Can an Electrician Install a Split System Air Conditioner?
Split-system air conditioners are amazing pieces of equipment. They are easy to retrofit to existing rooms, they’re cheaper to install than most traditional forms of heating and cooling, and they’re surprisingly efficient. Given the considerable benefits for install ‘splittys’, it’s not uncommon to head over to your local hardware store and pick up one for a great price. At this point you’re left to wonder, can an electrician install a split system air conditioner? Or do I need another trade as well? If that’s you, read on my friend!
Introduction
Split system air conditioners, or ‘splittys’, are the most versatile and cost-effective heating and cooling option in Australia at the moment. With advancements in technology and their gradual reduction in price, they are now one of the most widely-used types of air conditioners in Australia. They’re also very easy to install. But be aware! Only licensed electrical professionals are allowed to deal with wiring in Australia. If you’re not an electrician, you MUST NOT attempt to install your split system air conditioner yourself.
In this article, we’ll discuss what is required to install split system air conditioners in Australia.
What is a split air conditioner system?
A split system air conditioner is named this way because the two primary units are separated, or split, from one another. One unit sits outside the building, while the other is placed inside the area you want to heat or cool.
The outside unit contains the compressor coil box and the indoor unit has the fan coil, air filter, and a blower. The benefit of the split setup is the ease of installation, and the ability to cool or warm a space without ducting. Electrical wiring and refrigerant lines connect the outdoor and indoor units together. It’s these last two elements that mean it is illegal and unsafe for most people to install their own splittys.
Split system air conditioners must be hard-wired into the buildings electrical circuit. And, depending on the age of your home and the state of the wiring, further electrical work may be required for a safe installation. For example, an older home may require a switchboard upgrade in order to safely run a split system air conditioner. In this case, you may be up for a larger bill than you first thought, but it’s always a good idea to ensure that your switchboard is modern and up to date.
An Electrician’s Role in Split System Air Conditioner Installation
During the installation of the splitty, your electrician (sparky) will assess the condition of your home’s electrical system, and determine if it is safe to proceed. At this point, the outdoor unit and indoor unit will be hard-wired into the home’s electrical circuit, which is a task that only qualified electricians are allowed to do.
Inlightec Electrical Solutions explain some factors that electricians must consider during split system installation. This includes checking the wall strength, installing the unit at the correct height from the ground, with appropriate tilt, and the correct location of the outdoor unit.
The other key component to a safe and successful installation of a split system air conditioner is the proper installation of the refrigeration lines. The installation of refrigerants in Australia is highly regulated, so it is essential that your split system air conditioner installer holds the appropriate refrigeration license. Many refrigerants used in Australia are harmful to the environment, and need to be handled in a particular manner. As well as this, most problems with splittys centre around the initial setup, and not with the unit itself. ACE Electricians in Sydney explain that improper installation may even lead to higher energy bills and shorten the life of your equipment. It’s simply not worth getting someone who dabbles in the installation of splittys to do their work for you.
Can an Electrician Install a Split System Air Conditioner?
Yes, but you also need someone with a refrigeration license to complete the installation. In some cases, your electrician will also hold a refrigeration license. In this case, you’re good to go! For the most part, your chosen electrician will have a ‘fridgey’ on hand to complete the installation.
Note: Whoever you employ to install your split system air conditioner, make sure there is someone who has the appropriate electrical and refrigeration licenses. It might be the same person with both licenses, or two individuals, either is fine! Just one license is not.
Conclusion
Split system air conditioners are affordable, flexible, easy to install, and efficient for heating and cooling. Because of this, they’re among the most popular forms of heating and cooling in Australia! But, strict electrical and refrigeration requirements means that only a select few are allowed to install splittys. Can an electrician install a split system air conditioner? The short answer is yes, but there will also need to be someone on site who has an accredited refrigeration license.
If you need a split system air conditioner installed in Mildura, or any other electrical work for that matter, contact Mildura Electricians for your free quote today!
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