How to install a mobile air conditioner?

The most diverse types of climatic equipment are presented on the modern market of household equipment - from wall split systems to a variety of fans and humidifiers. This article is devoted to mobile air conditioners, their advantages and disadvantages, and also contains the answer to the question: how to install a mobile air conditioner.

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What is a mobile air conditioner?

This technique appeared on the market relatively recently, but has gained quite a lot of popularity. The secret of her success is reliability, economy and mobility. Many people were able to appreciate the advantages of a mobile air conditioner over other types of climate technology.

Important! You can install the device yourself, without having any special professional knowledge, without resorting to the expensive services of professional installers.

Functions

A mobile air conditioner (monoblock) is an air conditioner that delivers air of a certain temperature to a room. Unlike the usual split system, there is no outdoor unit, all components are located in one case. For movement, the device is equipped with small wheels. The compressor is located inside the housing.

The monoblock functionality comes down to the following:

1. Bringing the air temperature in the room to a certain value (this can be both heating and cooling).
2. Air drainage.
3. Ventilation.

Important! To remove warm air from the room, the device is equipped with a corrugated pipe, which is displayed on the street. It is necessary that the entire process of removing warm air be as thoughtful as possible - this is just the main point to properly install a mobile air conditioner. Otherwise, air conditioning will be a completely useless thing.

The operation of the drainage system may be as follows:

• In a special collection for condensate.
• Conclusion through the tube to the tank.

Classification

Before deciding how to install a mobile air conditioner in an apartment, you need to have basic knowledge about these devices. Monoblocks, depending on the design, are divided into two groups:

• No blower.
• With blower.

Important! In addition, there are open (simplified) and closed mobile systems.

Closed candy bars

The principle of operation is to obtain cold from the circulation of a refrigerant substance. Conventional refrigerators work by this principle. When refrigerant evaporates, heat is absorbed:

• Warm air with the help of the air intake enters the cold circuit (cooling occurs).
• Chilled air enters the room.
• Heat is transferred to the hot circuit.
• The air there is heated and discharged out through the exhaust pipe.

Open systems

The principle of action is that the chemically safe refrigerant evaporates (in this case, heat absorption occurs):

1. Using a pump, water is pumped to the porous plate.
2. Air is passed through the plate using a special fan.
3. Air cooling comes from the evaporation of water.

Important! You should not be afraid of excessive humidity.Due to the large surface tension force, it is not possible to blow off water from the plate.

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Pros of mobile air conditioners

If you have not yet decided whether to give preference to such models and install a mobile air conditioning in your apartment, we suggest you familiarize yourself with the advantages of such a climate technology. The most important are the following:

• Mobility. The device can be moved, installed in different rooms. If there is no need to use an air conditioner, then it can be dismantled and removed before the onset of heat. When moving to another apartment, it is logical to take the system with you.
• Easy installation. Having minimal construction knowledge and simple tools is what you need for installation.
• Saving. Unlike installing a traditional split system, you do not need to call installers. Suffice it to say that the cost of installing a split system reaches 10% of the cost of the device itself.
• The system can operate at a negative outside temperature (“for heating”), since it is located indoors.
• Possibility for various airflow directions.
• Compact size, modern design, which allows you to fit the device into any interior.

Important! If we take into account the financial factor, then such models will cost much cheaper than the more common split and multisplit systems. For comparison, read about them in our separate article. “How to choose a split system in an apartment?”.

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disadvantages

Monoblocks have separate disadvantages. There are fewer than advantages, but nevertheless, they are available:

• You must constantly monitor the air conditioner, in particular, empty the condensate tank. When it is full, the device turns off automatically.
• Monoblocks operate more noisily than split systems, since the compressor is not taken out onto the street, but is indoors. The noise level can be compared with a cooker hood.
• The need to install pipes to bring heated air to the street. This is not too aesthetically pleasing, besides, it creates certain inconveniences. It is also not recommended to increase the length of the pipe, since the power losses of the device are inevitable.

Despite a number of shortcomings, monoblocks enjoy considerable success among consumers. Consider how to install a mobile air conditioner yourself.

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DIY monoblock installation

Components needed to install a monoblock are in the air conditioner kit. So, in order to install a mobile air conditioner yourself, you need:

• Canvas made of durable plastic with a thickness of at least 1.0-1.2 cm - to create a barrier between warm air outside and cool inside.
• Construction saw for metal.
• Masking tape to attach the sheet to the window frame.
• Foam or sealant for air and water resistance.

Editing algorithm

Before starting installation work, carefully consider an action plan or draw a diagram.

Important! According to experts, the monoblock should be installed at the window to reduce resistance to air flow from the outside. Fractures on the flexible hose must also not be allowed.

How to make an insert for a window?

Everything, as always, begins with measurements. It will take two measurements:

• The diameter of the air duct.
• Dimensions of the window opening.

What to do next:

1. For greater certainty, measurements can be made several times.
2. Then, using a metal file, you need to cut out the insert from plastic or plexiglass.
3. It needs to cut a round hole in it, the diameter of which is 3-4 mm less than the diameter of the pipe of the air conditioner. This is necessary so that the pipe is securely fixed.

How to install a mobile air conditioner in an apartment - ensuring tightness

This is a very important stage, since a sheet of plexiglass or plastic should serve as a reliable barrier to precipitation.To ensure tightness, it is advisable to use a sealant, self-adhesive tape made of rubber or polyurethane foam. These materials can be purchased at the nearest building materials store. Then install the window insert.

We mount a monoblock

Upon completion of the preparatory work, you can begin to install the air conditioner itself. There is nothing particularly complicated here. It is enough to determine the place of its installation or fastening:

1. The drain hose is inserted into the air outlet.
2. One end of the exhaust pipe is connected to the monoblock, and the other is displayed on the street.
3. Before turning on the device, it is necessary to maintain it in an upright position for 2-3 hours.
4. Installation is not particularly difficult, but accuracy and minimal tool handling skills are necessary.

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What should not be when installing a mobile air conditioner?

• Do not power the device with a makeshift extension cord.
• Connect the ground to the gas pipeline.
• Install the appliance in the bathroom.
• Interfere with the natural movement of air.

Attention! The device must only be connected to a grounded outlet. The monoblock must be positioned in such a way as to provide unhindered access to the mains.

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Difficulties in bringing out the corrugated pipe

The whole difficulty is that in many apartments the wooden window frames are replaced with double-glazed windows with metal-plastic profiles. Such structures are airtight, extremely easy to maintain, the sash can be fixed in several ways.

But these advantages become the main obstacle when installing a corrugated pipe for the removal of heated air. If a wooden frame of a sample from the 80s of the last century is installed in the window, no problems would arise. Enough:

• cut a hole in the frame of the appropriate size;
• and in winter, when the need for a monoblock disappears, close the hole with a plug.

Important! With double-glazed windows, such a number does not pass categorically. The consequences can be deplorable: depressurization of the entire window structure, with all the ensuing consequences - freezing of the frame in winter, the penetration of cold air into the room.

Similar consequences will not keep you waiting if you drill a sash or frame, and also try to make an outlet in the cement screed under the windowsill. How to install a mobile air conditioner to bring the pipe out without violating the integrity of the window?

Pipe outlet through open sash

The method is simple, but ineffective, because part of the cooled air will go out through the gap in the window. The disadvantages of the method are an increase in the amount of dust entering the apartment, increased noise from the street.

Making window configuration changes

The window structure is separated using a horizontal impost. In the lower part, the double-glazed window is replaced by a sandwich panel, in which a hole is made previously (as mentioned above). In this case, all hermetic characteristics of the window are preserved.

Important! The disadvantage of this method is the relatively high financial cost of installing an impost and replacing a double-glazed window with a sandwich panel. And with the onset of cold weather, it will again be necessary to replace a sandwich panel with a hole in a double-glazed window.

Plexiglass use

You must open the window and lock it in the open position. The Plexiglas insert is secured to the window frame with sealant or rubber tape. At the same time, the window frame remains intact, and with the onset of the cold season, the insert from plexiglass can be removed without much difficulty.

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Sanitation requirements

Water, which is collected in special containers for condensate, is a fertile medium for the propagation of microorganisms, including pathogens.In order to maintain the container in good sanitary condition, after each emptying it must be washed with running water and treated with a disinfecting solution - a solution of “White” linen is quite suitable. Find out more aboutthe application of whiteness in everyday life.

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Stock footage

Now you have a full idea of ​​what a mobile air conditioner is, how convenient it is and whether it is suitable for your apartment. And if you have made a positive decision in favor of such a model, now you know how to install a mobile air conditioner and absolutely calmly cope with this task on your own.