Where is the best place in a room to put an air conditioner indoor unit?

An air conditioner is not just a convenient tool for creating a comfortable indoor microclimate. It is also an important part of the interior that many people strive to incorporate nicely into the surrounding design. When a consumer purchases an air conditioner, one of the first challenges an installation team faces is where to install it.

Modern manufacturers devote a lot of attention to indoor unit design. Regardless of the type—wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, floor-mounted, etc.—brands are trying to develop models with taste in mind. The solutions that prevail most often are clean and minimalistic, with a discreet appearance. You can be certain you will find the exact right model air conditioner for your interior.

However, when choosing air conditioner placement, people go by more than just what placement looks best, but also installation difficulty and price. Many consumers prefer to place the indoor unit where it is most convenient and cheapest. But, is that always the optimal solution?

The reality is that it would be better to approach the practical side of this challenge with more care. An air conditioner will operate dependably and cool thoroughly no matter where it is placed, but in many cases consumers make the wrong choice for placement. Directing air flow toward a space that is constantly occupied by people will lead, in time, to health problems and difficulties.

Many people, especially children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems, are prone to upper respiratory infections. They must never be under direct cold air flow. Nasal congestion, allergies, body temperature increase, and other common cold symptoms are only some of the possible risks.

To prevent these outcomes, the air conditioner should be placed so that air flow is not directed at people or pets. This rule is very important, and so, the first thing to consider when deciding where to place the indoor unit should be health rather than financial costs. In AEL&L’s experience, sometimes installers must reposition an air conditioner so that it is not directed at people.

Unit placement and air flow direction should provide cooling that is as uniform as possible throughout the entire area. When choosing a specific model, starting from area specifications is recommended. Obviously, it doesn’t make sense to purchase an especially powerful air conditioner for a small room with low ceilings.

It’s also not recommended to place your air conditioner in direct sunlight; near open windows, which can let in debris, dust, and leaves; or on walls that are too thin and could be sensitive to strong vibrations from the unit during operation.

For the best air exchange, it’s worth looking at the distance from the indoor unit to the nearest obstructions. There should not be obstacles in the way of air outflow. It’s optimal when the air is dispersed smoothly and evenly throughout the entire service area.