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Started By
Message
DIY Mini Split Install. Recs?
Posted on 5/29/24 at 9:23 am
Posted on 5/29/24 at 9:23 am
18k BTU window unit finally gave out in my garage after 30 years.
Looking to replace with one of those precharged Mini-Split unit. Any brand recs?
Current unit is 220v. Does the power feed out to the outside unit from inside or does it need two power sources? One for outside unit and one for inside.
Thanks.
Looking to replace with one of those precharged Mini-Split unit. Any brand recs?
Current unit is 220v. Does the power feed out to the outside unit from inside or does it need two power sources? One for outside unit and one for inside.
Thanks.
This post was edited on 5/29/24 at 9:25 am
13
Posted on 5/29/24 at 9:24 am to thejudge
Some take one power source. Some have two.
.
.
Posted on 5/29/24 at 9:30 am to thejudge
I have a MRCool I self installed a few years ago. Power runs to outside then it has its own power cables from outside to inside. Has been awesome. The noise difference from a window unit will be massive.
Posted on 5/29/24 at 10:01 am to thejudge
I have a Daikin 18k btu I diy installed and have been happy with it. It was my 3rd mini split diy.
Check out the several threads on garage journal for installation tips.
If you are not willing to get the proper tools to flare the line set, leak test with N2, and pull a vacuum and micron test, pay someone who can.
These systems can be installed DIY but you still have to do all the steps that a pro would do.
I would stay away from the lower end units on Amazon.
I’m not a fan of the Mr, cool systems as you typically end up with extra coiled up line set which is unsightly and not good for long term performance.
I like to flare with the proper tool and use flare tite seals for some extra leak prevention. I also use a special flare nut torque wrench.
Hope this helps.
Check out the several threads on garage journal for installation tips.
If you are not willing to get the proper tools to flare the line set, leak test with N2, and pull a vacuum and micron test, pay someone who can.
These systems can be installed DIY but you still have to do all the steps that a pro would do.
I would stay away from the lower end units on Amazon.
I’m not a fan of the Mr, cool systems as you typically end up with extra coiled up line set which is unsightly and not good for long term performance.
I like to flare with the proper tool and use flare tite seals for some extra leak prevention. I also use a special flare nut torque wrench.
Hope this helps.
Posted on 5/29/24 at 10:11 am to thejudge
I installed an "Innovair" on my bus and its worked just fine bouncing down the road for the past 3 years.
I bought the largest unit that could be powered by 120v.
I bought the largest unit that could be powered by 120v.
Posted on 5/29/24 at 10:29 am to thejudge
If you're in Westlake, I have an a/c guy who installed two for me in my shop for about $4500. Don't if you're only looking at DIY options, but the price difference at the time was negligible between him and doing it DIY.
Posted on 5/29/24 at 10:48 am to thejudge
Go back with a window shaker. Many times cheaper and easier. Nothing cools a small area like a window unit. When it breaks, just pop another one in. Mini splits can get expensive to work on.
Posted on 5/29/24 at 10:49 am to LEASTBAY
quote:
I have a MRCool I self installed a few years ago
Same here. I have a 1500 sqft shop that has the white rolled insulation, doors and windows are non-insulated. I can get it down to the low to mid 70's on the 100 degree days in NELA. My shop has zero shade and I'm happy with the results. It was very easy to install. It also runs very quiet.
I know you won't go wrong if you go with one
Posted on 5/29/24 at 11:49 am to thejudge
I went with a 2.5 ton blueridge w/heat pump to cool about 1100sqft think it was about $1700 dropped at the front door. Easy install although unlike the MR Cool you do have to pull a vacuum on the line set before you open the charge on the system, the blueridge setup is precharged in the compressor. Straight forward easy install been running solid for about 6 months now keeps my shop at a constant 74 degrees with very little effort and can get it down to 70 no problem even during the recent rise in temperatures. .
Posted on 5/29/24 at 11:51 am to thejudge
Not.
SAMSUNG.
SAMSUNG.
Posted on 5/29/24 at 12:08 pm to thejudge
We’re looking at a $1300 alpine for the apartment in the back that my middle kid will be moving into.
My ac guy had quoted me $3500 to install a system.
My ac guy had quoted me $3500 to install a system.
Posted on 5/29/24 at 12:12 pm to dyslexiateechur
quote:
My ac guy had quoted me $3500 to install a system.
If its a relatively easy install you just needa vacuum pump and a set of AC gauges. They can be had for around 200 dollars on amazon. I think mine came with the freon already stored in the unit.
These things are insanely easy to install.
Posted on 5/29/24 at 12:20 pm to AndyCBR
quote:
If you are not willing to get the proper tools to flare the line set, leak test with N2, and pull a vacuum and micron test, pay someone who can.
These systems can be installed DIY but you still have to do all the steps that a pro would do.
.
I wouldn't buy one of the Mr. Cool kits because it only requires some basic tools and refrigerant that every HVAC service truck has on board and someone who knows how to use it. It is very easy to offer someone a couple of hundred bucks to do so and save the thousand extra the DIY model costs. The tools aren't overly expensive unless you intend to use them several times a day for years but the refrigerant can be hard to get without spending some serious money. Ask a HVAC tech if they'd like to make a couple of hundred bucks....many will say they can't or aren't interested but a lot of them will jump all over it. If the area is like most of the country you ain't far from a spec house development under construction....ride through one about quitting time and ask, all they can do is say no.
Posted on 5/29/24 at 12:25 pm to AwgustaDawg
quote:
Ask a HVAC tech if they'd like to make a couple of hundred bucks....many will say they can't or aren't interested but a lot of them will jump all over it.
That's a good idea. I know an AC guy who does it on the side that can probably swing by and take care of it after I do all the install work.
Any recs as to the size?
30x30 with 10' ceilings.
Posted on 5/29/24 at 2:06 pm to thejudge
quote:
That's a good idea. I know an AC guy who does it on the side that can probably swing by and take care of it after I do all the install work.
Any recs as to the size?
30x30 with 10' ceilings.
Somewhere in the neighborhood of 18000 BTUs. It being a garage will depend on a lot of things but as far as room area that is the common answer. Oversizing can be as bad as under sizing because the unit will cool faster than it can remove moisture and the air will fill uncomfortable at any temperature. This is common in campers and used to be common with window units....cold and clammy is almost as uncomfortable as hot and clammy.
Posted on 5/29/24 at 5:42 pm to AwgustaDawg
quote:
Somewhere in the neighborhood of 18000 BTUs. It being a garage will depend on a lot of things but as far as room area that is the common answer.
Sounds good.
This is more like a pool house when there was a pool and has a full.kitchen and bath as well as insulated. It could be rented out of I didn't have all my tools and ahit in it.
18k is what I'll look into.
Posted on 5/29/24 at 6:09 pm to thejudge
I have 2 Pioneer units that I installed myself. After installing the first I hired my A/C guy for $100 to come pull a vacuum and release the refrigerant. And check for leaks. took him 20 minutes. lol
For the second install i bought a vacuum pump off of amazon and did everything myself.
Both units came with all parts to install. minus the electrical.
When it's time to replace i'll probably spring the extra $ for a Mitsubishi or Daikin and get my own flaring tool.
They are nice and quiet. But be forewarned that they don't push air like a window unit. At least the older window units.
Good Luck
For the second install i bought a vacuum pump off of amazon and did everything myself.
Both units came with all parts to install. minus the electrical.
When it's time to replace i'll probably spring the extra $ for a Mitsubishi or Daikin and get my own flaring tool.
They are nice and quiet. But be forewarned that they don't push air like a window unit. At least the older window units.
Good Luck
Posted on 5/29/24 at 6:26 pm to moe1967
quote:
They are nice and quiet. But be forewarned that they don't push air like a window unit. At least the older window units.
Hmmm...
This would be a unit I'd turn off and on as we use it. Quiet would be nice but the old window unit cools the room off fast. I wonder if I should go back with what I have due to how it's used...
However if I install a split and we sell the house the next people could easily use it as an apartment with the separate water supply and sewer.
Posted on 5/29/24 at 6:31 pm to thejudge
I just installed a 12K Mr Cool in my spare room upstairs. It was pretty straightforward after watching a few YouTube videos. The upstairs is now 69* instead of 85*. It’s nice, quiet and I saved $4-6,000 doing it myself. It has precharged coolant lines so you don’t need an HVAC tech to prime the lines. Can’t speak for its long term quality, but so far, it’s been better than expected.
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