Temperatures in the UAE can easily exceed 100°F in the summer months. If you’re looking for the best way to cool your home in the UAE, then you should consider wall mount split air conditioners.

Not only will this type of AC keep you cool during the hot summer months, but it will also help to improve the air quality in your home. Additionally, an inverter split AC can save you money on your energy bills.

Choosing an air conditioning system can be overwhelming, so we’ve covered everything you need to know about wall mount split air conditioners. Read on to learn why a split system may be right for you, and how to choose a five-star split AC!

How Wall Mount Split Air Conditioners Work

All air conditioners cool spaces by transferring heat from one space to another. Inverter split AC systems specifically work by using two main pieces of equipment: one or more AC units inside the home, and a compressor outside.

The AC unit inside removes heat from the air in your home and transfers it to the compressor, connected to the unit by a narrow pipe. The compressor then ejects the hot air outside. The wall mount split system utilizes one or more AC units that are mounted to your walls.

Benefits of Wall Mount Split air conditioning Systems

There are two broad types of air conditioning systems: stand-alone and split systems. Examples of stand-alone systems include portable AC units and window units.

Within the category of split systems, there are specific types of systems. The most common types are central air conditioning (common in the US), ceiling, floor, or wall-mounted units, and mini-splits.

Wall mount split systems have several benefits over other systems, such as:

Less Noise

Because the compressor (the loudest part of the system) is outside, the inside of your home will be much quieter than with central or stand-alone systems.

High Cooling Capacity

Stand-alone units and central air conditioning systems can often cool as much as or more than wall-mounted systems. However, they can be more complex to install, noisier, or more expensive.

A wall mount split system can link multiple units to achieve the same cooling effects as other systems.

Easy Installation

While central air conditioning is the most common type of AC system, many homes are not designed to house all the necessary ductwork. Additionally, the cost of having all that ductwork installed can easily be thousands of dollars.

Wall mount split systems, however, are often simple enough to install that you may even be able to install them yourself. The most complex part of the installation is drilling a hole through the wall to connect the unit to the compressor.

Even if you hire professionals to install the system, the installation process is much faster and easier than a central system.

Low Cost

By comparison to central AC systems, a wall-mounted AC is cheaper to buy and install. Even some bigger stand-alone units can exceed the cost of a smaller split system.

Energy Efficient

In addition to the low cost of the equipment and installation, a wall mount split system can save you money on your energy bill. These systems use much less power than central systems and even some stand-alone units.

Choosing the Right System for Your Home

Even if you’ve narrowed your selection down to wall mount split systems, you still have many brands and models to choose from. Wall mount system brands available in Dubai include Carrier, Frego, and O’General.

There are several things you want to keep in mind when choosing a system:

Energy Efficiency

While it’s true that wall mount split systems are generally more energy-efficient, different models will use different amounts of energy. A quick way to get an idea of a system’s efficiency is to look at the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER).

The EER is a rating of how much cooling a unit provides per unit of power used. A more efficient system will have a higher EER.

To determine how much space a unit can keep cool, refer to the number of BTUs. A unit with a higher BTU is capable of cooling a larger room.

In general, you’ll want at least 20 BTU per square foot. This number also varies depending on the height of the room and how much sunlight the room gets.

Keep in mind that you can achieve a higher total BTU by linking several units to the outdoor compressor.

BTU may also be measured in tons, which, in HVAC, refers to how much a unit can cool a room in an hour. For example, a 1-ton unit has 12,000 BTU

Mount Type

Some wall-mounted AC units have detachable mounting hardware that makes it easier to remove the unit for service and maintenance. This can lower repair costs if something goes wrong with your system and a technician has to visit.

However, hardware fixed to the unit will provide a sturdier mount, so consider the material your wall is made of when choosing a system. 

Features

Some buyers look for systems with many bells and whistles, while others want a simpler system. Think about the combination of features that’s right for you.

Examples of additional features you may want your system to have include:

• Energy-saving mode
• Digital thermostat
• Remote control
• On/off timer
• Reusable air filters

Your Home’s Layout

Having the best air conditioning system won’t do you any good if your home isn’t suitable for installation. Think carefully about where each component will be installed and which rooms need the most cooling.

Remember that with a wall mount split system, the units have to be installed on exterior walls. This is so they can be connected to the compressor outside.

Additionally, units must be installed horizontally and cannot be turned upright. The wall must also be vertical for the unit to function properly, so units cannot be installed on diagonal walls such as in an attic.

Tips for Maintaining Your Air Conditioner

Like any other piece of machinery, air conditioning systems break down over time and require maintenance and repair. To keep your air conditioning system in working condition for years to come, follow these helpful maintenance tips:

Keep Units Clean Inside and Out

To make sure the parts of your AC units are free of dirt and dust that can hinder performance, clean the unit regularly. Cleaning the outside of the unit will help, but make sure to also clean the filter and replace it when necessary

Inspect the System

The simplest thing you can do to maintain your system looks it over every once in a while. This includes the unit, the pipes, and the compressor. Look for anything that seems to be working improperly, leaking, or dirty.

Don’t Crowd Units

AC units (mounted units particularly) need space to function properly. Make sure not to place furniture, decorations, or shelving too close to the unit.

Generally, your unit should have a few feet of space surrounding it to work best. Otherwise, surrounding objects will attract dust that can hurt your unit’s efficiency and lifespan.

Let Your System Rest

Running your system constantly can be tempting, especially in particularly warm periods. However, you may wear out your system faster by not shutting it down sometimes. 

You could also be wasting money by cooling your home when you’re not there. Consider keeping the system off when you’re away from home.

Some systems have a programmable timer that you can set to run the AC unit in intervals. For example, you could set the system to cool your home down just before you return from work.

Have Professionals Take a Look

While most anyone can see obvious problems with an AC system like dust and leaks, some issues will only be apparent to HVAC professionals. Even if you think your system is working fine, it can save you money, in the long run, to have a professional inspect it.

Wall Mount Split air conditioner System Installation

Compared to central air conditioning systems, wall mount split air conditioner systems have a much simpler installation.

To connect the AC unit or units to the outside compressor, the installer drills a hole through the outside wall. The unit and compressor are then connected with a pipe no more than a few inches wide.

While you could technically install a wall mount system yourself, we recommend hiring a professional. Many variables determine where and how units should be mounted, and you may not catch them all.

Additionally, if you install the system incorrectly, you’ll have to hire a professional anyway. You may be charged more for a company to undo your work and the repairs could also be costly, especially if another hole has to be drilled.