Toshiba Air Conditioner Installation

A good Toshiba air conditioning installation starts long before anyone drills a hole in the wall. First, the system has to suit the room, the climate and the way you live. Then a technician has to fit, pipe, wire and test it so it runs quietly and efficiently for many years. This page explains how that process works, what you can plan yourself and where a licensed technician comes in.

We are an independent service that books local technicians across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the ACT. We are not affiliated with Toshiba, and we are not an authorised Toshiba dealer. Instead, our aim here is simple. We want you to understand each step, so you can ask the right questions before any work begins.

How do you choose the right Toshiba system for your home?

Toshiba makes several kinds of residential air conditioner, and each suits a different home. The right choice depends on the number of rooms, the layout, the ceiling space and your budget. You can browse the current ranges on our Toshiba models page before you talk to an installer.

Is a Toshiba split system the right choice?

A Toshiba split system has one indoor head on the wall and one outdoor unit outside. It is the most common choice for a single bedroom, a living area or a home office. Current Australian wall split ranges include Seiya, Seiya Classic, Shorai Edge and Haori. Each range differs in styling, features and efficiency, so it pays to compare them for your room.

Most split system installation jobs are simpler than ducted work, because the pipe run is short and the indoor head sits on an outside wall. However, a split only treats the room it sits in. If you want to heat and cool several rooms, you may need more than one unit, or a different type of system.

When does a multi head system make sense?

A Toshiba multi head split system connects several indoor heads to one outdoor unit. This suits homes where outdoor space is tight, or where you would rather avoid a row of condensers along a side wall. Also, each head can run on its own setting.

A multi split air conditioner installation is more involved, however. The installer must size the outdoor unit for the combined load, and each pipe run has limits on length and height. For this reason, careful planning matters more than with a single split. If you already own one, our multi split service guide explains how technicians look after these systems once installed.

What about Toshiba ducted air conditioning?

Toshiba ducted air conditioning uses a concealed indoor unit, usually in the roof space or under the floor. Toshiba ducted units are the RAV series. Air travels through insulated ducts to vents in each room, and a wired controller sits on an inside wall. Many systems also offer zoning, so you can heat or cool only the rooms you are using.

A duct air conditioner installation needs enough roof or subfloor access, a sound structure to hang the unit from and room for return air. As a result, it usually takes longer than a wall split. On the other hand, it gives whole of home comfort with only small vents on show.

What happens during the site survey?

A site survey is a visit before the install to find the best location for each part and to spot problems early. So it is worth being home for it.

Where should the indoor unit go?

For a wall split, the indoor head works best high on a wall, with clear space around it and nothing blocking the airflow. Ideally, it sits on or near an outside wall, because that keeps the pipe run short. The installer also checks for hidden wiring, plumbing and studs before choosing the exact spot.

Where should the outdoor unit go?

The outdoor unit needs good airflow on all sides, a firm and level base and access for future servicing. It should also sit away from bedroom windows, both yours and your neighbour’s, because condensers make some noise. Many councils and strata bodies also have rules on placement, so check these before the install.

Common mounting options include a ground pad, wall brackets or a roof frame. In coastal areas, a sheltered position helps, because salt air is hard on outdoor coils.

How are pipes, drains and cables routed?

The refrigerant pipes, power cable, communication cable and condensate drain all travel together between the units. Usually they run through a single hole in the wall, then inside a neat cover on the outside. A shorter, straighter path generally performs better and looks tidier.

The drain needs a steady fall, so water flows away by gravity. If that is not possible, the installer may fit a condensate pump. Also, the installer should confirm whether your switchboard has capacity for a new circuit. Sometimes your switchboard needs an upgrade first, and it is better to know this early.

What standards and approvals apply?

Installers should follow the manufacturer installation manual for the exact model. This manual sets limits on pipe length, height difference, clearances and electrical supply. In addition, Australian standards cover refrigerant safety, electrical wiring and, in some cases, building and noise requirements.

Your installer should also give you any compliance paperwork your state requires for the electrical work. Rules differ between states and councils, so a local installer will know what applies in your area. If you are in a unit or townhouse, check your strata rules too, because you may need approval before work starts.

How much does air conditioner installation cost?

People often ask about air conditioner installation cost before anything else. The honest answer is that it depends on several things. A simple back to back split on a ground floor is very different from a long pipe run to a second storey or a full ducted system.

The main factors that affect split system installation cost include these.

• The type and capacity of the unit you choose
• How far apart the indoor and outdoor units sit
• Whether the outdoor unit needs brackets, a roof frame or a crane
• Wall construction, since brick and double brick take longer to drill than timber
• Whether a new circuit or switchboard upgrade is needed
• Access to the roof space or subfloor for ducted systems
• Removal of an old unit, if you are replacing one

Reverse cycle air conditioner installation cost follows the same factors, since almost every current Toshiba system heats and cools. So the best way to compare quotes is to make sure each one covers the same scope. Ask what is included, what counts as a standard install and what would add to the price.

If an old system is coming out, a licensed technician must recover its refrigerant properly before disposal. Our guide to air conditioner removal and replacement explains how that part of the job works.

How do you look after a new Toshiba system?

Aftercare starts on day one. First, clean the indoor filters regularly, because dust buildup reduces airflow and efficiency. Most filters simply slide out, rinse in lukewarm water and dry in the shade before refitting.

Also keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves and stored items. Then arrange a professional service at sensible intervals, so the coils, drains and electrical parts get checked by a technician.