Are you looking for an easy-to-install air conditioning system for your home or garage? Consider a ductless mini-split system. Installing a ductless air conditioner is a perfect DIY project for homeowners with basic DIY skills. It’s an easy process that requires only a few essential tools and materials. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to install a ductless mini-split air conditioner system in your home or garage.
Choosing the Right System
Before you begin, choosing the right ductless mini-split system for your needs is essential. You can find DIY systems at online suppliers since brick-and-mortar stores rarely carry them. When selecting a plan, consider the BTUs (British Thermal Units). The higher the number, the more cooling capacity the system has. To choose the right size mini-split, calculate the room’s heat loss, which several websites can help you with.
Choosing the right size for your space is essential, as a small system won’t keep up, and a large system will turn on and off too often, shortening the life of the device’s condensation. You can read more about how to install window air conditioner.
Tools and Materials Required
- Adjustable wrench
- Drill/driver
- Hole saw
- Level
- Condenser wall brackets
- Ductless mini-split system
- Plastic condenser pad
- Plastic line set cover kit
Providing Power
Running power to the system is often the biggest challenge of installation. You can draw power from a nearby underloaded 20-amp circuit if you have a small system. However, you’ll likely want to install a new course dedicated to the mini-split, which can be a small job or a significant project depending on how easy it is to run a cable from the main panel to the unit.
Disconnecting provides an accessible way to turn off the power when servicing equipment. By lowering three small holes in the drywall, you can run cables from the basement up through the warehouse wall, through the attic, down and out of the exterior wall, and into the disconnect box. Power then runs from the disconnection to the condenser. A cable runs along the line that powers the evaporator.
Remember your local electrical inspector if you have some electrical know-how but need extra guidance. Most will supply you with some recommendations and define code requirements. Expert assistance and walk in the park that the job is performed right, precisely for the value of an electrical permit.
Installing the System
Step 1: Install the Bracket
Mount the evaporator inside the room on the outside wall, away from direct sunlight, doors and dust sources. Make positive this wall vicinity is free of wires, pipes, and ducts that would intervene with making a gap for the line set. Mark the stud areas and fasten the bracket to them with screws.
Step 2: Drill a Pilot Hole
Begin by way of drilling a pilot gap from inner to out. The line set gap should slope barely downward to the backyard so condensate from the evaporator can drain outside. Then go out and ensure no trim or obstructions complicate drilling the huge hole.
Step 3: Bore the Full-Size Hole
Cut with a gap noticed from the inside, do away with any insulation, and check out the wall cavity for obstructions. Finish the hole using drilling from the outside.
Step 4: Run the Line Set
Carefully remove the coil located from the back of the evaporator. With an external assistant, pass the laid wire through the hole. As it emerges, the assistant has to bend the line gently set downward and to the facet as wanted to attain the condenser. Keep the stiff plastic collar surrounding the bar set at the give-up that connects to the condenser.
The drain line is shorter and goes via the last, under the different lines.
Add a drain extension and wrap the joint with electrical tape to keep it in place.
Step 5: Install the Evaporator
Wrap the foam sleeve around the part of the line inside the gap and substitute any insulation in the wall cavity that used to be disturbed.
Then dangle the evaporator on the mounting bracket.
Pro tip: In addition, your helper may want to provide an incredible few inches of the back yard of the laid line when you do this.
On the outside, insert a two-piece piece of plastic into the gap to prevent rough edges from destroying the wire set.
Step 6: Install condenser
Place the condenser on a pad on the floor or mount it on a wall mount so traces of refrigerant can reach it quickly.
Route the set route so that it sticks to the outside and doesn’t take any shortcuts in front of any obstacles. This makes it simpler to set up a cover.
Ensure the condenser has the endorsed clearance from partitions and bushes.
Avoid placement in the place ice or packed snow may want to fall on it or the place of different home equipment vents.
An area on the east or north facet of the shape maximizes cooling efficiency.
Step 7: Connect the Refrigerant Lines
This step varies by way of the manufacturer.
With this system, a locking lever presses the line connections together.
Before powering up, look at the refrigerant strains for kinks and confirm the electrical connections.
Then go interior and set the temperature using the handheld controller.
Step 8: Cover the Line Set
Insulate and seal the gap in the outdoor wall, then cowl the line and set the usage of plastic or steel channel sections to reduce to length.
Place half of the channel again at the back of the line set, plumb it, and anchor it to the wall with self-tapping screws.
Our line set travels horizontally to the compressor, so when we brought the channel corner, we drilled a gap in it to permit the drain line to exit straight down.
Step 9: How it Works
A mini-split device has two essential components: an indoor evaporator, which cools the air, and an outside condenser, which dissipates heat.
They’re linked via a line set, tubing that passes via a baseball-size gap in the wall, carrying warm refrigerant outdoors and bloodless refrigerant.
Our line set also blanketed cable to electricity the evaporator and a drain line to lift condensation outside.
Final Thought
Installing a ductless mini-split system may sound daunting, but it’s a fairly straightforward process that experienced DIYers can accomplish. With the right tools, materials, and steps, you can install a mini-split system to provide heating and cooling to your space. Take your time, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and feel free to consult a professional if you need clarification on any aspect of the installation process. Doing so lets you enjoy the comfort and energy efficiency that a ductless mini-split system can provide.