Aircon Placement Considerations: Finding a Suitable Location

Having an aircon installed in your home can make a huge difference to your home's comfort. However, if the aircon installation isn’t planned strategically, it can negatively impact the performance of the unit and even reduce its lifespan.

Here are some things an expert installer will consider when deciding where to place your aircon unit:

Sunlight Exposure

Placing your aircon in a position where it will be subjected to extensive exposure to sunlight throughout the day can reduce its efficiency. This is because the system will have to work harder to cool the air.

As such, both your indoor and outdoor units should be built on shaded walls and positioned in spots that are protected from direct sun as much as possible, such as under an eave.

It is also generally better to install the aircon on south-facing walls, as these tend to receive less sunlight throughout the day.

Obstructions to Airflow

Aircons require free and unobstructed airflow to ensure that cool air is distributed efficiently. Therefore, both the indoor and outdoor units need to be free of obstructions to ensure that the unit's performance is not reduced.

Things like walls, furniture, curtains, and trees can reduce the efficiency of the air conditioner if they are close by.

The best practice is to place the indoor unit high on a wall with about 15 centimetres of clearance on all sides, while the outdoor unit needs to be away from any plants, walls, or other objects that could restrict the airflow.

Noise

While most modern aircon units are relatively quiet inside the home, the outdoor unit can still generate noise. This means it could be disruptive if placed near bedrooms, study areas, or in close proximity to your neighbours.

To avoid this problem, try to choose a location for the outdoor unit that is away from windows and living spaces.

If needed, install vibration pads or other soundproofing measures to minimise the impact of the aircon on your quality of life.

The Distance Between the Indoor and Outdoor Units

If you place your indoor and outdoor units a long distance apart, you will have to install longer refrigerant piping between them. This can reduce efficiency and increase the cost of installation.

It is always preferable to keep the indoor and outdoor units as close as possible, ideally within five metres, to achieve the best performance. This will also help ensure proper airflow and make the unit more accessible for maintenance.

At HUX Electrical, we do professional aircon installation and can offer advice on its placement to ensure the best results. Contact us today!