How to install the following types of air conditioners
Portable
A portable air conditioner is a freestanding, self-contained unit usually fitted with castors to enable you to move it from room to room when required. They’re vented via an exhaust hose through an open window, door, or wall.
Installing a portable air conditioner is easy to do by yourself, providing you have the right parts, and your window is the right size; all you need is a screwdriver.
How long will it take me install?
As they’re relatively easy to set up and start using, it takes less than 15 minutes to set up.
What is supplied with your portable air conditioner?
Our units come with a 1.5-metre exhaust hose, nozzle and slide bar (also known as a window kit). The nozzle is designed to change the shape of the exhaust hose and lengthen it to make it easier to channel air through the window.
Please note: The slide bar is ideal for sliding or sash windows but can be used for similar window types.
Each model differs slightly but generally requires you to do the following:
- Once you’ve decided which room to cool (or heat), locate the nearest window to vent air out of and a nearby plug socket.
- Open the window, place the slide bar into the window gap and adjust to fit depending on the type of window you’re affixing to (sliding or sash).
- Screw the slide bar into place to ensure it’s secure, then close the window for the final fitment.
- To assemble the exhaust hose, attach the outlet to the rear of your portable air con unit if it’s not already connected, then attach the exhaust hose to the outlet.
- Secure the nozzle at the other end of the exhaust hose.
- Then, fix the nozzle into the opening on the slide bar (in the window), thus sealing the window and stopping outside air from getting in.
- Plug in the unit, switch it on, then adjust to your desired temperature.
Please refer to the instruction manual specific to your unit.
What if I don’t have a sliding or sash window, or the window is larger than the slide bar?
You can use a universal AC-Airlock. This seals around your open window and zips around the nozzle attached to the exhaust hose to stop the return flow of warm air.
Please note: You can install your portable air con unit without a slide bar or AC-Airlock, but it won’t be as effective and cost more to run.
Important safeguards
The length of the exhaust hose extends from approximately 30 cm to 150 cm. Please do not exceed this length, as it may cause your unit to malfunction, and can invalidate your warranty. Also, keep the exhaust hose as straight as possible and avoid bending more than 30°. Excessive bending may prevent the unit from expelling hot air, damaging your unit and invalidating your warranty. We advise that you keep the outlet vent unobstructed at all times.
How to vent through a wall
If you plan to vent through a wall, you don’t need the end nozzle or the slide bar (window kit). This method works well in a storage or utility room, or garage. It does take longer and is a more permanent fixture. Let’s proceed:
- First, cut a hole in your exterior wall for the exhaust hose. For most models this is 150mm, but check your user manual.
- To assemble the exhaust hose, attach the outlet to the rear of your portable air con unit if it’s not already connected, then attach the exhaust hose to the outlet.
- Affix the exhaust hose to the hole in the wall, then apply silicone caulk around the circumference to keep it in position. Alternatively, fix a tumble dryer wall vent plate with a matching diameter with a jubilee clip.
- On the exterior of the wall, we recommend installing gravity flaps. Other types of grills or vents may restrict airflow and lead to your unit malfunctioning.
Pros for portable air conditioners
- Perfect for any size home and offices
- They cool the whole room
- Reduces humidity of the room
- Doesn’t need filling with water regularly
- Can include many additional features like heating, Wi-Fi, dehumidify
- Inexpensive and are easy to self-install
Cons for portable air conditioners
- Limited coverage – only cool (or heat) one room at a time
- Some models can be quite noisy – not ideal for light sleepers
- Not overly energy efficient as they work harder to cool (or heat)
Monoblock Wall-Mounted
A monoblock wall-mounted air conditioner (IQOOL-SMART12HP and IQOOL-SMART15HP) fits inside your home to an external wall. They’re usually a permanent fixture. They’re vented and drained directly through an outside wall.
Installing a monoblock wall-mounted air conditioner can be done by yourself, but it’s more complex than setting up a portable air conditioning unit; you’ll need several tools, including a drill, core drill, drill bits, tape measure, pencil, sharp knife and spirit level.
Please note: If you have a wall-mounted split air conditioner, you cannot install this yourself. This requires professional installation.
How long will it take me install?
The steps involved in the installation are extensive as there’s more to understand, and it’ll take around 6-7 hours to install; with this in mind you may want to consider a professional installer.
Book an air conditioning installation professional.
What is supplied with your monoblock wall-mounted air conditioner?
These units come with fixings, plastic ducting that goes into the vents, a wall template to help guide your installation and a remote control.
Each model differs slightly but generally requires you to do the following:
- First, locate a flat, solid external wall without any obstructive cable or pipes and with adequate space around the unit.
- Affix the installation template paper supplied, using the spirit level to ensure it is level.
- Using the guide, drill a hole for the drainage pipe at a downward angle so water can drain efficiently.
- Drill the two larger holes for the ventilation, aligning them with the template.
- Mark the position of the screws for the hanging rail, drill and insert the wall plugs, then secure the hanging rail.
- Roll the plastic vent sheets into tubes and feed them into the larger holes so they sit flush, trim any excess on the outside.
- Insert the indoor fixing ring and feed through the folded external vent cover with the chains provided attached; unfold the outside vent cover (slats should be horizontal) and secure the chain by hooking onto the indoor fixing ring. (cut off excess chain).
- Apply silicone caulk around the exterior vent to help prevent water access.
- Lift the unit onto the hanging rail on the wall and rest into place. At the same time, thread the drain pipe through the drainage hole.
- To secure the unit in place, mark the position of the brackets on the underside, drill and insert the wall plugs, then fix the brackets.
- Finally attach the bottom cover – this is optional (if you can see your unit from underneath).
Please refer to the instruction manual specific to your unit.
Please note: The wall mounted air conditioners with R290 refrigeration gas can be installed yourself, but we recommend a professional due to their complexity.
Book an air conditioning installation professional.
Pros for monoblock wall-mounted air conditioners
- They don’t take up any floor space
- Perfect for smaller commercial spaces or large homes
- Simple to maintain as they’re easy to access and easily removed
- Can be used for both cooling and heating – all-year-round use
- Cheaper to run in the long term as they’re more efficient than portable units
- Highly energy-efficient thanks to even cool and warm air distribution
Cons for monoblock wall-mounted air conditioners
- Only cool or heat a specific area
- Most require professional installation, so initial cost is higher than a portable unit
- Noticeable once installed, but there are aesthetically pleasing designs available
Wall-Mounted Split Air Conditioner
A wall-mounted split air conditioner fits inside your home or office to an internal or external wall. They’re usually a permanent fixture. They’re connected to an outdoor unit by a cable and two copper pipes. They’re drained directly through an outside wall or can be used with an uplift pump if installed on an internal wall.
Important Wall-mounted split air conditioners cannot be installed by yourself and requires a licensed F-Gas Accredited Engineer to install and commission your air conditioner. Your unit cannot be dispatched unless you have proof of this.
Search for an F-Gas installer, here.
Book an air conditioning installation professional.
How long will it take to install?
It depends on your installer, but generally around 6-7 hours to install as the steps involved in the installation are much more complex.
Pros for wall-mounted split air conditioners
- Perfect for commercial spaces or large homes
- Ideal for those who want an uncluttered look as they don’t take up floor space
- Can be used for both cooling and heating – all-year-round use
- Cheaper to run in the long term as they’re more efficient than portable units
- Highly energy-efficient thanks to even cool and warm air distribution
Cons for wall-mounted split air conditioners
- Noticeable once installed, but there are aesthetically pleasing designs available
- Require professional installation, so initial cost is higher
- Ceiling cassettes need substantial ceiling space for installation
- Ceiling cassettes are more expensive to run than wall-mounted or portable units
Ceiling Cassette
A ceiling cassette air conditioner fits into the ceiling. They’re a permanent fixture and often feature in commercial buildings. They’re connected by a cable and two copper pipes. They usually contain a pump that allows waste water to be drained easily.
Important! Installing a ceiling cassette air conditioners cannot be installed by yourself and requires a licensed F-Gas Accredited Engineer to install and commission your air conditioner. Your unit cannot be dispatched unless you have proof of this.
Search for an F-Gas installer here.
Book an air conditioning installation professional.
How long will it take to install?
It depends on your installer, but generally up to 12 hours, plus there’ll potentially be building work to undertake.
Pros for ceiling cassette air conditioners
- Perfect for commercial spaces or large homes
- Ideal for those who want an uncluttered look as they don’t take up floor space
- Can be used for both cooling and heating – all-year-round use
- Cheaper to run in the long term as they’re more efficient than portable units
- Highly energy-efficient thanks to even cool and warm air distribution
Cons for ceiling cassette air conditioners
- Noticeable once installed, but there are aesthetically pleasing designs available
- Require professional installation, so initial cost is higher
- Ceiling cassettes need substantial ceiling space for installation
- Ceiling cassettes are more expensive to run than wall-mounted or portable units
For more information, please see our air conditioner buying guide, which tells you everything you need to know when it comes to purchasing your air conditioner, from size to features and energy rating to FAQs.
Got any more questions? Give us a call on 0871 984 4416, and our team of air con experts will be happy to help.