The presence of a modern split system in an apartment allows you to create the most favorable living conditions: select the optimal temperature regime, adjust comfortable humidity, and filter the air. However, during the improvement process, you may encounter difficulties in installing an external unit on the facade, and an internal one in the room. Let's try to figure out how to install air conditioning on the balcony if there is no other way out.
What does a split system consist of?
Before turning to the installation features, let’s remember what parts the household appliance consists of. The air conditioner design consists of two separate blocks, one of which is mounted indoors, the second is fixed outside - on the facade of the house. The modules are connected to each other by a line of copper freon tubes and electrical wires.
The principle of operation of the split system
Cooling or heating of the air in a room is carried out by moving refrigerant through the tubes, which passes from the liquid phase to the gaseous phase (and vice versa), absorbing or giving off heat.
According to manufacturers' recommendations, the evaporator (indoor unit) is most often installed on the wall under the ceiling, where the air temperature reaches its maximum. Another important condition is installation next to the outer wall of the room, so that the distance to the remote module is minimal. The outer part is mounted on the facade, and the installation process is regulated by the requirements of SNiP 2.04.05-91* (as amended).
Reasons for installing blocks on the balcony
The realities of life are such that it is not always possible to follow the wishes of manufacturers. For example, there are legal grounds prohibiting the installation of an external module on the facade of a house:
- air conditioning equipment disrupts the appearance of the exterior of a residential or office building;
- the house is a historical or architectural monument;
- The external walls of the building are not suitable for the installation of heavy structures due to dilapidation, construction technology or other reasons.
In order not to use the facades, the remote air conditioner unit is placed on the balcony, and both open and glazed views are equally actively used.
Installation option inside a glazed structure
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This way out has a number of advantages:
- easier and less expensive installation process;
- the housing is protected from external negative factors (hurricane wind, ice fragments falling from the roof);
- the distance between the parts of the air conditioner is reduced;
- simplifies equipment care - maintenance, cleaning, repair work.
There are also disadvantages to installing an air conditioner unit on a balcony, especially if glazing has already been done. You will have to take care of the forced removal of used air and always be prepared to turn off the equipment due to overheating (usually at +45 °C a protective auto-shutdown occurs). Two more troubles are associated with discomfort for residents: the bulky and heavy module body takes up a lot of space, and it produces quite loud noise, from which plastic double-glazed windows are unlikely to save.
Pros and cons of installing climate control equipment on balconies
Like any other organizational and planning solution, installing a modern air conditioner on the balcony has its pros and cons. They need to be analyzed before installation.
Knowing how, when and where the external module of the system can be installed in this case, it is easy to imagine what kind of privileges this will give:
- condensation will not fall on neighbors and people walking below;
- the block of expensive equipment is protected from external factors; there is no need to install additional canopies and other devices for its long-term operation;
- it is easier to repair and maintain the outdoor module;
- the length of the connecting elements can be significantly less than when installed on the facade;
- you won’t have to involve high-rise installers, whose services will cost more.
Is it possible to install an air conditioner on a closed balcony?
In principle, the very installation of climate control equipment not on a permanent structure and in an enclosed space is already a violation of safety regulations. The recirculation process requires free access of air. If, nevertheless, the solution to installing an external air conditioner unit on the balcony remains the only possible one, take care of the conditions in which the equipment would operate without overloads and breakdowns.
Unprofessional installation can lead to equipment overheating and low efficiency
With an open-type balcony, everything is simple: the air conditioner has full access to fresh air, does not overheat, and therefore is able to work at full power. If the block is mounted inside a glazed structure, it is necessary to place it opposite the open sashes and make sure that they are not accidentally closed. If the air conditioner housing is installed on a parapet, a hole should be made in the casing to ensure recirculation.
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Those wishing to secure equipment weighing 55-80 kg on the railing should be aware that SNiPs prohibit hanging any objects weighing more than 30 kg. Therefore, home craftsmen who have not received approval from management companies often install additional supports, weld brackets on the outside, install equipment at their own risk, and then pay fines. If it is possible to avoid hanging on a fence, then it is better to use it.
Common violation of generally accepted norms
One more point related to prohibitions. Balcony slabs often wear out faster than facades and even roofs. If the level of wear reaches 50%, then neither air conditioning, nor old heavy furniture, nor even double-glazed windows can be installed.
According to SNiP standards, the owner of the property is responsible for the balcony, as well as for the equipment placed on it. If safety standards are violated and someone else’s property or people are damaged as a result of falling equipment, fire or other trouble, the owner will be liable under a criminal article.
Acceptable installation on a solid wall
Thus, it is possible to install an air conditioner on a balcony if the installation does not contradict the standards and official approval has been obtained.
What to consider when choosing a location for installing an air conditioner
It is important to place the outdoor unit in such a way that it is supplied with a sufficient volume of air from the street, is accessible for maintenance, protected from bad weather and sun, securely fixed and does not cause inconvenience to the apartment residents and their neighbors.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/77RINS4v5Gk Installing an external air conditioner unit inside a glazed balcony is unacceptable. The space is too small for normal air exchange; it will quickly heat up, which will lead to damage to the equipment. Some systems are equipped with a safety shutdown at temperatures above +40 °C, but this will reduce efficiency. Even wide open windows will not solve the problem, so installation inside the balcony by professionals is not recommended.
Installing equipment on the facade of a building is an obvious way, but it is not always possible to implement it. Cases when wall mounting is not suitable:
- the air conditioner spoils the façade of the house;
- the building is of historical value and installation of equipment is prohibited;
- building structures or type of finishing do not allow fixing the system;
- installation is prohibited by the management company or the owner of the building.
In all these cases, you will have to place the air conditioner on the outside of the glazed balcony.
When determining the specific location of the block, the following features must be taken into account:
- Pipes and wires run between the condenser and the evaporator. In order for the air conditioner to operate energy efficiently, the distance between the system elements should be reduced. After all, the greater the length of copper tubes, the higher the costs of electricity and wear and tear of equipment.
- The outdoor unit must be hidden from wind, direct sunlight, rain and tree branches. A canopy made of durable sheet materials is suitable. The space under the visor should be quite large.
- Condensation formed during operation must be removed from the building wall so that it does not cause discomfort to residents of the lower floors and pedestrians. Ideally, a plastic pipe for condensate removal should be inserted into the sewer system, but this is very expensive.
- Another important criterion for choosing a location is the accessibility of the unit when servicing the air conditioning system by specialists. It is better to install it where the window design on the balcony has an opening sash.
- The condenser, depending on the model, can weigh from 20 to 60 kg, so you should check the reliability of the balcony parapets and walls to which the glazing is adjacent, and strengthen it if necessary.
Experts and users of split systems do not recommend installing an outdoor unit even on an open loggia. Since the air conditioner steals the already small space and will not allow glazing in the future without reinstallation.
Unit Installation Instructions
Let's consider the most rational options for installing split systems, when the equipment cannot cause harm to either the apartment owners, passers-by, or neighbors. Work should be carried out taking into account the manufacturer’s recommendations, otherwise the equipment will quickly fail.
Option #1: installing an outdoor unit
Most often it is necessary to install an air conditioner on a glazed balcony of a cold or warm type. In the second case, in addition to the standard double-glazed structure, the balcony is insulated on all sides with heat-insulating material and lined with wooden clapboard or plastic. Thick walls with thermal insulation make it difficult to organize openings for air inlet or intake.
In order not to go against the standards and rules, installation should be done on the floor. It is better to use one of the corners so that a hole can be cut in the wall of the balcony to the size of the air conditioner. To prevent noise from operating equipment from penetrating into living spaces, the housing must be enclosed in a sealed box with an opening lid or door (for maintenance).
Transparent glass box
Thus, you can partially compensate for the disadvantages of installing an outdoor air conditioner unit on the balcony:
- a solid base, unlike brackets on the fence, ensures 100% reliability;
- fresh air circulates freely;
- due to the absence of one wall, the device does not overheat;
- the noise becomes almost inaudible;
- The usual temperature regime is maintained on the loggia or balcony.
The only inconvenience is the dimensions of the box, which will take up part of the usable area.
Installation is carried out in the following sequence:
- Prepare a place for installing an external remote unit. To do this, make a hole in the wall large enough to allow air to circulate freely. To place the body, it is better to weld (fasten to anchors) two U-shaped metal supports from the corners.
- Install the outdoor module on stands (it looks like it stands on 4 legs). Supports are necessary for shock absorption and additional air circulation.
- Mount the box. Boards, plywood sheets, galvanized steel, thick plastic or tempered glass are suitable for its manufacture. It is better to make the walls of the box multi-layered to create good sound insulation. The more airtight the casing, the more comfortable the apartment residents will feel.
- Holes are drilled in the wall with the adjacent room and in the box for connecting lines.
- They install freon tubes and electrical cables connecting the indoor and outdoor modules.
To prevent communications from being visible, they must be covered with a wide plastic cable channel. It is better to make the upper or side part of the box in the form of a hinged door that slides to the side or is completely removable so that, if necessary, repairs can be made or parts can be cleaned.
Hinged door for technical work
After testing the operation of the split system for 2-3 days, it will become clear how efficiently the equipment operates and whether additional noise insulation work is needed.
Option #2: installing an indoor unit
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Sometimes it happens that an internal evaporation module is placed on the balcony, which should provide a comfortable microclimate directly in the living room - bedroom, living room, office or nursery. The reasons are varied: it does not meet the requirements of interior design, there is no free space, there is a risk of small children catching a cold, etc.
The optimal place for mounting the module is directly opposite the door, at a height of 1.8-2 m. If the air coming out from under the device’s blinds does not reach the room, the coolness will be felt more on the balcony. In addition, with such an arrangement of equipment, the door must always be open, otherwise the split system will again only cool the balcony.
There is no point in installing an evaporation unit on the end wall of a loggia, which is made of concrete or brick. The air will circulate freely inside the loggia, and only a small part of it will enter the room. Therefore, it will have to be somehow attached near the glazed part, consisting of glass/plastic or glass/aluminium.
Incorrect location - low efficiency
Stained glass structures will not withstand the weight of the module, and such an arrangement will not look aesthetically pleasing, so for the block it is necessary to create a suspended structure from brackets. One of the options is two suspensions made of a metal profile, the second is a perforated shelf.
Installation instructions:
- Suspensions are made from a metal profile, corner or strips, then they are mounted to the ceiling - a concrete slab.
- Install the evaporation module so that the blinds are directed towards the doors.
- Provide electrical power (install an outlet or organize cable laying from the room).
- Connect the fittings and cables leading to the outdoor unit.
- Check the operation of the equipment.
Please note that the temperature in the room will not correspond to the specified parameters, since the coverage area will increase due to the area of the balcony. Perhaps for the same reason you will have to buy an air conditioner of greater power than originally planned.
The only advantage of such an installation is the reduction in the distance from the internal module to the external unit located on the facade. The best option is to install the indoor air conditioner unit in a room with a balcony, and not outside it.
How to choose the right location for the outdoor unit
The external unit of a split system is structurally the most massive part of the air conditioner and can weigh from 30 to 80 or more kilograms. Its dimensions and weight depend on the power of the system.
Therefore, the installation of an air conditioner on a balcony (its outdoor unit) serving one room or apartment should be carried out taking into account not only the wishes of the apartment owner, but also taking into account technical safety requirements.
In most cases, an air conditioner on a balcony is mounted on an external wall outside the balcony enclosure, so as not to reduce its already limited space. If the balcony is glazed, then installation inside the glazing circuit is directly prohibited, since the superheated air from the condenser will very quickly heat up the small space inside the glazed balcony and the automatic system will turn off the air conditioner due to overheating.
Considering that the unit makes audible noise when the fan is running, it is better to place it away from the bedroom or children's room. The constant release of condensed moisture flowing down the drainage tube requires either the installation of a tray to collect condensate or a drainage device. The widespread practice of removing moisture by means of a piece of rubber hose directed either at the wall or in an unknown direction leads to the wall getting wet, mold and algae developing on it, and water dripping from the balcony can cause inconvenience to neighbors or passers-by living below. This must also be taken into account when choosing a location for the outdoor unit.
It is possible to install a split system yourself, but it is not advisable. In addition to the direct installation of a rather heavy unit on the outer wall of the building, installing an air conditioner on a balcony will require high-quality installation of brackets on which this unit will rest, laying shock-absorbing pads to dampen vibration and drilling holes for the introduction of refrigerant lines. After this, the system will need to be filled with freon, which requires specialized equipment.
Considering the significant weight of the outdoor unit and its constant vibration, ensuring safe installation is extremely important, especially if the unit is located above a pedestrian area. An external air conditioner unit placed within the perimeter of a balcony or loggia fence does not require additional protection from precipitation or icicles falling from the roof, but if it is placed outside the perimeter of the balcony fence or mounted on a balcony parapet, then it will be possible to provide protection for the outdoor unit by placing it above he has a visor.
An external air conditioner unit placed within the perimeter of a balcony or loggia fence does not require additional protection from precipitation or icicles falling from the roof, but if it is placed outside the perimeter of the balcony fence or mounted on a balcony parapet, then it will be possible to provide protection for the outdoor unit by placing it above he has a visor.
The canopy must protect the block from rain and snow; for this, its dimensions must be at least 20 cm larger than the dimensions of the block. It should be taken into account that the block is not mounted close to the wall, but at a distance of 10-15 cm from it. There should be a space of 30 cm between the top of the outdoor unit and the protective canopy for good ventilation.
Having considered the main options for placing the external unit of a split air conditioning system in the room to which the balcony adjoins, it is clear that the external unit can be installed both inside the perimeter of the balcony - but only if the balcony is not glazed, and outside - when the balcony is glazed.
What mistakes should you avoid?
The biggest mistake is the wayward installation of the outdoor unit. If there are installation standards or prohibitions imposed by city authorities or the management company, you must first familiarize yourself with them. In case of violation, you will have to not only pay a fine, but also dismantle the equipment yourself.
Also, you should not install an outdoor unit in a glazed loggia with constantly closed or insufficiently open windows - the equipment will fail prematurely due to regular overheating. An incorrectly selected location for installing the indoor module will result in the split system running idle, cooling the air on the balcony and outside, rather than in the room.
If the air conditioner is installed to cool the loggia, then any wall will do
Often mistakes are made when arranging brackets for modules. If vibration occurs during operation, this must be provided for: install shock-absorbing pads, use only strong metal brackets that can support the weight of the unit. It is necessary to monitor the fasteners: constant vibration may cause the nuts to loosen over time.
Installation Tips
In order to collect condensate, it is necessary to additionally install a pan or drain.
To install an air conditioner on a glazed balcony, you will need several parts:
- The device itself or one of its parts.
- Several brackets, depending on the weight of the equipment.
- Shock absorbing pads.
- Strong and high quality corners.
Necessary accessories and parts:
- hammer;
- corrugated pipe;
- screws and dowels;
- screwdriver;
- perforator;
- polyurethane foam.
It is important to find a suitable site for installing the device. The most convenient solution is to install it on the wall adjacent to the room.
Preferably between window openings or under a window.
The most convenient way out is to install it on the wall adjacent to the room. Preferably between window openings or under a window.
There is an option to install the air conditioner on the side wall, this will provide you with much more extra space.
It is necessary to measure the connecting materials in advance in order to install the air conditioner in such a way as to use a minimum number of pipes and cables. Connecting materials must be installed so that they are out of the way and protected from future external intrusion.
When you calculate the lengths of the pipes, you need to remember about the bends and leave space for them, about a hundred centimeters. It is unacceptable that tension occurs when installing pipes.
The usual length for connecting materials reaches 6 meters. But if necessary, the lines can easily be replaced with longer ones.
You can buy such materials separately in a special supermarket.
Video tips for installing an air conditioner on a balcony
A box with thermal insulation is a rational way out of the situation:
An installation option in which the windows will always have to be kept open and the door closed:
What does it look like to attach an external block to a balcony railing:
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There are indeed many restrictions for non-standard installation of a split system, so even before purchasing the equipment, it is better to ask whether it is possible to install an air conditioner on a balcony or loggia. If any regulations contradict your plans, look for another way out - to do this, consult with engineers or representatives of the management company.
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Installation of an external air conditioner unit on a balcony - price in Moscow
| NAME (INSTALLATION COST ON BALCONY AND LOGGIA) | UNITS MEAS. | PRICE IN MOSCOW |
INSTALLATION OF EXTERNAL AIR CONDITIONER UNIT on the balcony • PRICE 1.5 – 2.0 – 2.5 kW (05, 07, 09 BTU) | ||
| Installation of an external unit of a wall-mounted air conditioner on a balcony up to 2.5 kW | PC. | from 2,000.00 |
| Installation of a ducted external unit up to 2.5 kW | PC. | from 3,000.00 |
| Installation of cassette external unit up to 2.5 kW | PC. | from 3,000.00 |
| Installation of floor-ceiling external unit up to 2.5 kW | PC. | from 3,000.00 |
INSTALLING AN OUTDOOR AIR CONDITIONER UNIT on a balcony • PRICE 3.5 kW (12 BTU) | ||
| Installation of an outdoor unit of a wall-mounted air conditioner on a balcony up to 3.5 kW | PC. | from 2,000.00 |
| Installation of a ducted outdoor unit up to 3.5 kW | PC. | from 3,000.00 |
| Installation of cassette outdoor unit up to 3.5 kW | PC. | from 3,000.00 |
| Installation of floor-ceiling outdoor unit up to 3.5 kW | PC. | from 3,000.00 |
INSTALLATION OF AN EXTERNAL AIR CONDITIONER UNIT ON A BALCONY • PRICE 5.0 kW (18 BTU) | ||
| Installation of an external unit of a wall-mounted air conditioner on a balcony up to 5.0 kW | PC. | from 2,500.00 |
| Installation of a ducted external unit up to 5.0 kW | PC. | from 3,500.00 |
| Installation of cassette external unit up to 5.0 kW | PC. | from 3,500.00 |
| Installation of floor-ceiling external unit up to 5.0 kW | PC. | from 3,500.00 |
| Installation of a multi split system • external unit up to 5.0 kW | PC. | from 4,000.00 |
INSTALLING AN OUTDOOR AIR CONDITIONER UNIT ON A BALCONY • PRICE 7.0 – 8.0 kW (24, 30 BTU) | ||
| Installation of an outdoor unit of a wall-mounted air conditioner on a balcony up to 8.0 kW | PC. | from 3,000.00 |
| Installation of a ducted outdoor unit up to 8.0 kW | PC. | from 3,500.00 |
| Installation of cassette outdoor unit up to 8.0 kW | PC. | from 3,500.00 |
| Installation of floor-ceiling outdoor unit up to 8.0 kW | PC. | from 3,500.00 |
| Installation of an external multi-split system unit up to 8.0 kW | PC. | from 4,500.00 |
INSTALLATION OF EXTERNAL AIR CONDITIONER UNIT ON THE BALCONY • PRICE 10 kW (36 BTU) | ||
| Installation of an external unit of a wall-mounted air conditioner on a balcony up to 10 kW | PC. | from 4,000.00 |
| Installation of a ducted external unit up to 10 kW | PC. | from 4,500.00 |
| Installation of cassette external unit up to 10 kW | PC. | from 4,500.00 |
| Installation of floor-ceiling external unit up to 10 kW | PC. | from 4,500.00 |
| Installation of a column-mounted external unit up to 10 kW | PC. | from 4,500.00 |
| Installation of an external unit of a multi split system up to 10 kW | PC. | from 6,000.00 |
Installation of an OUTDOOR AIR CONDITIONER UNIT ON A BALCONY • PRICE 12.0 – 14.0 – 16.0 kW (48 BTU) | ||
| Installation of a ducted outdoor unit on a balcony up to 16 kW | PC. | from 6,500.00 |
| Installation of cassette outdoor unit up to 16 kW | PC. | from 6,500.00 |
| Installation of floor-ceiling outdoor unit up to 16 kW | PC. | from 6,500.00 |
| Installation of a column-mounted outdoor unit up to 16 kW | PC. | from 6,500.00 |
| Installation of an outdoor unit of a multi split system up to 16 kW | PC. | from 7,000.00 |
ADDITIONAL WORK | ||
| Hole in the wall of a balcony or loggia f 45/50mm | PC. | 400,00 |
| Soldering copper tubes of the external unit of a wall-mounted air conditioner (price for a pair of ends) | PC. | 2 800,00 |
| Laying the power wire to the outdoor unit (from the electrical panel) | M.p. | 200,00 |
| Dismantling and installation of double-glazed loggia | PC. | 1 500,00 |
| Grilling balcony walls for freon communications 70x40 (concrete) | M.p. | 1 500,00 |
| Grilling walls for freon communications 70x40 (brick) | M.p. | 1 300,00 |
| Grilling walls for freon communications 70x40 (foam block-aerated concrete) | M.p. | 900,00 |
| Grooving the loggia wall for drainage communications 25x25 (concrete) | M.p. | 600,00 |
| Grooving a wall for drainage communications 25x25 (brick) | M.p. | 500,00 |
| Grooving a wall for drainage communications 25x25 (aerated concrete) | M.p. | 400,00 |
| Installing the block using an industrial climber | PC. | 7 000,00 |
| Disassembly and assembly of a ventilated balcony facade | PC. | 2 500,00 |
| Hairpin/traverse (non-standard fastening) for the external unit | PC. | 700,00 |
| Aerial platform with basket (6 hour shift) | PC. | 10 000,00 |
| Installation of an outdoor unit from a ladder up to 7.0 kW | PC. | 1 500,00 |
| False brigade departure | PC. | 1 000,00 |
EQUIPMENT FOR INSTALLING AN EXTERNAL UNIT ON A BALCONY (LOGGIA) | ||
| Installation of a winter kit for the external unit of a wall-mounted air conditioner (drain heater) | PC. | 950,00 |
| Installation of winter kit (outdoor unit compressor crankcase heater) | PC. | 1 000,00 |
| Installation of winter kit (condensation pressure regulator RDK) | PC. | 1 050,00 |
| Drainage heater with installation | PC. | 1 950,00 |
| Compressor crankcase heater with installation | PC. | 2 200,00 |
| Condensation pressure regulator RDK with installation | PC. | 2 350,00 |
| Installation of anti-vandal protective grille (1000/600/500) for the outdoor unit of the air conditioner | PC. | 1 800,00 |
| Installation of anti-vandal protective grille (1200/1000/700) | PC. | 2 300,00 |
| Installation of anti-vandal protective grille (1600/1300/900) | PC. | 2 800,00 |
| Anti-vandal protective grille of the remote unit with installation (1000/600/500) | PC. | 4 500,00 |
| Anti-vandal protective grille with installation (1200/1000/700) | PC. | 5 500,00 |
| Anti-vandal protective grille with mounting (1600/1300/900) | PC. | 7 700,00 |
| Installing a protective visor of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner (800/550) | PC. | 1 500,00 |
| Installing a protective visor for the air conditioner (900/550) | PC. | 1 700,00 |
| Installing a protective canopy for the external unit of the air conditioner (1000/625) | PC. | 1 900,00 |
| Canopy for external unit (800/550) with installation | PC. | 3 000,00 |
| Canopy for outdoor unit (900/550) with installation | PC. | 3 300,00 |
| Canopy for street block (1000/625) with installation | PC. | 3 800,00 |
