What to pay attention to when installing an air conditioner

An air conditioner in Cyprus is not a luxury, but a necessity. It protects from the summer heat and helps heat the room in winter. However, it often happens that even new equipment works inefficiently: the air cools poorly, the system is noisy, or it breaks down quickly. Most often, the cause is not the device itself, but installation errors — in particular, the absence of vacuuming.

• What vacuuming is and why it is necessary
• Refilling the air conditioner with freon
• How to control air conditioner installation
• How often to clean the air conditioner

What vacuuming is and why it is necessary

Vacuuming is a mandatory step before starting the air conditioner. It involves removing air and moisture from the system before charging it with refrigerant. For this, a technician connects a special vacuum pump that creates low pressure, extracting micro-particles of water and air.

If this step is skipped, moisture reacts with the freon, forming acids that gradually destroy the compressor. In addition, the presence of air reduces cooling efficiency, increasing system load and electricity consumption.

Refilling the air conditioner with freon

After vacuuming, the system is filled with freon (or another refrigerant). It circulates through a closed loop, absorbing heat from the room and expelling it outside. If the refill is done correctly, the air conditioner operates quietly, cools quickly, and produces no odor when turned on.

Important: Freon refilling and vacuuming must be performed by a specialist with the proper equipment. Attempting to "top up" the air conditioner yourself can damage the compressor and cause gas leakage.

How to control air conditioner installation

Before the technician starts installation, make sure they are using a vacuum pump and not just "blowing" air through the system — this is a common mistake, especially among unqualified installers. Also, check that the piping has no bends and that all connections are sealed.

Tip: During installation, ask the technician directly: "Will vacuuming be performed?" If the answer is evasive, it is better to hire another specialist. In Cyprus, there are many Russian-speaking technicians who can be found in the "Services" section of the largest forum in Northern Cyprus.

If the air conditioner is already installed and you suspect vacuuming was not performed, it is worth calling a specialist for diagnostics. In some cases, cleaning and refilling with freon is enough to restore the system’s efficiency.

How often to clean the air conditioner

In hot countries like Cyprus, it is recommended to clean the air conditioner every 3–6 months. Dust, sand, and moisture quickly settle in the filters and heat exchangers, reducing the device’s performance. Neglecting cleaning leads to unpleasant odors, higher energy consumption, and risk of compressor failure.

At least once a year, a full service should be performed, including disassembly of the indoor unit and antiseptic treatment. This is especially important for renters, as air conditioners in rental apartments are often left unserviced for years.