Professional vs DIY Installation: Can I Install Air Conditioning Myself?

Installing air conditioning in any space can be a game changer, but it needs to be done properly. With the UK’s temperatures reaching new highs of 40°C, it is easy to understand why the demand is increasing.

At first thought, a DIY approach to installation may seem viable. But if installed incorrectly, there can be serious (and often costly!) consequences.

While it is technically possible to install air conditioning without professional assistance, it is definitely not recommended. Here, we cover in full the reasons why, the risks when things go wrong, and what hiring a professional engineer can offer instead.

What are the risks of DIY air conditioning installation?

Installing yourself with no or very little knowledge and experience, you are more likely to make mistakes. Installation often requires drilling, mounting, and connecting pipes for drainage, these can end up being costly.

1. Water leaks and drainage problems

Improperly fitted pipes can lead to leaks, as can something as simple as a unit that is not level. Left unnoticed, leaks can cause serious damage to your property.

Professional installation significantly reduces this risk. Engineers are highly trained and experienced, so problems are unlikely. But should any issues arise, the company is to take responsibility.

2. Incorrect drilling and wall damage

Most AC installations, units designed for permanent use, require walls to be drilled to connect indoor to outdoor condenser units. Done incorrectly, such as angle wrong, can lead to problems, and if positioned wrong, end up with holes in the wall.

Hiring engineers, they will have the right equipment and knowledge to get it right. They will also seal everything as required, so air will not leak out, water will not leak in, and units work effectively.

3. Invalid warranties

Most air conditioners come with manufacturer warranties, many of which require professional installation, and may become invalid if installed DIY. This is for a valid reason, as if installed professionally, chances of issues dramatically reduced, particularly as there is no way to prove issues were not caused by your attempt of installing.

Trusting a company like Chill Air Conditioning, you will often require warranties on your installation too, often 5-7 years! Installation warranties are always a good sign to look out for, and signal a company you can trust.

Types of AC systems you can install yourself

Not all air conditioning systems can legally be installed DIY. Take traditional split and multi split systems for example – as they require handling, connecting, and charging refrigerant gases, they can only be installed by F-Gas certified engineers.

There are however some system types which you can buy that can be installed DIY.

Mono block systems do not require refrigerant gases. They work by extracting hot air from inside to outside, so as a part of installing, only require a hole to be drilled through an outside wall.

Budget-friendly air conditioning options

If you don’t have the budget to buy and install a system professionally, portable air conditioning could be worth considering. Requiring no installation, they offer a simple solution to cooling your space, and remove the need for any permanent adaptations of any kind.

To set up, portable air con units just require a window kit, which they usually come with. They can be set up in a matter of minutes, making a difference in 10-15 minutes (depending on the size of the space).

They do however come with their downsides. As they sit on the floor, they take up more space – in use and to install. And as an open window is required, they are typically a lot less effective than professionally fitted units. Portable units can also be very noisy, typically 50-60dB, which is considerably louder than your standard fitted unit, which runs around 19-30dB.

Is DIY air conditioning installation worth it?

If you are confident and love a bit of DIY, installing air conditioning yourself can work. DIY installation does however come with risks, as there is always the chance it may not go as planned.

Trusting a reputable company for professional installation, you will get your systems installed by experienced professionals, with fit for purpose systems that work effectively to cool your space. You will also benefit from warranties from both the manufacturer and your installer, so on the odd chance anything goes wrong after installation, you’re covered.

Need help with air con installation in your space? Our team of engineers have you covered. We’re a family-run company based in Mansfield, serving Nottingham, Derby, and beyond, offering professional installation of quality air conditioning units from top manufacturers you can count on.

For a free no obligation quote or to learn more about our services, contact us today.