An air conditioner is an equipment prone to damage. It must be transported with special care. If you have purchased the equipment from an online shop, transport is usually included in the price. However, what should you do if you want to transport the purchased equipment yourself or transport a used one? You can find out in our guide.
Here are the methods of transporting an air conditioner overland:
Self-transport:
Car with trailer: If the air conditioner is small, it can be transported in a trailer connected to a passenger car. It is important to secure the unit properly so that it does not move while driving.
Van: For larger units or several air conditioners at the same time, a van will be ideal. Again, it is crucial to properly secure the load.
Transport via a transport company:
Specialist transport companies: There are companies that specialise in transporting white goods/RTV equipment, which are also an excellent choice for transporting air conditioners. They have the right vehicles and equipment to secure the load.
Courier companies: some courier companies offer services for transporting larger items, including air conditioners. However, it is always worth paying attention to the weight and dimensional limit.
Types of vehicles used for transporting air conditioners:
Vans: Popular for most air conditioners, especially those used in homes.
Trucks: For large, industrial air conditioning units or when transporting multiple units at once.
Lift cars: Ideal for heavier units that can be difficult to load by hand.
Preparing your air conditioner for transport is crucial to ensure its safety and avoid potential damage. Here are the steps to take to professionally prepare your air conditioner for transport:
Switch off and unplug: Make sure the air conditioner is switched off and disconnected from the power source. If it is a window air conditioner, disconnect it from the window as well.
Draining water: If the air conditioner has a dehumidification function, it may accumulate water in the tank. Make sure all water has been emptied.
Cleaning: Clean the air conditioner of dust and other debris that could get inside during transport. Use a soft cloth or a hoover with a soft brush.
Securing cables and hoses: Roll up the cables and hoses and secure them so that they do not hang loose. You can use cable ties or adhesive tape.
Dismantling: For wall or ceiling units, dismantle them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Unscrew all fixings and remove the unit from its mounting location.
Secure moving parts: If the air conditioner has moving parts (e.g. fans), secure them to prevent movement. You can use stretch film, bubble wrap or other cushioning materials.
Packing: Place the air conditioner in its original packaging if you have it. If not, use a strong cardboard box and protect the unit with bubble wrap, foam or other cushioning material. Make sure the air conditioner is stable and does not move around in the box.
Labelling: label the package with "CAUTION", "UP/DOWN" and "ELECTRONICS" or "CRUCIAL". This information will help transporters know how to handle the shipment.
Vertical transport: If possible, the air conditioner should be transported vertically. This can help prevent fluid leakage and damage to internal components.
Operating instructions: Attach the instruction manual to the air conditioner. It may contain important information on reassembly or initial start-up after transport.
Remember that careful preparation of the air conditioner for transport will minimise the risk of damage and ensure safe transportation of the unit. If you are not sure how to properly prepare your air conditioner for transport, it is advisable to consult an expert or a transport company.
Choosing the right transport company to transport your air conditioner is crucial to ensure the safety of your unit and peace of mind. Here are some criteria to guide your decision:
Experience and specialisation: Choose a company that has experience in transporting electronic or white goods/RTV equipment. If the company specialises in transporting air conditioners, this is an added plus.
Insurance: Make sure the company offers shipment insurance. If your air conditioner is damaged or lost in transit, insurance will help cover the loss.
Price: Compare the prices of different companies. Remember, however, that the cheapest quote is not always the best. It is important to combine value for money.
Communication: Check how easy it is to contact the company. Good communication with a company representative can be key if you have questions or problems.
Securing the goods: Find out how the company secures the goods being transported. Do they offer additional packaging materials? What loading and unloading procedures do they have?
Delivery time: If you want fast delivery, check what the expected delivery times are and whether the company is able to guarantee them.
Location: A company based close to the pick-up or delivery location may be more convenient and cost-effective.
Additional services: Some companies offer additional services, such as removal, installation or re-commissioning of the air conditioner after delivery.
Fleet and equipment: Check whether the company has appropriately equipped vehicles to transport air conditioners, especially if they are large units.
Recommendations: If someone close to you has already used a particular transport company and is satisfied, it is worth considering this option.
When choosing a transport company, it is worth betting on safety and professionalism. Don't make your decision based on price alone - the quality of the service and the proper protection of the air conditioner are key.
tOnce the air conditioner has been transported, there are a number of steps that need to be taken to ensure that the air conditioner is properly installed and safe to run:
Checking the packaging: Before you open the packaging, check it carefully. Make sure there is no visible external damage that could indicate potential internal damage to the air conditioner.
Unpacking: After opening the packaging, carefully inspect the air conditioner for any damage caused during transport.
Leaving in an upright position: If the air conditioner has been transported horizontally, it is a good idea to leave it upright for a few hours before starting it up. This will allow the compressor oil to return to its proper place.
Operating instructions: Always read the instruction manual before reassembling and commissioning the unit. There you will find important information on assembly, commissioning and possible maintenance after transport.
Installation: If you are not experienced in the installation of air conditioners, it is recommended that you use a professional installation company. The installation of an air conditioner requires specialist knowledge and skills, and improper installation can lead to damage to the unit or improper operation.
Commissioning: Once the air conditioner is properly installed, you can start it up and check its operation. Make sure all functions are working properly and there are no leaks.
Servicing: If the air conditioner has been out of use for a long period of time, you may want to consider servicing. This may include checking the refrigerant, cleaning the filters or checking the general condition of the unit.
Warranty registration: If the air conditioner is new or if the warranty has been affected by transport, it is worth registering the unit with the manufacturer to ensure that the warranty is valid.
Document storage: Keep all documents related to the air conditioner, such as manuals, warranty cards or invoices. These may be needed in the future in case of service or warranty.
Remember that proper installation and commissioning of the air conditioner after transport are key to its longevity and efficient operation. If you are unsure of any steps, it is always a good idea to consult a professional.
There are various companies in the air conditioning market that have gained recognition for the quality of their products and innovative technologies. Below, I list some of the most popular air conditioner companies in the world.
Daikin: A Japanese company that is one of the leading air conditioner manufacturers in the world. They are known for their innovative technologies and energy-efficient solutions.
Mitsubishi Electric: Another Japanese company with a global reputation, offering a wide range of air conditioners, from domestic to industrial units.
LG: A South Korean company known for its many electronic products, including air conditioners. LG is prized for its innovation and design.
Samsung: Also from South Korea, the technology giant offers a wide range of air conditioners with modern design and advanced features.
Panasonic: Japanese manufacturer with a quote for both residential and commercial air conditioners.
Carrier: An American company with a long tradition in the air conditioning industry, which is often considered a pioneer in the field of air conditioning.
Toshiba: Japanese electronics manufacturer that offers a wide range of air conditioners known for their reliability and efficiency.
Fujitsu: Another Japanese player in the market that is recognised for the quality and durability of its products.
Hitachi: This company also hails from Japan and is known for its innovative air conditioning solutions.
Trane: An American manufacturer that is recognised for the high quality and durability of its air conditioners.
Choosing the right brand of air conditioner depends on a number of factors, such as your needs, budget or feature preferences. It is also advisable to be guided by the opinions of other users and air conditioning professionals.