Split Air Conditioner Installation

CheapSticks on 13/07/2023 - 07:51
Last edited 13/07/2023 - 13:05

We had 3 split installation done yesterday. Electrician didn’t turn up so not complete yet.

One was on paved area and the other two on soil. Initially the installer( reputed company) put the two condensers straight on soil on rubber paws. That looked unstable as it’s but soft ground there. After we made some noise they got poly slab from bunnings and lifted the condenser on it. The one in paved area is on rubber paws.

The instal comes with warranty however given they were cutting corners initially, would be great to hv confirmation that it is all done well now. They are coming back today to complete.

Lastly, we had agreed new power circuit for each machinery. It seems for 2 splits they are putting dedicated circuit. However For one of split 2.5kw they have pulled it from one of existing power socket. Shouldn’t they all be on dedicated circuit. At least that’s what the other quote was doing.

Image links
https://ibb.co/YN1Tt2p
https://ibb.co/zxvGLMB
https://ibb.co/YkcbsVx

Will be great to have some advise/opinions

Electrical & Electronics Air Conditioner

Comments

  • Muzeeb on 13/07/2023 - 08:22
    +8

    some advise

    Classic ozbargain

  • JIMB0 on 13/07/2023 - 08:56
    +1

    How do you know they are a reputable company? Five star google reviews means nothing. I've seen a highly rated aircon company do some really shoddy work and they weren't cheap either. They have all the one star reviews removed.

    The small split systems often don't need their own circuit. The installation manual will tell you. Installing directly onto pavers is bit rough, should be on small slab. Even better is a wall bracket as this stops debris accumulating around the unit, but I'm guessing you didn't want to spend the extra.

    • CheapSticks on 13/07/2023 - 13:12

      My other unit was on a concrete slab and i was told by this guy that the polyslab is a new thing that is lighter (drawback of concrete slab) and can carry the weight

      I hv just popped in links to the images of condenser.

  • stringbean402 on 13/07/2023 - 09:04
    +2

    Unusually they would just chuck them on a wall bracket. Mounting on ground or polyslab is just lazy and cutting corners. Leads to corrosion, rust, pooling water, leaf and dirt buildup etc.

    They are cheap…. circa $25ea
    https://www.sparkydirect.com.au/p/AWBS-Adjustable-Wall-Brack…

    • CheapSticks on 13/07/2023 - 13:13

      Polyslab is some sort of plastic and condenser is on rubber paws - does corrosion/rust still play a factor there?

  • brendanm on 13/07/2023 - 10:20

    As above, wall bracket is how they should be installed.

  • mitt on 13/07/2023 - 12:06
    +1

    For the people complaining about slab mounting, this can be a viable or even better option depending on the wall. If done properly it can reduce perceived noise/vibration inside. Just mount it so it can be cleaned easily & make sure there is some fall on the slab. The fact that they didn't put anything underneath originally though is concerning. I have only ever used a fibre cement precast slab or a little slab I poured myself before, not sure about plastic bases.

    When you say you agreed to new circuits, is that on the quote? Are you paying for it?

    • CheapSticks on 13/07/2023 - 13:10

      In the quote, it says new circuit but wasn't clear that it is for all of them. After the quote, I emailed back saying that dedicated circuit for each of the units. It seems they didnt read that email. Leaving that quote/discussions aside, he thinks dedicated circuit is not required for smaller unit of 2.5kw.

      I hv just popped the image links to the install. With the polyslab below now, does that look ok?

      • Muzeeb on 13/07/2023 - 13:39
        +2

        Looks ok for a basic, quick and cheap install.

        For my benefit what is plugged into the socket circled in this image? I hope it's not the electric ignition for a HWS.

        Also the brickwork in the red circle looks friggin dodgy. I assume some bricks were removed for ventilation.

        • CheapSticks on 13/07/2023 - 14:28

          May I clarify - what would you expect in a better instal? This is not cheap by any means.

          No- its for a fan that no longer works

          • Muzeeb on 13/07/2023 - 14:32
            +1

            @CheapSticks: Wall mount or concrete slab mount. Though I can see why they probably didn't want to install on those old bricks and dodgy mortar.

            It wasn't cheap for you but it was using cheap materials, quickest process for the installers.

            I would disconnect that cable for the fan that doesn't work and cable tie it out of potential harms way.

            • CheapSticks on 13/07/2023 - 21:33
              +1

              @Muzeeb: I hv been reading and it seems polybase is preferred over concrete slab for medium size unit. Poly base can support up to 160kg and are good for noise dampening and can withstand harsh temperatures etc

  • lgacb08 on 13/07/2023 - 15:22

    As for whether on ground or on wall it doesn't matter, if the location is not on a path or some walkway. On ground it might be even better if you have sensitive ears because even with rubber pad you'll definitely notice noise when the compressor run.
    what matters more is the location of the indoor unit to distribute even airflow and minimise noise/vibration. You need to be vigilant about this because MHI has reputation of indoor unit being noisy due to plastic part vibration a couple of years back. They improved a little bit based on the last 2 units I had but you still have to watch out for the bad unit, MHI basically hasn't change design of their split in the last 5-10 years and just slap new model sticker over the cover every year.

    • CheapSticks on 13/07/2023 - 21:32

      Thanks mate. We hv got exactly same model in another room and are pretty happy with it.

  • TurboTortoise on 13/07/2023 - 19:59

    I had 4 units installed 3 years ago on polyslabs.I have had no problems and they are very stable. All 4 quotes I received were to use the same method. Putting a 2.5kw unit on an existing circuit was ok when I looked into the specs (assuming just a light or low load on the rest of the circuit).

  • Overclocked91 on 14/07/2023 - 06:32

    Technically it's all legal and installed to code. They could have used 600x600 concrete slabs if they wanted to reduce the costs of the installation.

    • CheapSticks on 14/07/2023 - 07:34

      They preferred using poly slab vs concrete

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