The Law and Air Conditioning

Air Conditioning and Refrigerants

When the summer heat hits, the air conditioner or heat pump becomes an essential appliance.
Whether you need a small air conditioner or a wall-mounted unit, in all cases the air conditioning operates with a refrigerant. The refrigerant in the air conditioner absorbs heat from the room and then releases it outside after passing through the air conditioner's compressor. The properties of the refrigerant in the air conditioning unit enable it to use as little electricity as possible from the air conditioning compressor in order to cool the interior.
However, the refrigerant in a heat pump or air conditioner is not without consequences: indeed, the refrigerant gas must never escape from the air conditioning piping as it is harmful to the environment. It contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer, which is why European regulations prohibit any refrigerant leaks from an air conditioning system.

Installing an Air Conditioner

A wall-mounted air conditioner, like a monobloc unit, must be installed by a professional. Any air conditioning appliance with piping for the refrigerant cannot be installed by an individual to prevent leaks and to ensure that the quantity of refrigerant is correct in relation to the installed indoor and outdoor units.
For water-to-water heat pumps or any other type of heat pump, the same applies: only a specialized technician with professional air conditioning equipment should install or service the air conditioning.
In this case, they ensure the proper functioning of the heat pump or wall/window air conditioning unit.
Whether you need to replace the air conditioner compressor or any other spare part, it is necessary to hire a certified air conditioning technician.

Installing an Air Conditioner Yourself

As we’ve seen, it is not possible to install a wall-mounted air conditioner or heat pump on your own. However, there is an alternative to avoid creating a homemade air conditioner: the portable air conditioner!
This is a mobile all-in-one unit, with no outdoor unit, placed in a room. Although it is less powerful than, say, a reversible air conditioner, it will enhance your comfort at home.
The second option is a fixed air conditioner. This is a fixed reversible wall-mounted monobloc unit with no outdoor unit, to be installed in a building like a house. Just make two air intakes in the wall and insert the unit inside to expel the heat, and you're good to go! Plus, no technician is needed! This solution can serve as a reversible heat pump since it cools in the summer and heats in the winter, just like a reversible air conditioner!