Spli system installation

[Suzy Barb]

Hi Do you have any advice on how a split system can be installed on the flat roof of a 3 storey block of flats. We have been told we will have to pay extra to hire a cherry picker for the installer. Any other ideas? All windows are awnings so can't have window mount type. Are there frames strong enough to hold the condenser to the wall? Would this be any cheaper? Hope someone can help.

[Barry_White]

Welcome Suzy Barb

There would certainly be brackets that would hold it but I think you may have other issues you would have to resolve first.

For instance are they Strata Title units and do you own it because you could have problems with the Body Corporate.

If you rent the unit you would then have to run it past the owner who would have to get Body Corporate permission anyway.

I think first things first even before you buy the air conditioner.

If you are on the third floor you would only be able to put it on the side of your unit and that would probably require the hire of a scissor lift and they are more expensive to hire than a cherry picker.


Just my thoughts.

[Barry_White]

Just another thought do you have a balcony you could mount the compressor on and also as far as window units are concerned you should be able to remove the awning sash to mount a window unit.

[AIRMAN]

Generally body corps don't like window units in newer blocks, but at the end of the day a letter will go out to all owners asking them to vote on it, unless it is allready in the body corp rules.

In terms of both window and a high wall split, you still need body corp approval as it will be on the outside of the building and will have some impact on others like noise and apperance.

There are OHS laws that dictate the height to which someone can safely work on a ladder, remembering that in the case of a air conditioner they have to lift the unit up as well, not an easy task. 3 stories would deffinitley require a scissor lift or cherry picker.

Remember in your application to body corp you will have to also make allowance for where you will run the drain and will generally have to provide the outdoor noise rating of the unit.

Balcony or roof are always the best options for apartments, a wall would be your last preference.

[rod1949]

Is there access to the roof via stairs from within or external to the building for both the unit and the Installer. If not then a cherrypicker or some other lifting/work platform would be required.

Yes brackets to wall mount are avaliable, at an extra cost of course, to which your installer should be able to supply.

If you're not the ground floor unit then the installer will still require a lifting/work platform to work from.

[jags]

Another thing to think of is the wiring . It can be a real bitch trying to run a new circuit from the power board to the compresser and this may cost more than the unstall and the unit itself . I strongly suggest you do not try and add the unit to your current power circuit . but that is something to ask a sparky about .