Outdoor Air Conditioner Frame

Caerdyddblue on 19/12/2023 - 13:31

Hi,

Does anybody have an air conditioner set up where they have 2 (or more) outdoor units above each other and could recommend a way of doing it? (with the needed clearance between the two).

I only have a fairly small balcony and limited in space, I'm hoping to have the two outdoor units on a frame above each other, unfortunately a wall mount isn't an option as there is downpiping in the way and it's the best location for them otherwise.

I'm looking for something like the below but they are from the US and I'll need them in the next few weeks. Struggling to find much of an alternative.

https://www.diversitech.com/product/view/6408

https://www.amazon.com.au/Conditioner-Support-Absorption-Uni…

Electrical & Electronics Air Conditioner

Comments

  • boomramada on 19/12/2023 - 13:36
    +1

    Check with the installer for possible options?

    • Caerdyddblue on 19/12/2023 - 13:42

      Have done but they said that's specialised equipment that most installers don't have access to but he's happy to install like that if I decide to purchase one (with no guarantee of the stability).

      I had another quote that said it was easily possible to do it with simple frame for the top unit with it's own independent legs around the bottom unit… the problem is their quote was almost triple and much more than a frame would cost.

      • boomramada on 19/12/2023 - 13:44

        why not wall mount it? one after another?
        with something like this https://www.starsparky.com.au/products/wall-bracket-450mm-12…

        • Caerdyddblue on 19/12/2023 - 13:46

          I can’t as there is drain piping on that section of wall and it’s the best location for the units otherwise.

          The first quote also said they weren’t confident that the wall is strong enough so I would rather not take the chance even if the piping wasn’t there.

          • boomramada on 19/12/2023 - 13:49
            +1

            @Caerdyddblue: My finial suggestion, upgrade your unit which can run two head units (Multi Head Split Systems). :)

          • stringbean402 on 19/12/2023 - 13:58
            +2

            @Caerdyddblue: Last thing you want to do is go messing with the waterproofing membrane of the balcony floor by bolting shit into it. You are better of diverting the downpipes around the wall mounted splits. Or better yet using a multi-head split.

          • donga100 on 19/12/2023 - 19:15
            +1

            @Caerdyddblue: Just move the drain pipes.

  • brad1-8tsi on 19/12/2023 - 13:50
    +1

    The top is a mini-split stand. Only 300mm high.

    Normally 2 outdoor units stack with 2 outdoor brackets. That's what I have out back of my place.
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/262651813309?chn=ps&_ul=AU&_trkp…

    Why aren't you getting a double head unit? One outdoor unit and 2 indoor units. It works out cheaper. That what I have out front of my place.

  • Jabba the Hutt on 19/12/2023 - 13:54

    Curious about the same. Choice seemed to be between separate split systems but less space, or a multi-split but less redundancy, whereas the idea of stacked outdoor units seems to offer the best of both worlds.

  • GordonD on 19/12/2023 - 16:08
    +1

    Both the stacker stands the OP has found are crazy designs. Putting one A/C compressor above the other doesn't require a stand complicated enough to support both. The bottom one can simply go on the ground. The stand only has to support the top one with legs that clear the bottom one.

    Not hard to build. I'd simply make one out of 5mm thick 50mm aluminium angle - because its rust resistant, and you can get it in lengths from hardware stores and aluminium suppliers - bolted together with marine grade stainless steel bolts, all nyloc'd. Measure, measure again, cut, drill, bolt together, mount on rubber pads same as the bottom A/C is using. Actually I'd probably make a stand that extended another level above the top unit, so the legs were braced better, and put a shelf above the top to use for something else, like pot plants.

    • Caerdyddblue on 19/12/2023 - 16:19

      Good point. The only issue with the above is it seems to be even more difficult to find, I haven't even seen a photo of what one would look like. That being said it should be easier and cheaper to build. Great idea with the extra level!

  • Switchblade88 on 19/12/2023 - 20:02
    +1

    Downpipe is cheap; move the downpipe around a pair of wall mounts?

    $764 buys you a LOT of elbows.

    • JimmyF on 19/12/2023 - 20:44

      Normally the down pipe would be strata owned, so need permission and all that crap.

      • Switchblade88 on 19/12/2023 - 20:50

        $764 also buys enough downpipe to remediate any problems. Including several cases of beer for the committee.

        • JimmyF on 19/12/2023 - 21:06

          LOL Its strata, most likely take $700 in brides to get approval.

  • JIMB0 on 19/12/2023 - 20:38
    +1

    A wall mount should be able to straddle the piping. Then you can run the condensate line into it as well. A brick veneer wall is plentily strong. You can also mount them to a stud wall if you have weatherboards or other cladding and don't mind the noise. Post up a picture.

  • Master Bates on 20/12/2023 - 21:11

    Thinking around the problem, how about using a garage shelving unit?

    For example, this could be bolted to the floor with a unit bolted to a shelf. I linked this supplier because they’re in VIC, but DYOR.

    Sure it may look crap, the metal shelf may rattle without some sort of damping, and the installer might say no to doing it, but it’s a solution!

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