Installing an Air Conditioner on a Balcony: Pros and Cons, instructions

Proper installation ensures efficient operation of air conditioning systems in an apartment. Modern split systems come with two units – internal and external, which are attached to the facade of the building. If for some reason it is impossible to install the outdoor unit on the facade, you need to choose a convenient place to fix the body on the balcony.

In this article, we will look at what is important to know about installing an air conditioner on a balcony/loggia, how to choose a location for the outdoor unit, what to consider during installation, and the order of work.

Is it possible to install an air conditioner on the balcony

Installation of external units of split systems on the balcony is quite possible. These parts of the living space are the property of the owner of the apartment, who has the right to independently resolve this issue, without obtaining permission from administrative authorities and owners of the housing estate.

Advantages and disadvantages

Installing an air conditioner on a balcony has undeniable advantages. Let’s consider them.

Advantages:

• the outdoor unit will not disturb the neighbors;
• the air conditioner will not be exposed to precipitation or direct sunlight, and the risk of mechanical damage to the module is also eliminated;
• free access to the internal systems of the unit, which will allow for the most convenient cleaning and other repair and maintenance work;
• the length of the highway is reduced;
• reduced costs for equipment installation due to the absence of the need for expensive high-altitude work to secure the block.

Rules for installing an air conditioner on a balcony/loggia

Installing an air conditioner on a balcony or loggia does not have any distinctive features from installation on the facade of a building, but there are still some nuances on which the quality and efficiency of the air conditioning device will depend.

Basic requirements:

• the balcony or loggia should not be glazed (recommended requirement);
• availability of free space for installing the unit; it should not be located near other objects that impede free air circulation;
• the height of the module location is not less than 10 cm from the ceiling surface or not less than 30 cm from the floor (if the unit is supposed to be placed at a low height, closer to the floor surface).

You also need to think about where the condensate will drain. The best solution would be to install a gutter to drain the liquid outside the balcony or into a sewer pipe.

Options for placing the external air conditioner unit on the balcony

If you plan to install the external unit of the air conditioner on a balcony or loggia, the first thing you need to do is choose a suitable place to fix it. The main requirement is that it should be a flat and durable surface that can withstand the considerable weight of the structure.

Options for placing the unit on the balcony:

1. A side wall that is not exposed to direct sunlight or precipitation. If this wall is a thin partition, it must be reinforced beforehand, otherwise it may not be able to withstand the heavy weight of the module.
2. On the balcony parapet, provided that it can withstand a load of 60-80 kg (see the exact weight of the air conditioner unit).
3. On the side of the balcony parapet. This placement option is suitable if the apartment is located far from the windows and balconies of neighboring apartments.
4. On unglazed balconies, you can install a unit on the wall with a room to the side of the window.

Features of installing an air conditioner on a balcony with glazing

Experts do not recommend installing an air conditioner on a glazed balcony or loggia. The fact is that during operation, the external unit removes heat from the internal module, as a result of which the air temperature on the glazed balcony will increase significantly. This will lead to overheating of the unit and a decrease in its efficiency. To prevent such consequences, you will have to leave the balcony windows open all the time.

If there are no other options for placing the external air conditioner unit, you can install it on a glazed balcony/loggia, adhering to the basic requirements for installing air conditioning equipment.

Stages of installing an air conditioner on a balcony/loggia

Installation of split systems on balconies and loggias is carried out in stages according to generally accepted rules using special tools.

Installation of the external unit on the balcony:

• At the selected location, markings are made for the location where the block will be fixed.
• The dowels are being fastened.
• The power line is being prepared.
• The mounting box is fixed.
• Next, you need to install the internal unit, after which you can proceed to the installation of the external module. It is installed on special power brackets and fixed with dowels.
• The next stage involves forming a connecting route, connecting the electrical cable, and laying the drainage hose.

When the climate control equipment is installed, it is necessary to vacuum the system with air removal from the main line and check for leaks. Before the test run of the air conditioner, the operating settings are set. The efficiency of the equipment is checked in different modes.

How to avoid mistakes

Many buyers of climate control devices, wanting to save money, install the units themselves. Such an experience often has negative consequences.

The main mistakes in installing an air conditioner on a balcony:

• The location for fixing the block was chosen incorrectly.
• The external unit is installed without preliminary measurements, as a result of which the structure is in an uneven position, in which the condensate flows not into the drainage pipe, but onto the balcony floor. The noise and vibration of the unit during operation may also increase.
• The tubes are poorly connected to the units, which leads to freon leakage.
• Incorrectly selected tubes with a diameter smaller than necessary, as a result of which the pressure level will be insufficient. This will lead to poor operation of the air conditioner and can provoke a rapid failure of the compressor.
• Lack of distance between the box and the wall, which leads to overheating of the unit.
• Any errors made during installation reduce the efficiency of the system and lead to incorrect operation and rapid breakdown of the equipment.

It is better to entrust all work on installing split-system units on balconies and loggias to experienced specialists from the service center.