Installing My Own Mini-Split Heat Pump, DIY
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- čas přidán 30. 06. 2024
- Let's stay cool this summer, and warm in the winter. This is a DIY Mr. Cool mini-split heat pump. It will save me tons of money $$$ by installing this myself. No need to hire HVAC professionals. This is a unique model because the line set comes sealed from the factory. No special HVAC tools needed. This means I don't need gauges, vacuum pumps, nitrogen, tanks, or even a flaring tool. You will see just how easy this is in this video.
I'm replacing a 7-year old heat pump. It worked well for about 2 years, but was constantly breaking after that. Sometimes it would sit broken for a year while I saved up the money to hire professional HVAC companies to come in and fix the problem. In my area, just getting a company to come take a look at the broken system requires over $500 USD upfront. In total, I've spent over $5k USD on this broken heat pump. This is why I'm so thrilled that Mr. Cool has come out with a line of heat pumps that are designed specifically for DIY installations.
Disclaimer: Mr. Cool provided this unit at no cost. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this video are my own. -David Poz
Video was edited using solar power.
Amazon Affiliate Links:
Mr. Cool Heat Pump DIY: amzn.to/3wcWaHO
Line set Cover: amzn.to/2SPqG8S
Adjustable Wrench: amzn.to/2WhTiK4
Nylog Sealant: amzn.to/2LieqJQ
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Disclaimer:
My videos are in no way intended to be instructional "how-to" lessons. I am simply documenting my project for informational purposes. Property damage, personal injury, or death may result, even when following manufacturer's instructions. I cannot be held liable for such damage or injury. It is YOUR OBLIGATION to ensure that you are complying with any local and federal laws as well as code and permit requirements. - Jak na to + styl
I would have to say that I am impressed with the amount of little details that most others don't show like the fittings and explaining simple things that may not be obvious to someone who isn't hands-on looking at the unit but it is helpful for some people who are interested but on the fence on buying one.
On a professional installation you wouldn't have 15 feet of copper lineset sitting behind the unit either.
I've been watching videos for hours on installing these. I just purchased one, and this was the most informative. Thank you!
Your welcome, thanks for watching.
I like that you were sparse in your comments with useful information. So often the videographer is in love with their voice. Thanks for a good offerring
Same, as much as I want to watch Home Performance's videos his repetitive commentaries are just too daunting...
Great video and good energy. Appreciated that you had extra little hands on the job site, always makes the job extra hard. You've taken away my concern over a up coming installation, thank you.
Great job! Having all the wiring and stand in place made your installation easier. I just installed an 18K BTU last week and can't believe how quiet it is. They are a solar system dream as they are so energy efficient. I am putting in two more, an 12K btu and another 18K btu that will heat and cool the majority of my house.
Nice. Those should work well with your off-grid system.
Links to them on fx amazon?
Awesome video! I installed a 24K unit and planned my run to use all of the 25 ft line set into the center of my house through the attic. For the inside drip, I was able to route to the garage floor. DIY cost was about $3K plus my own labor. Quote from the local AC guys was about $14K. I love the quiet operation. Working with Cielo to diagnose why the app and Wi-Fi connection doesn't seem to work. The remote works perfectly fine.
How big of a room is that unit in?
How easy was it to route through attic?
Excellent video and explanation. I'm debating one now for a sunroom but probably cough up the 1000.00 plus extra to have the lines cut exact and avoid any fubar moments. Glad yours worked out so well!
Loved the chuckle at the end!! Great when things go as expected.
Thank you for posting the Energy Guide at the end! I was curious!
Not all that impressive! Barely average/below average.
*Love this unit! Using upstairs in my sons bedroom **Fastly.Cool** and he’s finally able to be comfortable upstairs without me freezing downstairs. Works for more sqft than expected!*
Great job on the install video. ✔
I'm planning on installing a 4 zone Mr. Cool system in my house real soon...and this video was a great help.
Started to day with a mini duckless split air conditioner by Aircon. Reading and watching several Utube videos like yours. Thanks for your information and how to install. You did a swell job. Thanks for posting.
Great tutorial video David,I’m ready to install mine,I like the spring coils around the lines to get a smooth radius without kinks,I was wondering about that until you showed it.Thanks.
Tell Ms Poz. Happy Mother’s Day. You do make it look easy sir. Give us a 6 and 18 month follow up please
He didn't do the air evacuation, his AC probably won't survive so long.
@@olegsvodyanov it's pre vacuumed dumbass.
😂😂😂
I love my mini splits. I do all mine myself. I do have vacuum pump and pressure/vac gauges. I use a “ generic” brand of mini split inverter and all three have never failed me. I have one unit, my second install and very sloppy too, that I have never turned off in 7 years. I helped a friend install a Mr Cool system. They are much easier to install as the learning curve for flaring or brazing and evacuating the line set is avoided.
What generic brand did you use please...
Dan, I'm building a 28x32 garage with a loft above. The loft will be around around 600 sq ft. based on what you've seen with this Mr Cool unit, would you recommend it?
Nice Job. Thanks for stepping us through the install. It looks doable now.
From Letterkenny to almost every channel I watch on youtube.........Canadians ...........You're very nice people.
I have two Mr Cool DIY units cooling and heating my 2000sqft home and they're awesome. I originally bought a new 4 ton HVAC heat pump system when I bought my home six years ago. I ran the HVAC system up until I installed my two Mr Cool DIY units about eighteen months ago. I have a 24K and a 12K DIY heat pump system and they're freaking great. They cool and heat my house as good as my 4 ton HVAC system using about 2/3 less energy usage. I also have a 12K Carrier mini split system in our master bedroom and a small 9K mini split system in our spare bedroom. But we only use those systems on rare occasions.
N
Are you still happy with this setup? I have to replace a 3.5 ton Trane outdoor that just died, quotes for a new 3.5 are running 8k-13k with a SEER rating 14-14.5 and HSPF of 7.5-8. Our electricity usage is crazy high, very much considering putting in two 24k MR. Cool units for 4k and getting the better SEER and HSPF values but concerned about longevity and reliability...also a 2000 square foot single story house.... Any advice?
Thanks so much for this detailed video!!! I’m toying with the idea of getting this for my bedroom which for some reason is the only room in the house that I cannot keep cool enough in the summer or hot enough in the winter despite everyone checking everything about my how’s unit. I decided this might be a good alternative. However, I have no idea the vastness of the outside unit and that may be an issue because I’m on the second floor and I guess it would have to sit on the deck outside my room. I guess I’ll have to do some more research but thank you so much for this! Very informative!
Great video. Thanks a lot. I'm at the wrap and connect the lines stage!
I look for things that don’t make sense or (wtf) issues and must confess this one was almost flawless. The only potential issue was cutting the condensation tube too short and allowing it run into the houses foundation. Not a big deal and is nit picking considering the fantastic content provided. Well done!
The leak was probably bottom left of outdoor coil. Those small older Fujitsu’s always split out the bottom in heat mode. Fujitsu had a program for awhile to replace them at no cost.
But shouldn't he use the vacuum pump in the system like 20 mins to check if there is leak before releasing the refrigerant ?
Great video thanks for that. It has given me confidence to fit a system like this myself. Stay safe !
Great job! Glad to see I'm not the only one who does the Charlie Brown face when doing precision work.
That was an excellent video of the DYI MRCOOL mini-split HVAC system. I will be purchasing and installing the 18K variant. I feel far better now to do the install thanks to your valuable inputs
Nice roll of tubing behind the heatpump!
thats the way we roll up here
I installed a 18000 BTU Mr Cool DIY 3 years ago in NE Georgia. No problems with it.
It will also act as a heat pump down to freezing temps. It is quiet.
I bought it via Home Depot and picked it up at the store. You really need some help running the line through the wall because it is unwieldy and needs someone to pull it as you feed it through the wall.
Now they have multi-zone DIY packages available. Good warranty with them.
I added an AC surge compressor ($70) to the wiring since we have power interruptions with the thunderstorms here in Georgia.
i have a mr cool diy outdoor 3.5 ton hvac been working great for 4years so far. its hooked into my ductwork
They would do so good in south africa with these kits. We have a massive diy community but the market for us is so small. You can buy these kits but they charge you $7000 for the same kit that sells for $2000 in the states. Madness.
Wish mr cool would open their own store here
@Orching For the sake of humanity, can you please research before making idiotic comments like this? We need less stupid people on Earth please!
I'm from Brazil, and here the instalation way, it's kind different, and some tools we haven't unfortunately
Looks easy to install. Thanks I'm going to check into one for my garage.
You did an excellent job explaining this installation! Thanks so much. I feel confident I can do this on my food truck.
Perfect timing Dave
tip: Use some other material you've drilled a hole through as a guide to keep the hole saw from walking around when you don't have a good pilot to hold onto
Cool install. Satisfying when it's completed.
Excellent video, extremely helpful. Thank you for taking the time.
Am definitely buying a MRcool ac. Thanx for the install demo
pioneer. same unit. different sticker. lower price.
BeasTFockeR don’t there trash
@@DieselRamcharger pioneer???
a little tips for drilling a hole bigger, is to drill a hole in a little wooden plank etc. and hold it firm over the little hole. then keep preasure on the "template" and drill a hole. the little template keeps the sides of the holesaw from wobbling.
Thanks for the tip. I'll have to use that next time.
Or "drywall saw" is way easier and safer
You can also nest 2 hole saws on the same arbor. Use the original hole saw used to make the smaller hole as a guide for the larger hole saw. Works great.
Have installed 4 of these units, having the refrigeration lines wrapped in coiled steel to prevent kinking is a nice feature
I installed an 18k dual zone mr cool unit in my house 6 months ago and it was not the diy type unfortunately, Because I live in Hawaii I had to order through Home Depot and ship to store. I am kinda glad because my tubes are just the right size and the wire is just the correct size. I would suggest that you run a piece of conduit from the end of your piping cover to the electrical box to protect the cable. but mr cool makes a great system I was able to do everything myself including vacuum the pipes and charging as well as wiring the unit. I have zero complaints love mr cool. Saved 2500 from what the hvac company wanted.
Thank you for this Video. I will be installing one my self. Great Job!!!
I like the clear and simple video of your install. FYI I don't believe you should be insulating the the 2 couplings (which you referred to as "valves") together. They should be insulated separately as one is line is going to be hot and the other cold. Bridging them together reduces system efficiency.
Having the warm coupling (liquid line) insulated together with the cold coupling (suction line) does not reduce efficiency. What it does is sub-cools the liquid refrigerant before going into the indoor coil, and it also boils off any potential liquid that didn't evaporate in the cooling coil, protecting the compressor. Liquid going back to the compressor could damage it. The reality is that there is very little heat transfer through those couplings anyway, so it's not really a big deal either way.
@@shingw that's in refrigeration cycle. Not ac. There's a difference. As the reverse cycle on heating it becomes a problem in hotter climates.
Thank you great video, now I know I now I can do it. Here in Santa Fe NM man was asking $2000 to install it, he said it will take 2 hours time, and the reason for asking $1000 an hour was because he is a professional !!!
OUTSTANDING VIDEO DAVID ! VERY PROFESSIONAL, EASY TO FOLLOW, YOU ARE A PRO. THANKS
We got MRCOOL 18K, 4 years, they are so GREAT! They have central units now.... found that out AFTER after a bought a goodman.
How much was it ?
Goodman built right here in Houston Texas
Those are some interesting fittings.
Holy crap David, small world, we are installing a 2-unit MrCool next weekend and this video was the first one to come up! Wooo Go UMass!
I always like the way you explain things even if there are videos about the same thing from others. Good job good install something to think about.
Oh Yeah! This is a great review of how a good job is done. Am considering getting a MR COOL for my house and this is might be the best sale ad ever 👍
It's been working well for my family this spring. Still have to wait awhile for next fall to get some cold weather data.
@@DavidPozEnergy THANKS BUD !
@@DavidPozEnergy is it more efficient heating with the 240V hook up?
Nice work!! No more noisy, inefficient window AC! And even better that its being powered off grid!
I have two that look like the one you removed,parts and labor free for ten years,only problem was after a power outage and was fixed next day.
Great job with all tutorials, ready to get one! Thanks!
!
Good DIY install - good to see DIYers are using Nylog, its a must to help avoid leaks at the connection points. Mr Cool is a good garage use unit, it will last you 2 - 3 years under normal usage. I don’t like the line set left coiled, understandably the line set is pre-vacuumed and cant be shortened without re-pulling a vacuum and the DIYer wouldn’t readily have the tools necessary to do it right, but otherwise, this is a really good install and those of you who are wanting to do your own unit, follow this step by step...really thorough. Good job.
2 or 3 years - why? That's useless. Which units will last longer - like 15 years?
DavidPoz... Awesome video. I really need to get one of them mini split units for my garage. I'm in Florida so it get hot in my garage especially when I'm trying to film a video with the garage door down.
Beautiful job! Very professional looking.
Thanks for making this video.
Our local utility is encouraging heat pumps.
Looking at the options.
This video is very helpful.
I would have added a cooler to that "coil" line set to keep my beer cold in the summer!😁
You do realize that one line would be HOT, right?
Both lines of a mini split are cool, txv is in the condenser
Dennis Coulbourn this is also a heat pump. In wintertime both lines are hot, the condenser is inside
@@12345anton6789 Then you use the cooler to keep your beer from freezing.
I wish we had DIY options here in Australia.
You have great videos. Sure is nice to watch without cursing. Keep up the good work.
The video was nice, I almost wish I needed one of these installed!
WOW. When mine goes I am going to do the same. I have the skills I just did not know there was one especially made for DIY. Thanks.
Excellent job and thanks for this
so are the lines charged or have a vacuum on them before you open them up?
Very cool, no pun intended. I am going to look into this product for my garage.
Iam a 37 year HVAC contractor and when Iam bored I love to be a couch critic. But dang you nailed it and Iam so glad that Iam about to retire because that crap puts us put of business. Please check your breaker in the house that its a 120volt and the correct amps . Don't use the old 220v one . Your family is blessed to have you .
half of these replys are soo fkn fake lol. Mr Cool is that you?
Consider putting a piece of steel wool or something in the condensate tube end to keep critters out.
Or a P-trap on the bottom
Heck...Just look for the tattle tail oil residue with the dirt stuck to it to find the culprit and odds are its a leak in the condenser coil, lineset connections or service valves. ;)
on the next one. coil the extra condensate drain tubing once on the wall to make a P trap / water loop to keep critters out. then snip it off.
Can't do a p- trap in areas of the country that gets below freezing
@@ThePapertank1 if it’s freezing the ac won’t be on.
I use a Mitsubishi heat pump to warm my house in cold seasons and cool it in the summer when needed. As I live on Norway I had to let it install by a provisional.
This makes the 6th Mr Cool install I’ve watched on CZcams. YOURS IS BEST👍🏻👍🏻
Nice job.
The black gooey tape you put up near the hole is probably more to insulate the copper pipes so they don't have water collect on them drip down the pipes.
In our church some squirrels ate away the insulation off the duct work and water condensed on the ducts and dripped into the sanctuary .
I am going to look into Mr Cool thanks for the vid.
Happy Motoring.
Very impressed, as a HVAC man it’s good to see a unit that most men could do! Great video
Try opening the suction valve first, wait then open the liquid second. The expansion valve is behind the liquid king valve and you could risk flooding it with oil.
Also, wait to fire the unit up after supplying power for a bit. Let the compressor warm up and boil any liquid off. You could take a good chunk of the life off the compressor slugging it with liquid refrigerant.
thanks for the great video I had my doubts about these units, but you make it look super easy I think it's something I can handle thx
Nicely done, David. Thanks for sharing.
I bought the exact system and installed it about 3 weeks ago, the only difference is the name, but as we all know they are all made in China. When I was in China they were selling these systems for about $250.00 complete! Some condos there have one per room!
What is the name of your unit?
I know, these model of fujitsu, the leak will be on the evaporator coil elbows of the left end side under the mounting plastic support.
I've checked out the video again and edited my question about purging the system. This was answered by looking at the bit at 8:36. Although it's not exactly like the unit I have the video is interesting. Thanks.
Great DIY . I had ARS A/C company told me that I was going to have to pay $3000. per unit ( Room ) to have them installed . I am not happy with companies that don't know what they are talking about . The were recommend by Home Depot .
I've seen these and they look like good products. The only drawback I see with this is the leftover piping that you have coiled outside that is exposed to being kicked, stepped on, dented, squashed and other bad things. Seems like they might be able to have the pipe in removable segments so you don't have to leave so much coiled up.
R290 is propane. All refrigerants have a pressure/temperature relationship. Having the same amount of refrigerant in a smaller amount of copper lineset would increase the pressure and cause issues. This would mean that the homeowner would have to release a percentage of the propane into the atmosphere, which would still hinder the efficiency of the unit and also possibly introduce moisture to the system (which can cause serious issues). There's a reason that technicians charge what they do.
I watched a video of a installation of Mr Cool where the person cut the length down to size. Nothing was mentioned about too much pressure.
Great video bro. I have been thinking about getting the mr cool for a while and now you have inspired me. Thank you!
I really like the stand you made!
Clean and thorough install! Thanks for the video, I'm going to get one of these..
Love the videos man...always great, always easy to follow!
Thanks for watching.
We also trying in our country Nigeria in repairing and installation
This is great but, after considering the cost and amount of work involved, we have opt out for a couple of 12,000 BTU portable unit at $400 a piece. Got everything set up and running in less than 30 minutes.
And your monthly electrical bill is now ?
I think window units are almost twice the energy consumption.
Those 12,000 btu system draw about 4.5 amps!.....u could easily run one off a small solar setup.
Great vid thanks. I tried this and now I have more bits than what I started with.
Classic How To - Superb editing - I am saving this for future reference - Excelante !!!
I ran mine in Florida with my Grid tie back up inverter for 4 days after a hurricane with no power from grid, no problem. That is the reason you want to get the 110v model.
The only negative to the preparred tubing is that you may have to loop it due to being too long. Looping can accumulate oil which isn't good for longevity. Spend another $200-$300 on a vacuum kit and flare tool and trim the tube to the right length.
Just learned something about oil accumulation! Thanks!
Good point, but really though how much DIYERS have the money to do so? And besides buying something you’d most like to ever use this one time.
Great Job ! Only improvement i would make is to support the line set on the Wall of your house. i would recommend a Hose Hangar that u use for Hanging a Garden hose on a Wall. Coil Line set Vertically Like a Garden hose. ( Circular fashion ) That added support will double the life of the unit. if u do not support that line set i can pretty much guarantee u having a leak at the Quick connects in 5 years. Great Job Besides that. minuscule vibration is what causes leaks over time on unsupported lines. Refrigeration Tech. for 39 Years. Business owner for 30 years.
Thanks this really helped an old guy like me!
Will install one in my garage, after I call Mr Cool
Cool ... Hearing a high end local experienced solar buddy saying these newer mini split heat pumps have really gone up in efficiency (plus under-sizing is better than over-sizing), I wonder how much energy savings the mini slits represent as compared to older tech of window or wall mounted ACs of same BTU ratings ??? ... While that might be harder to document, I'd love to someday see a video clip test result on that question.
I purchased a couple of 120vac 12000 BTU Pioneer brand mini split heat pumps (a free shipping $750 each deal) that I have tooled up to install myself. They will help me use my solar options to back off from my natural gas heating; plus provide a great cooling option to my evaporator cooler, including for if I had a wildfire smoke cycle outside my house to deal with. ... I will likely be voiding my warranty without a hired professional install (or check off), but with a background for details, I will take that risk on. Your video here will be another install reference.
Thanks for sharing the info. from your learning curve experiences :+) Bill in Northern California
I heat and cool my home with heat pumps and the operation cost as compared to window units is CONSIDERABLY LOWER! There is really no comparison, since the modern heat pump is running on DC power with an inverter and has variable speed capability as compared to that old window unit. It can run the compressor very slowly to keep liquid refrigerant ready for heating or cooling. The window unit compressor has just one speed. It's either running or idle, no in between.
@@chestermartin3440 Yes to more efficient options. I wonder how cooling via mini splits ac will compare to cost of running my evaporator cooler in a dry climate. I know I will prefer the heat pump cooling on cycles that hit near 100F. ... I think it will great to have both option plus heating via the same mini split unit in the winter :+)
Perfect for my new garage! Thanks
Cool! I need Mr. Cool at my house.
99% of issues one those Fujistsu is a leak in the indoor Coil.
I've had the exact same model 12k btu since 2013, rock solid but had a leak this year, replaced the indoor coil for free (12 year parts/labor warranty / Fujitsu Elite dealer)
The only thing I don't like about this is the excess tubing. I know that is a big part of the DIY friendly part but if I would install I would still want it to be the correct length. This product interests me because my master bedroom is the furthest room from the furnace and it does not get enough air flow for the warmest summer days and coolest winter days.
The tubing can be purchased at different lengths depending on application
You can choose how much tubing out of a few selections. You'll likely still have a little extra, but you can get it close in most applications. It looks like he could have gotten about 10-15' less tubing and been okay.
drescherjm if you know how to solder braze or flare tubing you can shorten the length yourself. Only drawback is you’ll need to attach a vacuum pump and evacuate the lines down to 500 microns. I bought Samsung’s for the house in the Philippines and they wouldn’t cover the warranty if I installed it, even tho I showed them my universal license, they insisted I pay them to install it. Well, they just opened the liquid line side valve and cracked open the vapor line fitting and flushed the air out. Not ideal but it works in a pinch. If you purchase a more traditional brand that has 1/4” and 3/8” male flare fittings then you can make your own flares fittings. Always be careful to cut tubing slowly and incrementally so as not to curl the metal inwards too much. Debur just slightly(over deburing thins out the metal)with tubing pointing down so flakes fall out not inside tubing. Then flare the ends (after putting on the flare nut😝) and again flare slowly so as to not fracture the copper. Copper will only bend so much so fast without cracking. Teflon tape and thread sealant are useless on flare fitting. The flare on the tubing is the surface that mates with the male flare. A copper flare washer helps with leaky issues. Lining up the connection with straight tubing and fittings will give you a leak free joint as well. You can install a flare union after shortening the line set using the dummy fittings shown in David’s video here.
@@billssolarpowerandgardenin1016 I have hundreds of hours of soldering experience with copper pipes but not so much brazing. Last time I did that it was the 1980s and I was in high school. Anyways the idea of using one of these units in my situation would be probably the third or fourth try after the others failed. Just got to get time to tackle the problem..
There is also a zoning option for conventional central forced air systems. That may help with getting air to poor locations. Ask for a free quote for a zoning system from your local HVAC company.
That's pretty cool. The only thing with DIY is that you end up with a lot of extra power cord coolant line length that must be left there.
Great job Dave.
Great job at video production. Did you have to check the pressure in the lines with a meter to confirm the system requirements?
the extra line set should be raised up and set so it coils downward for the oil.. you dont want the oil to get trapped in the loops.. the oil should be in the compressor where it belongs..
I saw that too...coil should always be sloping up, not down then up.
How is that possible without the ability to cut the lines to length????
Joseph Ferradino
I ran mine down the outside wall and then length wise along the bottom, then set the compressor and wiring. No coil on mine
How do you get away with not vacuuming down the system before charging it?
@@johngunn879 All the components (even lines) come with charge in them, thus no air or moisture. Special fittings hold pressure inside, yet open when components are screwed together.
Excellent tutorial. l'm ready to get mine. My neighbor is an electrician. He's going to help me. Should be great up upstairs. Thanks!
you are a trooper...always improving your place as a diy'er...