Clear the exact work area before the crew arrives
The first thing that helps is clear access. If we are mounting a unit inside, outside, or both, we need enough room to work safely with tools, ladders and pipe runs. Move furniture, boxes, stock, curtains or wall hangings away from the spot where the indoor unit will go. Outside, clear the area around the wall where the outdoor unit will sit so we can set it level and keep the piping neat.
If you run a home in South Durban or a business in Durban Central, try to keep walkways open for the full appointment window. In tighter spaces, such as passageways or back courtyards, even 1 metre of clear space makes a big difference. It also helps to keep pets and children away from the work zone.
- Move items at least 1 metre from the planned indoor unit position
- Shift stock, crates or equipment away from the outside wall
- Unlock gates, stairwells and side passages before the team arrives
- Keep pets in a separate room or yard during the work
Check power supply and switchboard access early
Air-conditioning needs the right electrical supply. Before install day, make sure the switchboard is easy to reach and that someone on site knows where it is. If there is a main isolator, backup supply or dedicated circuit already in place, tell us in advance. That saves time and avoids surprises once the panel is open.
In older buildings around Clairwood and West Durban, switchboard labelling is not always clear. If you are unsure which circuit feeds the area, rather ask before the crew starts. For homes and small offices, it is also worth checking whether there is load-shedding in the area on that day so you can keep phones charged and access points working. Where extra electrical work is needed, it is best to have the site ready and any decisions approved before the appointment.
- Make the DB board or main isolator easy to reach
- Confirm if there is a spare breaker or dedicated circuit available
- Tell us about backup power, inverters or generator use
- Keep keys or access codes handy for locked service rooms
Allow for drainage, outdoor placement and coastal conditions
Good drainage matters just as much as power. The indoor unit needs a clear route for condensate water, and the outdoor unit needs a position where air can move freely. If the site is near the coast, especially in Durban and along the South Durban strip, salty air can be hard on metal parts. That means the unit should be mounted where it is protected from direct spray and where service access is still simple.
Please check that the intended outside wall or ledge can take the equipment, and that there is a sensible path for drain water. We also need space for future cleaning and maintenance. If the unit will be fixed high on a wall, please clear any fragile items, signage or cable runs nearby. Where municipal rules, body corporate rules or landlord approval apply, have the go-ahead ready before install day. It avoids hold-ups when the crew is already on site.
Prepare the rooms for drilling, dust and short interruptions
Even a neat installation creates a bit of dust and some noise. That is normal. Cover furniture if you can, especially soft furnishings, computers, printers, clothing rails or stock that should stay clean. For homes, it helps to move pictures and small decor items off the walls near the installation area. For businesses, tell staff in advance which rooms may be out of action for a few hours.
If the installation is in an occupied office, shop or surgery, plan around meetings and client flow. A small bit of prep up front prevents a bigger mess later. It is also a good time to let neighbours, tenants or security know that technicians will be on site and may need gate access, parking or loading space.
- Cover furniture and sensitive equipment with clean sheets or plastic
- Remove items from shelves and wall areas near the work zone
- Warn staff or family members about drilling and brief interruptions
- Arrange parking close to the entrance if possible
Have the right details ready for the installer
A few simple details help us finish the job without delay. Please have your contact number ready, confirm the best person to speak to on site, and make sure someone can approve any last-minute placement decisions. If the unit is going into a rental property, retail space or shared building, have the owner or manager available if possible.
It also helps to note where the previous unit was fitted, if there was one, and whether there are any hidden issues such as old cable routes, damp patches or cracked plaster. In Durban’s humid weather, wall conditions can change quickly, so a heads-up is useful. If you have any special requests for pipe routing, unit height or wall position, tell us before work starts, not halfway through.
Quick install-day checklist for homes and businesses
Use this as a last check the day before installation. It keeps things simple and avoids the usual back-and-forth once the team is on site.
- Area cleared inside and outside
- Switchboard and access points unlocked
- Pet and child safety sorted
- Power and drainage concerns noted
- Parking or loading space arranged
- Permissions approved for body corporate, landlord or building manager
- Contact person available by phone
If you are unsure about any step, ask before the appointment. A short message or call can prevent a wasted trip, especially when sites are busy across Clairwood, North Durban and the greater eThekwini area. We would rather help you sort the space once than pause the job later.
