, away from heat sources or cold drafts.
Proper ductwork for your aircon unit is crucial to ensure sufficient distribution of cool air throughout your home. Some homeowners tend to use the old ductwork for their new aircon, which can lead to inconsistent temperatures due to leaky ducts.
A poorly sealed duct can also lower the air quality and expose you to irritants and air pollutants, potentially triggering your allergies, breathing problems, and other health risks. With proper sealing of the duct joints, you can ensure efficient air distribution in your home.
The compressor unit, typically placed outside the house, requires adequate space for proper airflow and heat dissipation. Placing the compressor in an enclosed or obstructed area can lead to reduced efficiency, overheating, and potentially, breakdowns.
Just as you need your personal space to perform your daily tasks successfully, a compressor requires an open space to cool your home. Keeping the compressor clear of debris and vegetation is also crucial to maintain optimal performance and extend its lifespan.
Placing your vents in a strategic spot ensures even and efficient cooling throughout your living space. However, put them in the wrong area, and you may experience hot and cold spots with inadequate air flow throughout your home.
You can avoid this by placing the aircon vents away from obstacles such as furniture, curtains, and partitions. This allows air to circulate freely and create a balanced indoor airflow.
The refrigerant in your air conditioning unit must be precisely balanced. Too much refrigerant can lead to reduced cooling capacity, increased energy consumption, and potential damage to the compressor.
Conversely, insufficient refrigerant can result in poor cooling performance. Instead of doing it yourself, you can hire a technician to correctly measure and add the refrigerant according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Appropriate clearance around the condenser unit is crucial for proper airflow and efficient operation. Placing the condenser too close to the walls or other structures can restrict airflow, reducing cooling capacity and potential overheating.
As such, when installing your aircon condenser, check with the manufacturers for specific clearance recommendations that should be followed to ensure optimum system performance.
By knowing these eight common aircon installation mistakes, you will not only ensure your cooling system operates at its best but also save energy and money, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted comfort.
Installing an air conditioning unit in Singapore can be tricky. Instead of doing it yourself, you can hire an aircon specialist to help with your aircon installation.
At 81 Aircon, you can have your AC installed with no hidden cost, no GST charges, no transportation charges, and a waiver of $50 on-site diagnosis fee when you engage our services. Contact us at +65 6261 0081 or email sales@81aircon.com for further details.