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The pros and cons of using an external wall bracket to mount your air conditioner

The pros and cons of using an external wall bracket to mount your air conditioner

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There are two main ways to mount the external unit of an air conditioning system – mounting it to the ground on a slab or mounting it to the wall using a bracket.

Both ways have their pros and cons. In this blog, we’ll run through the basics of wall bracket mounting so you can get an idea if this is the right option for you.

What is an air conditioning wall bracket?

Just as the name suggests, air conditioning wall brackets are metals brackets which are fastened to exterior walls with a wall plate and concrete bolts. The unit is attached to the horizontal arms of the brackets and therefore sits above the ground.

Good quality wall brackets have a powder coating on them. This gives them a long, rust free life span.

Wall brackets can be mounted 2m off the ground. This is high enough that most people can walk under it without hitting their head but not too high that its difficult to reach for servicing/cleaning

Reasons to install your air con using a wall bracket instead of mounting it to the ground:

  • If you’re planning on putting decking around your house at a later date. This eliminates the need to re-locate the unit later on or having to build the decking around it.
  • If there is uneven ground that would require significant levelling out.
  • If the unit needs to be installed somewhere the ground needs to be free of obstruction – such as in a narrow walkway along the side of your house or next to a driveway.

Pros of using a wall bracket for your external air conditioning unit:

  • Having the external unit up and off the ground makes it easier to keep clean as air flow is unobstructed. Leaves and dirt are less likely to be a problem.
  • It can make it easier to spot leaks.
  • It keeps the unit away from your garden and away from weeds. It’s easier to mow around and you don’t have to bring out the whipper snipper.
  • Making a concrete base to suit uneven ground can become expensive.
  • Rain water can flow down into the unit during heavy rain fall if there is a sloping surface nearby.

Cons of using a wall bracket for your external air conditioning unit

  • The main disadvantage of using wall brackets is the risk of vibrations coming through the walls. While some people may not be bothered by these vibrations, it can be annoying to others. During the day you might not notice anything. But during the night when it’s quiet, it can suddenly seem very loud. The chance of experiencing noisy vibrations depends on the age and structure of your house. If you’re a light sleeper, avoid mounting your air con outside of your bedroom.
  • If not installed correctly, or inferior/weak brackets are used, the brackets may start to crack or bow.
  • The walls of your house need to be strong and solid enough to support the combine weight of the unit and the brackets, otherwise there is a risk of the bracket failing.

If you’d like more information about your air conditioning mounting options, talk to our expert team.

We’d be happy to answer any questions you have. We can also arrange for a technician to visit your house, discuss your options, and provide a no-obligation quote.

Simply click here to get in touch with us today.