A split AC is only as good as its fitting. A badly installed unit leaks gas, drips water down walls, trips breakers and cools poorly, even if the AC itself is new. This page explains what a proper installation includes and what to check.
What is included
| Item | What a proper job includes |
|---|---|
| Indoor unit | Mounted level on a bracket, at a height that allows airflow and cleaning |
| Outdoor unit | On a strong stand or bracket, with airflow around it and service access |
| Copper piping | Liquid and gas lines of the right size for the unit, both insulated |
| Drain line | Sloped downward all the way to a proper drain point |
| Electrical | Correct cable size, a dedicated breaker, and earthing |
| Wall work | Core hole sloped outward and sealed after pipes pass through |
| Vacuum and leak test | Lines evacuated before opening the gas valves; joints checked for leaks |
| Commissioning | Cooling checked, drain tested, unit settings explained |
When you need it
- New AC purchase
- Shifting an AC to a new room or house
- Replacing an old unit on existing pipes (ask if the pipes are suitable)
- Pre-piping during construction, then fitting units later
Step-by-step process
- Site check. The installer looks at indoor position, outdoor position, pipe route, drain route and power supply.
- Agree positions with you. Avoid blowing straight onto beds, and keep outdoor units away from spots where hot air blows into a neighbour's window.
- Fix the indoor bracket level and drill the core hole with a slight slope outward.
- Mount the outdoor unit on a stand or bracket strong enough for its weight, with clearance around it.
- Run and connect pipes, flaring joints carefully, and insulate both lines.
- Run the drain with a continuous downward slope.
- Wire the units to a dedicated breaker with earthing.
- Vacuum the lines, then open the valves and check joints for leaks.
- Test run and check cooling, airflow, drain and noise.
- Seal the wall hole and clean up.
Approvals and documents
A normal split AC fitting does not need building approval. Two things to check:
- Electric load. Adding several ACs may push you beyond your sanctioned load. Ask your electrician and, if needed, apply to LESCO for a load extension.
- Society rules. DHA and some private societies restrict outdoor units on front elevations. Ask the society office.
Keep the purchase invoice, warranty card and the installer's written workmanship warranty.
What affects the cost
We do not list prices; get an itemised quote. Cost depends on:
- Unit capacity
- Pipe length beyond what the installer includes as standard
- Copper quality and wall thickness
- Height and access (upper floors, scaffolding)
- Stands, brackets and core drilling
- Wiring and breaker work
- Gas top-up for long pipe runs
- Removing and refitting an old unit
Questions to ask the installer
- How much pipe is included, and what is the charge per extra foot?
- What copper and insulation will you use?
- Will you vacuum the lines before opening the valves?
- Where will the drain go?
- What cable and breaker size do you recommend for this unit?
- What workmanship warranty do you give, and is it in writing?
Red flags
- "Gas filling" offered instead of vacuuming a new installation.
- Only one pipe insulated, or tape wrapped without insulation.
- Drain pipe that rises or sags, or ends on a wall.
- Outdoor unit fixed tight against a wall or inside a closed shaft with no airflow.
- AC plugged into a shared socket with no dedicated breaker.
- Installer cannot tell you the pipe size for your unit.
FAQs
Can I install the AC myself? Fitting involves refrigerant, flaring and electrical work. Most warranties expect installation by a trained installer. Check your warranty terms.
Does an inverter AC need different installation? The basic steps are the same, but correct pipe size, clean joints and proper vacuuming matter for inverter units. Follow the manufacturer's installation manual.
How far can the outdoor unit be from the indoor unit? That depends on the model. The manual lists maximum pipe length and height difference; longer runs may need extra gas.
Why is water dripping from my indoor unit? Common causes are a blocked or badly sloped drain, or an unlevel indoor unit. Ask the installer to recheck.
Can old pipes be reused for a new AC? Sometimes, if size and condition are right for the new unit. Ask the installer to check and flush them, and confirm it does not affect warranty.
Sources
This page uses no prices or standards. It is based on general installation practice. Follow the manufacturer's installation manual for your unit and get written quotes.