A modern split system in an apartment will help create more comfortable living conditions: adjust the optimal temperature regime, provide comfortable humidity and purify the air. But in the process of installing an air conditioning system, you can face some difficulties. We will tell you how to install the air conditioner on the loggia correctly.
In our proposed article, the specifics of the design of the household climate system are described in detail. The features of the installation of blocks that provide cooling or heating of the air mass in the room are given. To help independent home craftsmen, common mistakes made during installation work are listed.
The content of the article:
- What is a split system?
- Reasons for installing an air conditioner on a balcony
- Features of the location on the balcony / loggia
-
Installation instructions for air conditioner units
- Installation of an external block inside the loggia
- Mounting the outdoor unit on the parapet
- Indoor unit installation
- Condensate drainage specifics
- Errors in installing the air conditioner on the balcony
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
What is a split system?
The design of the air conditioner is made up of 2 separate units. One unit is mounted indoors. Another is installed outside - usually according to the standards on the facade of the house. The modules are interconnected with copper freon tubes and wires.
Cooling / heating of air in the room is carried out by moving the refrigerant through the pipes. The refrigerant absorbs or gives off heat when it changes from the gaseous phase to the liquid and vice versa.
When installing a split system with an indoor unit on a loggia, do not forget to calculate the area of the space enclosed by it to accurately determine the performance
According to the recommendations of the manufacturers, the indoor unit must be mounted on the wall under the ceiling, since the warmest air is collected there. In addition, there is one more condition - it is necessary to mount the indoor unit not far from the outer wall of the room in order to minimize the distance to the outdoor unit.
The outdoor unit is installed on the facade in accordance with SNiP 2.04.05-91. However, in some cases, the installation of the module on the facade is not possible.
Reasons for installing an air conditioner on a balcony
Unfortunately, sometimes there are situations where an external module cannot be installed on the facade:
- the air conditioner unit disturbs the appearance of the building;
- the building is listed as a historical monument;
- for technical reasons, it is impossible to install a remote block on the outer walls of the building;
- there is no permission to install an air conditioner on the wall of an apartment building.
In the above cases, if an indoor air conditioner unit is installed in a room with a balcony, then it the external block is mounted on the balcony or loggia. And it doesn't matter - on open or glazed ones.
When it is impossible to install the outdoor unit of the air conditioner on the facade of the house, it is taken out to the balcony or loggia. Installation is carried out regardless of the presence or absence of glazing
Installing an external air conditioner unit on a loggia or balcony has a number of advantages:
- the installation process is less expensive: no high-rise work is required;
- the block body is protected from negative weather factors: wind, snow, rain;
- the distance between the air conditioner modules decreases;
- simplifies maintenance, cleaning, repair.
However, there are also disadvantages to this installation option. Let's take a closer look at them.
Features of the location on the balcony / loggia
With the installation of an air conditioner on an open unglazed balcony, everything is clear. This is the only 100% acceptable option with no drawbacks.
On an open loggia or balcony, the air conditioner has constant access to fresh air and can work at full capacity without overheating. When installing, you need to comply with only one requirement - the minimum length of the line.
On an open balcony, the outdoor unit can be installed anywhere, taking into account only the length of the freon line
Another thing is if the balcony or loggia is glazed. As a rule, this option goes against all manufacturers' requirements. The air conditioning process requires free access of air, which is difficult in the presence of a glazing structure.
In this case, the owner will have to ensure the forced removal of exhaust air and an additional inflow of a fresh portion, otherwise the equipment will constantly be disconnected from overheating. This means that at least 3 window sashes on the loggia must be open during the operation of the equipment, and the unit itself must be placed opposite one open sash.
In addition, a bulky module case can take up a lot of space and generate noise. The sound from the operating unit will reflect off the walls of the balcony and will be felt a little more compared to the installation on the street. The intensity of the noise depends on the split system.
For normal operation of the climate system on the balcony, it is necessary to locate the outdoor unit directly in front of the sash open for the duration of its operation.
The ideal solution to all the problems that have arisen is to dismantle the glazing for the summer period. At the end of the season, the glazing is returned to its place. As a rule, this is not a particularly resource-intensive procedure, even if PVC windows are installed on the balcony.
Another convenient installation method is on the balcony parapet. In this case, the equipment is placed on brackets. And it is advisable to put it on the side on which the sun's rays fall the least. Legally, this is not a building facade.
In this case, there are no problems with the free movement of air. However, as in the case of installation on the facade, the block can be ripped off by a block of ice that has fallen from the roof. Therefore, it is additionally recommended installation of the visor above the appliance.
Consoles on the parapet for installing the air conditioner are fixed with anchors. To protect against atmospheric negativity, the installation of protective visors is also required.
It should be noted right away that there is a restriction in SNiPs that prohibits hanging objects weighing more than 30 kg on the railing. The fine in case of exceeding this figure will have to be paid, even if brackets are welded on the outside or additional supports are installed.
Evaporation unit can be placed on the side of the balcony
If there is only one loggia, and you need to cool several rooms, instead of several household air conditioners it is recommended to purchase a multi-split system to which several indoor units can be connected.
Installation instructions for air conditioner units
Consider the best ways to install split systems. Immediately, we note that the most common option for installing an external unit - on the wall, is the most unsuccessful in terms of efficiency.
Firstly, with this method of arrangement, the air on the loggia and, accordingly, in the room will be very hot. When the temperature limit of 45 degrees is reached, the air conditioner will simply turn off automatically.
It is not recommended to place the external module of the split system in this way because of the overheating of the air in the space enclosed by glass. Equipment will automatically shut down too often
Secondly, the windows with this arrangement of the module must be constantly open. In calm weather, this cooling method will also be ineffective. The only way to improve the efficiency of the split system is to remove the glazing for the summer. Therefore, we will not consider this option for installing an outdoor unit.
Installation of an external block inside the loggia
If the balcony is not only glazed, but also insulated, and sheathed with clapboard on top, it is easier to install the external block on the floor. The best option is to use one corner equipped space. Since a conventional split takes in air from the rear and side, and releases it to the front, it is necessary to ensure the separation of air flows so that the warm exhaust air does not mix with the intake.
When installed in a corner, air is exhausted through the front wall of the balcony, and through the end of the fence. To ensure better sound insulation, the housing must be closed in a sealed box with a service door.
For better noise insulation, the housing can be closed in a box, but in this case, the masking structure must be provided with openings for the flow of fresh air and the removal of waste
This achieves the following design advantages:
- solid reliable base;
- free air circulation;
- due to the absence of a wall, the equipment does not overheat;
- minimal noise.
Of course, the box eats up part of the usable area, but its upper surface can also be used.
The box can be made of glass or made from cheaper materials. The main thing is to choose a material with which it will be easy for a craftsman to work with.
Let's take a look at how to properly close air conditioners on balconies:
- A place is being prepared for placing an external external block.
- A large hole is cut in the wall for unhindered air circulation.
- To accommodate the body, 2 U-shaped supports from the corners are welded. Supports can be attached to anchors. Supports are required to absorb vibration and provide additional air circulation. In addition, condensation will drain down.
- The outdoor unit is installed on stands.
- A sealed box made of noise-insulating materials with one opening wall for maintenance is mounted.
- Channels for highways are drilled in the box and in the wall adjacent to the room.
- Freon tubes and cables connecting the outdoor and indoor modules are mounted.
- Communications are closed by a cable channel.
- The drainage line is connected.
- The system is being tested.
After the split-system has been operating for 2-3 days, it is possible to assess the need for improvements in sound insulation.
A simpler option for installing an outdoor unit is without a box. This method is justified in new houses, where similar rooms of neighbors can be located to the right and left of the balcony. In this case, in the same way, the module is installed on the floor of the loggia / balcony facing the balcony grating.
The decorative panel with insulation is cut to the size of the air conditioner - the joint is sealed after installation. No box is installed. The exhaust of hot air goes to the street, and the fence comes from the loggia.
The doors must be open during operation of the device. With this method of installation, noise insulation is not provided, so you need to immediately purchase an inverter model of an air conditioner with a low noise level.
In order for the climate system, installed on the loggia without an insulating box, not to strain with sound interference, it is better to choose their "quietest" models
If the balcony floor is strategically important, the unit can be installed on consoles attached to the ceiling. This is a more complicated technically option, in addition, it involves working with glass, but it will free up space at the bottom.
Mounting the outdoor unit on the parapet
A popular option for installing air conditioners is on the balcony railings. Of course, there is a load limitation according to building codes. The railing can be hung up to 30 kg, and the outdoor unit can weigh up to 60 kg or more.
However, as they say, the severity of the JK requirements is compensated by the non-obligation of their execution. In any case, if the module is oversized and heavy, but the decision has been made to install it on the railing of the loggia, morally you need to prepare for a situation when you need to pay a fine.
The consoles must be attached to anchors with a length of 6-8 cm. The instructions from the air conditioner manufacturer usually give the recommended fastener sizes.
The outdoor unit must be hung from the side where the indoor unit is installed. This is necessary to reduce the length of the freon line. Depending on the age and degree of wear and tear of the house, and with it the balcony or loggia, the fence will have to be strengthened.
If the parapet is made of reinforced concrete or brick, the fastening is made on an anchor with a diameter of 10 mm, a length of 6-8 cm. If the railing is rods or sheet material on the frame, then the consoles are attached to the frame.
A good option is to weld the consoles to the frame. Another option for installing consoles is through bolting. A steel plate is mounted on the inside of the fence, over which the load will be distributed.
Indoor unit installation
In some cases, it becomes necessary to take it to the loggia and the indoor unit. There may be several reasons: it does not fit into the interior design, there is no free space, parents are afraid to catch a cold to their children. Sometimes the owners of the apartment use a large loggia as another room - a study, a recreation area, part of the kitchen.
If cooling of the room from the loggia is required, the module must be installed opposite the door to the room at a height of 1.7-2m. The door to the room must of course be open. If the split system is installed from the end of the loggia, the air flow will circulate only in it past the door. This is a great option if you need to cool the loggia, but not the adjacent room.
It is impossible to install a split system in this way, since a minimum of air flow will enter the room
For this method of attachment, you will have to take into account in addition to the area of the room and the area of the loggia, so most likely you will have to buy an air conditioner of higher power. Additionally, you will have to fix a metal frame or hangers.
How is the split system installed on the loggia with this location option:
- Suspensions are bent from a metal profile or corner.
- The hangers are attached to the concrete ceiling with anchors.
- The module is placed in such a way that the blinds are directed towards the door.
- A power source is provided: an outlet is installed or a cable is routed from the room.
- Connect the cables leading to the outdoor unit.
- The drainage line is connected.
- The equipment is being tested.
Undoubtedly, it is much more convenient and efficient to install the indoor unit in a room with a balcony. However, if any problems arise, it is permissible to take out the indoor unit to the balcony. In this case, it is installed on the floor in a box.
Condensate drainage specifics
Condensation from the air conditioner must not be drained outside uncontrolled. Drops of it can drip on the heads of passers-by or fall on the ebb of neighbors and interfere with them with their knocking. In addition, condensation can cause surfaces to become wet and moldy. In some cases, this can even cause the destruction of the facade tiles.
Therefore, the condensate drainage route must be laid:
- to the nearest drainpipe;
- into the sewer;
- into a container on the balcony that requires regular emptying.
The method of withdrawing liquid through a drainpipe has its drawbacks. In addition to the difficulties of installation, the drain can become clogged and water will rush back into the module. Therefore, the best option is to drain the drainage into the sewer. The design of the drainage line is usually done during the renovation.
There are 2 main requirements for the track:
- the slope along the entire length of the horizontal sections of the route is not less than 3 degrees;
- angle of turns - 45 degrees.
Drainage pipes are laid both outside on the floor base and inside the wall along the grooves with their subsequent sealing with repair mortars.
To prevent unpleasant odors from the sewer from penetrating into the room, a water seal is made in the form of a sewer siphon at the junction of the pipes of the drainage system and the pipes of the sewer system. The easiest option is to bend the corrugated pipe of the drainage line in the shape of the letter "S".
If a drain pump is not included with the split system, please purchase it separately. Periodic drainage of condensate is inevitable during the operation of the climate system
If the length of the drainage system is long or it is difficult to provide the required slope, a drainage pump can be installed. Air conditioner pumps are sold as a separate item and are easy to install. The pump capacity must not be less than the amount of condensation produced by the air conditioner. The parameter is indicated in the technical documentation.
Errors in installing the air conditioner on the balcony
The biggest mistake made by air conditioner installers is violation of the norms stipulated by the city authorities or the Criminal Code. If the house is included in the register of historical or architectural monuments or some neighbor decides that noise or vibration from air conditioner, and the owner of the apartment does not have the permits issued, then you can get a fine.
The second common mistake is the operation of the air conditioner on a glazed loggia with constantly closed windows, which sooner or later will lead to overheating of the equipment. An improperly chosen location for installing the indoor unit will lead to a decrease in the efficiency of the system.
Install the air conditioner following the manufacturer's recommendations. Catastrophic consequences of violation of requirements are not uncommon
You also need to pay attention to the installation and fastening of the supports. The air conditioner operates with vibration and to reduce it it is necessary to install shock-absorbing pads. In addition, the fasteners and support devices must be checked periodically, as vibration can loosen the nuts.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Watch a video about installing an air conditioner with an external block on the parapet of the loggia:
Of course, the installation of an air conditioner unit external or internal inside the balcony is often a necessary measure. A management company or a developer in a new building may recommend the installation of a split system precisely on the loggia in order to preserve the integral appearance of the facade of the building or the house may belong to the historical heritage.
The owner of the apartment in this case is faced with a whole heap of problems - the need to separate the air flows, to ensure the cooling of the unit. All these, of course, are surmountable difficulties, but if possible, it is still better to install the outdoor unit on the facade in close proximity to the balcony to facilitate maintenance.
Tell us about how you installed the air conditioner on your balcony or loggia. Share the nuances of the process and technological subtleties known to you. Please leave comments in the block below, ask questions, post photos on the topic of the article.
