Buying an air conditioning system is only one part of planning an installation.
If you are choosing a fixed split air conditioning system, you may also need pipework, outdoor unit supports, trunking, condensate drainage, electrical supplies and other installation accessories.
Exactly what you need depends on the air conditioning system, the building and where the indoor and outdoor units will be positioned.
Some systems include certain installation components, while others are supplied as the indoor and outdoor units only. This is why it is worth checking what is included before placing your order.
This guide explains the main accessories you may need for an air conditioning installation and what each one is used for.
You can also browse our air conditioning installation accessories or read our more detailed Air Conditioning Installation Accessories Buyer’s Guide.
Air Conditioning Installation Accessories: Quick Answer
A typical fixed split air conditioning installation may require:
- Refrigeration pipework
- Pipe insulation
- Electrical and communication cable
- Condensate drainage
- A condensate pump where gravity drainage is not possible
- Wall brackets or ground mounting feet
- Air conditioning trunking
- Pipe clips, fixings and fasteners
- Electrical supplies
- Suitable controls or remotes
You will not necessarily need every item on this list.
The correct accessories depend on the product and installation layout, so check the system specification and speak to your installer before ordering.
What Is Usually Included With An Air Conditioning System?
What is included varies between products.
A fixed split air conditioning system will normally include the main indoor and outdoor equipment, but installation materials may either be included, offered as an optional pack or need to be purchased separately.
Before ordering, check whether the system includes:
- Indoor unit
- Outdoor unit
- Remote control
- Pipework
- Interconnecting cable
- Condensate hose
- Outdoor unit brackets or feet
- Trunking
- Installation fixings
Do not assume that everything needed for installation is included simply because the indoor and outdoor units are supplied together.
1. Refrigeration Pipework
For most split air conditioning systems, refrigeration pipework connects the indoor unit to the outdoor condenser.
These pipes allow refrigerant to circulate between the two parts of the system.
The correct pipework depends on:
- The air conditioning model
- The required pipe diameter
- The distance between the indoor and outdoor units
- The maximum permitted pipe run
- The difference in height between the units
The pipe size should always match the system specification.
Browse our pipework and fasteners.
2. Pipe Insulation
Air conditioning refrigeration pipework normally needs suitable insulation.
The insulation helps reduce unwanted heat transfer and protects against condensation forming on cold pipe surfaces.
This also means that when planning trunking, you need to consider the finished size of the insulated pipe rather than the copper pipe alone.
Two pieces of copper pipe can take up significantly more room once properly insulated.
3. Air Conditioning Trunking
Trunking is used to cover visible pipework, cables and condensate drainage.
It is especially useful where the services run along an external wall.
Trunking helps:
- Protect installation services
- Hide visible pipework
- Create a neater finished appearance
- Keep multiple services together
- Make external installations look more professional
CoolEasy offers different trunking sizes and colours, including white and black options.
The right size depends on the amount of pipework, cable and drainage that needs to fit inside.
Read our Air Conditioning Trunking Buyer’s Guide for more detail.
4. Outdoor Unit Wall Brackets Or Ground Feet
The outdoor condenser needs a stable and suitable mounting position.
There are two common options.
Wall Brackets
Wall brackets support the condenser above ground level on a suitable external wall.
They can be useful where:
- Ground space is limited
- The unit needs to be raised
- A path or patio needs to remain clear
- The wall provides a suitable fixing surface
Ground Mounting Feet
Ground feet support the condenser on a suitable flat surface.
They may be used on:
- Concrete
- Patios
- Prepared paving
- Suitable flat roofs
- Commercial plant areas
The correct choice depends on the building, available space, condenser weight and installation requirements.
Browse our brackets and feet or read our Air Conditioning Brackets & Feet Guide.
5. Condensate Drainage
Air conditioning systems produce water as they remove moisture from indoor air.
This water is known as condensate and needs to be drained away safely.
A typical installation may need:
- Condensate hose
- Drain pipe
- Connectors
- Drain fittings
- Clips and supports
Where possible, condensate may be able to drain naturally using gravity.
The drainage route should be planned at the same time as the refrigeration pipework.
6. Condensate Pump
Not every air conditioning installation needs a condensate pump.
A pump is normally considered when water cannot drain naturally by gravity.
This can happen when:
- The indoor unit is fitted on an internal wall
- The drainage pipe needs to rise
- The drain needs to travel through a ceiling void
- The nearest suitable discharge point is difficult to reach
- The installation has a complicated drainage route
If the system is installed on an external wall with a straightforward downward drain, a pump may not be necessary.
Browse our condensate removal products or read our Condensate Pump Buyer’s Guide.
7. Electrical Supplies
Fixed air conditioning systems also require an appropriate electrical supply.
The exact requirement varies depending on the product.
Electrical installation accessories may include:
- Electrical cable
- Interconnecting cable
- Isolators
- Connectors
- Protective electrical components
- Suitable fixings
Electrical work should be completed by a competent person and according to the requirements of the system and installation.
Browse our electrical supplies.
8. Fixings And Fasteners
A professional air conditioning installation needs suitable fixings throughout the job.
Depending on the installation, these may be used for:
- Securing pipework
- Fixing trunking
- Mounting outdoor brackets
- Supporting drainage
- Securing electrical cable
- Fixing indoor mounting plates
The correct type of fixing depends on the wall, surface and equipment being installed.
Browse our pipework and fasteners.
9. Trunking Corners And Fittings
If you are using air conditioning trunking, straight lengths alone may not be enough.
The pipe route may also need:
- Internal corners
- External corners
- Flat bends
- Connectors
- Wall covers
- End pieces
Plan the complete pipe route before ordering so you know how many fittings are required.
This is particularly important where the pipework needs to travel around windows, doors or building corners.
10. Remotes And Controllers
Most air conditioning systems include a standard controller or remote, but additional control accessories may sometimes be available.
These could include:
- Replacement remotes
- Wired controllers
- WiFi accessories
- Central controllers
- Commercial control systems
Always check compatibility with your specific air conditioning model.
Browse our remotes and controllers.
11. Installation Tools
Professional air conditioning installation can require specialist tools.
These may be used for:
- Preparing refrigeration pipe
- Making connections
- Testing the system
- Commissioning
- Servicing
- Maintenance
Fixed split air conditioning systems should be installed by suitably qualified professionals where required.
Browse our air conditioning tools.
What Do I Need For A Wall Mounted Split Air Conditioner?
A typical wall mounted split air conditioning installation may require:
- Indoor air conditioning unit
- Outdoor condenser
- Refrigeration pipework
- Insulation
- Electrical cable
- Condensate drainage
- Wall brackets or ground feet
- Trunking
- Trunking fittings
- Fixings
- A condensate pump if gravity drainage is not possible
This is the most common type of installation customers are likely to picture when considering home air conditioning.
What Do I Need For A Multi Split Air Conditioning System?
A multi split system connects several indoor units to one outdoor unit.
This normally means more planning is required.
You may need:
- Several pipe runs
- Additional refrigeration pipework
- More trunking
- Several condensate drains
- Additional electrical connections
- Larger or multiple pipe routes
- Suitable outdoor unit support
The accessory requirements depend heavily on where each indoor unit is positioned.
What Do I Need For A Ceiling Cassette?
Ceiling cassette systems sit within or against a ceiling and often require a more involved installation.
Accessories may include:
- Refrigeration pipework
- Electrical supplies
- Condensate drainage
- Condensate pumping where required
- Controls
- Mounting materials
- Outdoor condenser supports
Some ceiling cassette systems include built in condensate lifting capability, so always check the individual product specification before ordering an additional pump.
What About Easy Fit Air Conditioning Systems?
Easy fit systems may include more installation components than a standard split air conditioning system.
However, this does not necessarily mean every accessory required for your particular property is included.
You may still need to consider:
- Outdoor unit support
- Trunking
- Condensate drainage
- Electrical requirements
- Additional pipe route accessories
Always check the specific product page to see exactly what is supplied.
What Accessories Do Portable Air Conditioners Need?
Portable air conditioners are very different from fixed split systems.
They normally do not require refrigeration pipework, outdoor brackets or a professionally installed outdoor condenser.
However, they may need:
- Exhaust hose
- Window kit
- Window seal
- Drainage hose where applicable
- Replacement remote
- Cleaning products
The main challenge with a portable air conditioner is removing warm exhaust air from the room.
Do I Need To Buy An Installation Pack?
Some air conditioning systems are available with an optional installation pack.
An installation pack can make ordering easier by grouping together common installation components.
However, you should still check:
- What is included
- The pipe length supplied
- Whether the pipe sizes match the system
- Whether brackets or feet are included
- Whether trunking is included
- Whether a condensate pump is required separately
- Whether additional electrical materials are needed
An installation pack should be matched to both the system and the actual installation route.
How Much Pipework Do You Need?
The amount of pipework depends on the distance between the indoor and outdoor units.
Do not measure only the straight line between the two.
Consider:
- The route from the indoor unit to the wall exit
- Vertical drops
- Horizontal wall runs
- Corners
- The final connection to the outdoor unit
- Any route through lofts, ceilings or service spaces
The system will also have manufacturer limits for pipe length and vertical separation.
Where Will The Outdoor Unit Go?
Deciding where the outdoor condenser will sit helps determine several other accessories.
The location affects:
- Whether you need wall brackets or ground feet
- How much pipework is required
- How much trunking is required
- The condensate drainage route
- Electrical cable length
- Service access
Try to plan the complete installation rather than selecting accessories one at a time.
Where Will The Condensate Water Go?
This is one of the most important questions to answer before installation.
If the indoor unit is positioned on an external wall, condensate may be able to drain directly outside.
If it is on an internal wall, the water may need to travel much further.
Ask:
- Can the drain run downhill?
- Where will the water discharge?
- Will the drain cross a room?
- Does the route need to rise?
- Will a condensate pump be needed?
Planning this early can prevent drainage problems later.
Do You Need Trunking Indoors?
Sometimes.
If an indoor unit is mounted on an external wall, the pipework can often pass directly through the wall behind it.
If the unit is on an internal wall, visible pipework may need to travel across part of the room before reaching an external wall.
Internal trunking can help conceal this route and create a cleaner finish.
Do You Need Trunking Outdoors?
External trunking is commonly used where the service pipes run along the outside of the property.
It helps cover:
- Insulated refrigeration pipes
- Electrical cable
- Condensate drainage
It also protects the installation and makes it look much neater.
Can You Buy The Accessories Before Choosing An Installer?
You can, but it is often easier to confirm the installation layout first.
An installer can help determine:
- The correct pipe size
- The required pipe length
- The best outdoor condenser position
- Whether brackets or feet are needed
- The trunking size
- Whether a condensate pump is required
- The electrical requirements
This reduces the chance of buying accessories that are unsuitable for the installation.
What Should You Check Before Ordering?
Before buying your air conditioning accessories, work through these questions:
- Which air conditioning system are you buying?
- What accessories are already included?
- Where will the indoor unit go?
- Where will the outdoor unit go?
- How far apart are they?
- What pipe sizes does the system require?
- How will the pipework travel between them?
- Will the pipework be visible?
- Do you want trunking?
- What size trunking is required?
- Can condensate drain naturally?
- Will a condensate pump be required?
- Does the outdoor unit need wall brackets or ground feet?
- What electrical supplies are needed?
- Has the installer confirmed the plan?
Common Air Conditioning Accessory Mistakes
The most common problems happen when the installation is not planned before ordering.
Avoid:
- Assuming all accessories come with the air conditioner
- Ordering the wrong pipe size
- Not buying enough pipework
- Choosing trunking that is too small
- Forgetting condensate drainage
- Assuming every installation can use gravity drainage
- Forgetting outdoor unit supports
- Choosing brackets without checking condenser weight
- Forgetting trunking corners and fittings
- Ordering controls without checking compatibility
Air Conditioning Installation Checklist
| Accessory | Do You Need It? |
|---|---|
| Refrigeration pipework | Usually required for fixed split systems |
| Pipe insulation | Usually required |
| Trunking | Useful where services are visible |
| Wall brackets | Required if wall mounting the condenser |
| Ground feet | Useful for ground mounted condensers |
| Condensate drain | Required for most cooling installations |
| Condensate pump | Only where gravity drainage is not practical |
| Electrical supplies | Depends on the system and installation |
| Additional controllers | Optional for many systems |
CoolEasy Installation Accessories
Installation Accessories
Browse our full installation accessories range for products used when fitting air conditioning systems.
Pipework And Fasteners
Browse pipework and fasteners for refrigeration pipework, fixings and installation components.
Brackets And Feet
Browse brackets and feet for supporting outdoor air conditioning units.
Condensate Removal
Browse condensate removal products for drainage and condensate pumps.
Electrical Supplies
Browse electrical supplies for air conditioning installation components.
Remotes And Controllers
Browse remotes and controllers for compatible control accessories.
Air Conditioning Accessories FAQs
What accessories do I need to install air conditioning?
A fixed split system may require refrigeration pipework, insulation, electrical cable, condensate drainage, trunking, brackets or ground feet, fixings and possibly a condensate pump.
Do air conditioners come with installation kits?
Some do and some do not. Check the individual product page to see what installation materials are included.
Do I need brackets for an outdoor air conditioning unit?
You need brackets if the outdoor condenser is being wall mounted. A ground installation will normally use suitable mounting feet or another approved support method.
Do I need trunking for air conditioning?
Not always, but trunking is useful for hiding and protecting visible pipework, cables and condensate drainage.
Does every air conditioner need a condensate pump?
No. A pump is generally only needed where the condensate cannot drain naturally by gravity.
What size pipework do I need?
The correct pipe size depends on the specific air conditioning system. Check the product specification or ask your installer.
How much pipework do I need?
This depends on the route between the indoor and outdoor units. Measure the complete installation route rather than only the straight line between them.
Do I need electrical accessories?
Fixed systems require a suitable electrical supply, but the exact components vary between products and installations.
Can I buy the air conditioner before knowing what accessories I need?
Yes, but you should confirm the installation requirements before arranging the work. Knowing the indoor and outdoor unit positions makes accessory selection much easier.
Who should install a split air conditioning system?
Fixed split systems should be installed and commissioned by appropriately qualified professionals where required.
Final Advice: Plan The Whole Installation Before Ordering
The easiest way to choose air conditioning accessories is to plan the complete installation before buying them.
Decide where the indoor unit will go, where the outdoor condenser will sit, how the pipework will travel between them and where the condensate water will drain.
From there, you can work out whether you need pipework, trunking, brackets, ground feet, condensate drainage, a pump and additional electrical accessories.
Most importantly, check what is already included with your chosen air conditioning system so you do not buy unnecessary items or discover something is missing on installation day.
Browse our air conditioning installation accessories, read our Installation Accessories Buyer’s Guide, or speak to the CoolEasy team if you need help working out what you need.