Retrofitting an AC unit onto a wall not designed for it

[puntloos]

So I have a multi split outdoor AC unit, and can easily (...) add one more internal AC unit. So far so amazing.

 

But, the perfect place to put the AC unit has two major issues:

 

1/ The AC unit is a bit too big, if I put the AC unit the lowest it can go, it would overlap the MVHR outlet by about 25%, assuming I change the current 'fancy, adjustable, sticky-outie' outlet with a flat grate.  

 

* a/ would overlapping the AC unit over perhaps 25-30% of the grate be an unacceptable hack? I suspect the amount of air it supplies would still be fine? 

* b/ I could move the air supply up, but it'd be quite the operation... 

 

 

2/ This stud wall is not designed to hold an AC unit. 

* c/ Would you try to attach the AC unit to the frame (note the pipe is attached to the batons, but the frame in front should be fine to hold the 15kg) or

* d/ Would you attach plywood to the frame, and then attach AC unit to it? (but that would mean redesigning the vent too..?)

* e/ Would you attach the AC unit to the material behind the wooden frame? You'd need very VERY long screws/plugs, plus I'm not 100% sure the material behind can even hold plugs+screws that can hold 15kg.. I'm fairly sure there's a steel beam there

 

 

One more pic of the buildup

 

 

[dpmiller]

cut a big hole in the chassis of the unit and let the supply air percolate through it?

[JohnMo]

Sounds like a bodge - not a

7 hours ago, puntloos said:

hack

Just find a better location or a different delivery method of cold air

[JamesP]

I would remove enough plasterboard and move the MVHR extract up the wall closer to the ridge, would need an extension for the ducting, etc.

Fit some additional noggins between the existing frame to support the inverter.

Just a bit of work but worth it. 

 

[puntloos]

10 minutes ago, JamesP said:

I would remove enough plasterboard and move the MVHR extract up the wall closer to the ridge, would need an extension for the ducting, etc.

Fit some additional noggins between the existing frame to support the inverter.

Just a bit of work but worth it. 

 

 

This was my thinking too, the problem is the AC guy might not be skilled enough to do this on the spot.

 

I'm wondering what he could do that is 'reasonable' I'm debating:

A/ He could cut the AC shape out of the existing plasterboard, and fit it directly on the frame (incl a few noggins/plywood flush with the frame perhaps).  And yes, raise the outlet. After that, perhaps skilled decorators can close the gaps between AC and existing/damaged plasterboard.

B/ He could use a stud finder to find the frame without removing plasterboard, and somehow align the support of the AC with the frame. 

 

Basically how could an 'amateur carpenter, pro AC guy' do a good enough job that the skilled carpenters/decorators can make it all look nice - obviously one worry is that an f-gas installed unit can't just be briefly disconnected by carpenters to do work. 

 

[JamesP]

2 hours ago, puntloos said:

 

This was my thinking too, the problem is the AC guy might not be skilled enough to do this on the spot.

 

I'm wondering what he could do that is 'reasonable' I'm debating:

A/ He could cut the AC shape out of the existing plasterboard, and fit it directly on the frame (incl a few noggins/plywood flush with the frame perhaps).  And yes, raise the outlet. After that, perhaps skilled decorators can close the gaps between AC and existing/damaged plasterboard.

B/ He could use a stud finder to find the frame without removing plasterboard, and somehow align the support of the AC with the frame. 

 

Basically how could an 'amateur carpenter, pro AC guy' do a good enough job that the skilled carpenters/decorators can make it all look nice - obviously one worry is that an f-gas installed unit can't just be briefly disconnected by carpenters to do work. 

 

Your expectation from the AC guy is probably accurate, if not doing yourself then a high quality carpenter / decorator required, High quality fees will apply. Do post final outcome.

[puntloos]

A small update: The AC guy will draw an outline of AC location and put pipes to it. 

Carpenter will come in to raise the pipe, possibly needs to lengthen it

 

AC guy claims he can align some (but not all) loadbearing screws to the actual frame, and drive a few screws into plasterboard as mild support. 

 

But I think maybe I should just let my carpenter reinforce the frame (with noggins/plywood) behind the AC and then put plasterboard back for the AC guys to attach final thing