How to Install a Mini Split

How to Install a Mini Split

Mini-split systems probably utilize the latest heat pump technology to provide cooling and heating for the home yours. The most common type of mini-split system, called a ductless mini-split, can save money over choosing a standard air conditioning and heating unit that requires ductwork. Ductless mini-split systems are a fantastic choice for heating and garages, finished attics, additions, home offices, and cooling bedrooms. Cooling-only systems, called mini-split AC systems, perform exclusively as air conditioners. This guide details how to put in a small split air conditioner in the home yours.

Safety Tip: Ductless mini split systems require handling refrigerant lines and making high voltage electrical connections. Some states require these types of HVAC services to be handled by licensed professionals. Consult your local code official about necessary licensing and permit requirements. Installation instructions may vary across manufacturers, so be sure to check out the manual supplied with the unit yours for more specific details on how you can wire a mini split system.

Pick the Right Mini Split System

DIY mini split installation requires a condensing unit outside the home, an air handler inside the home, refrigerant lines to connect the units, and an electrical wire to power the units. Most ductless mini split systems are actually installed by a professional because the refrigerant line must be cut and then charged. It’s likely to install the air handler and condenser unit on your own and bring in a professional to complete the refrigerant line setup.

DIY mini splits come with the refrigerant line already charged, and don’t call for a professional to charge them. These DIY ductless mini split systems are intended to set the heat in just one room, not over a large square footage area. Use this guide to determine how you can install a ductless mini split system in your office or perhaps home.

Before you begin the installation process, choose a small split system that works for your space. Here are your options:

Single-zone ductless mini splits. They’re designed to heat or perhaps cool one area, such as a kitchen, addition, bedroom, garage, or attic. The units feature a single air handler and a single condenser unit. They’re probably the smallest, simplest systems to install.
Dual-zone ductless mini splits. Designed to heat or perhaps cool 2 areas, these mini split units feature 2 air handlers that are actually run by a single condenser unit. Dual-zone mini split A/Cs and heat pumps are actually perfect for a complete home where the temperature has to be regulated in several rooms.
Multi-zone ductless mini splits. Designed to heat or perhaps cool separate areas, multi-zone mini splits have a condenser unit designed to accommodate many air handlers. Installation for these systems could be far more complicated than others, so often refer to manufacturer instructions when determining how to install mini split heat pumps on multi-zone varieties.

You will also have to select the proper size mini split for the space of yours, which will be based on the system’s British Thermal Unit (BTU) output. T2-ton mini splits and f4 ton mini split systems are actually popular choices that can provide proper temperature control for several small and big spaces. Before you buy, measure the space of yours and get square footage calculations. This can help you select a properly sized mini split that provides sufficient BTUs for space. Manufacturers provide sizing guidance relative to BTU in their product manuals.

Install the Indoor Unit

Select a wall in the room to be heated and/or cooled that leads to the outside. Search for an area on the wall large enough to house the air handler, where it will not be blocked by furniture like shelving or perhaps lighting fixtures. The air handler is typically installed at least 6 feet from the floor to the device’s bottom. It is best not to install the device in direct sunlight or perhaps near various other heat sources. This can impact the mini split’s ability to monitor indoor temperatures and perform efficiently. Make sure you keep the manufacturer’s suggested clearance between the air handler as well as the ceiling. You will be running refrigerant lines from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit through this wall, so the wall’s exterior needs to be free from obstructions.

Locate the studs. It is best to mount the plate right to the studs, although keep in your mind that you will need to drill a huge hole (approximately 3 inches) through the wall to the outside. Assess the mounting hole locations on the mounting bracket. They need to align with the typical stud layout (16-inch o/c or perhaps 12-inch o/c) and account for the hole location, so it stays away from the stud. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the area you want to mount the air handler. They detect studs along with other hidden objects behind the wall. Be sure there are actually no wires, pipes, ducts, or other potential obstructions inside the wall.

Place the bracket designed to hold your wall unit in place. Try using a level to ensure that the bracket is properly aligned. This’s a crucial step not only for aesthetic reasons but also for functionality. An air handler that is mounted out of level won’t drain, therefore, and properly won’t work as intended. Mark the mounting holes on the wall with a pencil.

Drill pilot holes using a bit that is only a bit smaller compared to the shaft of the screws you will be using. If you’re not able to hit a stud, use hollow drywall anchors hollow wall anchors to secure the wall bracket in place firmly. Make sure that the wall anchors are actually rated for the mass of the wall system.

Drill a hole in the wall for the refrigerant lines, drain tubing, and control lines. Locate this hole based on the mounting bracket, typically in the lower-left or perhaps lower right-hand corner. Some air handlers allow you to choose which side the lines will exit the unit. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on how you can move them if needed. A 2- to 3-inch hole is typically used, but this will depend on lines provided with your mini split.

Drill a hole the hole’s size saw’s pilot bit long enough to exit the exterior of the house, angling it downward slightly. This hole will allow you to arrange the larger hole you will drill using the hole saw. Try using a hole saw bit to drill the 3-inch or 2-inch hole. Angle the saw downward slightly for better drainage.
Connect the control wire to your indoor unit. This process varies by mini split model, but it usually requires you to eliminate a backplate and then attach the control wire by hand. Check your installation manual for exact instructions.

Unfold the refrigerant pipe so that it could be pushed through the gap in the wall you made. Use electric tape to keep the refrigerant pipe, drainage, and control wire tubing together.
Lift your indoor unit to the mount and put the bundled tubing, wire, and pipes through the hole. Secure the indoor unit on the wall mount using the hardware supplied by the manufacturer.

Install the Outdoor Unit

Pick the location of your outside unit. It may be placed on the ground, on the rooftop of yours, or perhaps on an outside wall using special mounting hardware. Should you decide to put it on the ground, it will need to be secured to a pad. You can make one yourself using concrete, or perhaps you can purchase a pad made for that purpose.
After the condenser is actually mounted, connect the pipes and tubing from your indoor unit to the outside unit – in case you’re installing lines in a DIY kit that are already pre-charged. Don’t cut pre-charged lines, as this’s really dangerous. Releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere can severely burn the skin. You will have to follow model-specific instructions to connect these properly. Have an adjustable wrench and torque wrench handy before you begin. In case you’re installing a system that requires the lines to be cut and then charged, you will have to bring in a professional to do this particular task.
Attach the wires and tubing to the exterior wall to keep them securely in place. Use covers for a neater appearance.
Connect the correct pipe joint to the series set on the back of your outside unit. Then connect the multi-conductor wiring, which runs from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. You will probably require your torque wrench to complete this particular job.

Follow Up with a Professional

When you connect the outdoor and indoor units, we recommend you call a professional A/C and heating provider to tackle the rest of the job. They will make sure your connections are actually protected and will handle dangerous dry nitrogen and refrigerant.

We also recommended you hire a licensed electrician to power the device. This particular part of the project entails running a 220 volt (sometimes 120 volts) line from the breaker panel to a disconnect switch and then from the switch to the device.

Setting up a mini-split system can be a difficult job. Tread carefully and take the time of yours, even in case you are experienced. Furthermore, consider a wall-mounted ductless air conditioner for the cooling needs of yours in smaller rooms. Consider our mini split installation services if you need assistance, especially if you are interested in adding a small split heat pump. Need supplies fast? The Home Depot delivers online orders where and when you want them.

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