keithBT

I can't but help notice some seriously cheap aircon units with inverters for hot + cold sold in places like carrefour and Leroy merlin. (other good supermarkets are available as well). I'm pretty handy being both a former telephone eng'r and more latterly a heating engineer. What I need to know is do they come PRE-GASSED with valves on them for assembly. They would be a doddle to instal if this were the case. It's not a diy job if not as I do not have access to refrigerant gas, vacuum pump ,guages, etc in spain.

HAS ANYONE FITTED THEIR OWN AIRCON UNIT PLEASE? If so how did you get on. PS 12,000 btu airlin brand inverter units now only 299 euros in Leroy merlin. That's what I call cheap!!!

Afterthought : I see loads of spanish buying them and they can't all be engineers??

Fred James

I haven't installed one, but I know a few that have.

They are pre-gassed. The only reason to need the proper equipment is if you have long runs between the compressor and the head unit. I think they all come with 10m but they may be shorter - you need to check.

bxpuser24710519

My late installed a Carrefour one few yrs ago, without problem. No specialist knowledge in that field.

Fred James

I think the basic plumbing is pretty straightforward if you are capable of drilling big holes in walls.

I know from others' experiences that the biggest problem is locating a suitable electrical connection on a circuit that can cope with the increased load which is typically about 1.2kw continuously or possibly more on startup.

Fredbargate

Yes they are pre -gassed
Take a careful look though. Some I bought years ago came with everything in the box except the brackets for mounting the exterior unit.
Lately I believe most come with just the two major components and you need to supply pipework as well. I purchased an 18,000 btu unit a year ago for €249 the 12,000's were the same price. I had to supply pipework and exterior brackets. Final installation cost approx £300 with some cable, and ducting + hiring a large masonry drill, I purchased the extras at £ price not €s. All my 9 units have come from Carrefour and only one failed after 6 or so years. It was mounted in a rather dusty environment and nobody cleaned the filters.

keithBT

Thanks guys, Electric feed is no problem. I will have to check that the copper pipes and unions come with the the indoor and outdoor units. Going out next month so I will update for other peoples reference

Rosemary

As Concierge for the Spanish section of BE I would like to say hello and welcome.

BE is a very large expat website, so if you have problems finding your way around we have concierges who will try to direct you. The moderators for the Spanish forums are Mitzyboy and Fred James, moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderador who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge of the issues of living in Spain. At the top of the page you will find a quirkily named thread called Free Beer which is full of important and useful information. Hope you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

Domino

many people seem to just put them out on the verandah, but those on special offer in Brico had the wall brackets as an extra, as did the ones in MediaMkt

Fred, you should know they need to have the filters cleaned every year, also the condensate should be sterilized.
the harder they have to work the more electricity they pull

Domino

a friend of mine in UK owns an electrical and AC installation company with guys having been trained by all the big names.
couple of years ago he bought a place out here and was telling everyone he would be having an installation party - until he found out he could pay a Spaniard to supply and fit cheaper than he was paying trade in the UK.

good luck

Fredbargate

Yes Dom I do know, but although I fitted said unit I was not the operator.
It was in an office/workshop I sold

Domino

that's a big bug of mine - shops that have fluff dangling from the aircon, especially in food shops.
5mins with a vacuum cleaner and it will not need a look for min 6 months
takes a bit longer to clean out the condensate pipe with baby steriliser fluid but well worth it for prevention of nasty smells and stains on people's clothing.

but like servicing cars, it is all down to the individual.

9249donna

I'll be completing on a villa in Pinoso in early June and will be looking to have aircon installed - can anyone recommend a fitter?

Also, looking for someone to build a pool & a painter to paint the interior of the villa white.

Domino

sorry, not that far out
but have some recommendations for south of Granada city

went to my local paint wholesaler and asked for a recommendation for a painter, of course he called in his brother. Drove the guy to the site, answered all his questions, and sat back and waited for the price. 3 weeks later went to his wife's florist business, she seemed to know about it so foned him but he was "busy at La Feria" so I would have to wait until the next week.
That was Sept/Oct last year, still waiting for the price.
If he had told me it was too big or too far (50km) then I would have bought him a pint or two and walked.

got a guy more local who put a team in with 4 days notice, excellent job, but as I say that is south of Granada city.

rgds