DIY Mini-Split Install: I did NOT expect this...
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- Thanks to MRCOOL: mrcooldiy.com/
Subscribe and follow my Podcast on Apple or Spotify!
Apple: apple.co/32AOwgU
Spotify: spoti.fi/3FXNg4X
Sign up for our twice-weekly newsletter:
buildshownetwo...
To sponsor a video or advertise with us visit:
www.buildprodu...
Want to learn more about building? thebuildshow.com/
The Build Show on Instagram: / thebuildshow
Huge thanks to our Show sponsors Builders FirstSource, Polyguard, Huber, Rockwool & Viewrail for helping to make these videos possible! These are all trusted companies that Matt has worked with for years and trusts their products in the homes he builds. We would highly encourage you to check out their websites for more info.
www.bldr.com/
polyguard.com/
www.Huberwood.com
www.Viewrail.com
www.Rockwool.com
![Tee Grizzley - Blow for Blow (feat. J. Cole) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wNLN5xsx5dc/mqdefault.jpg)
In the summer of 2020, I installed a 12k MrCool mini-split in my detached 1-car garage-size shop. Then, in the fall, I asked our A/C tech to inspect my installation when he was doing the annual maintenance of our A/C units. I also asked him to shorten the lines for me. He charged me less than $100 to shorten the lines. Having the A/C professional check my work made this DIYer feel more comfortable.
The MrCool unit has done everything I could have asked of it. Even when it get above 115 degrees here in Arizona, my shop stays cool. My only regret is not doing it sooner!
Yup... I know an hvac guy from the start. I just set the equipement and i let him do the linsets and filling and checking. I just do the grunt work of carrying heavy equipment up into the attic etc.
Not many heating/AC companies will work on the DIY systems.
They want the huge installation fees. Typically 2.5 X cost of the unit in just labor.
@@fhuber7507 - Yes, our guy wanted to install his own unit for $9K (in an enclosed patio of 288sf) AND it would have an ugly vent along the ceiling. Otherwise, his charge for installing the Pioneer we bought was $2500. We did ourselves and it's wonderful! We now have two more to install in our his and her workshops.
I self-installed a Mr. Cool 1 ton, 115 Volt in 2020 and it's been going strong for three years. Love that it both heats and cools so I was able to ditch the radiant heater in the winter. Setup is as easy as they say - if you've hung a flat panel TV on the wall, setting up the head unit isn't any more difficult. Both the indoor blower and the external evaporator are surprisingly quiet in both heat and cool mode; critical since I was cooling a home office and didn't want to ruin those zoom calls.
The one thing Matt didn't mention is that there's a teeny USB dongle that came with my unit (I believe it's standard) that connects the head unit to your local Wi-Fi and then you can control the cooler through an app on your phone. I find it very useful to set up a scheduled heat in the wintertime; I start heating about an hour before I get into my office and it's good to go by the time I get there.
This is totally doable for a diy person with good skills and some equipment. That said, I rather use a system with non-pressurized linesets- cut to proper length and no coiling. I installed a mini split in my garage workshop (app 400 sq ft) 16 months ago (9000btu) and have been totally pleased. I purchased all my needed install equipment (gauges, vacuum pump, pipe tools, nitrogen tank, special connectors, etc and still only spent less than $1500). I did my own electrical on a dedicated circuit and researched everything before starting. The system works perfectly for heating and cooling. You can do this. Don’t forget to weatherstrip a garage. Makes a BIG difference.
What brand/model unit did you use?
@@ShawnD1027 you can order the MrCool pre-charged line set or vac pump set up (HD had the best price shipped). I did the vac pump and saved 500. Ran it for the 15 min and flipped the valves. chills the upstairs right down.
Agree! That coiled up pipe looks very ghetto
On mine I used all of the length, looks great.
Yeah, I’m with you. I bought my own quality tools to do my own hvac install on now two places of my own and a couple mini splits for friends.
Oh and I watched probably a hundred hours of RUclips videos - including all of AC Service Tech’s videos. AC’s videos are like going to school.
If I can save some money AND do it to perfection, I’m in. Not to mention I get to feed my tool habit. I try to by professional grade tools because I hate cheap tools AND I don’t want to be wondering if I have a leak or have a garbage set of gauges.
I’ve had too many friends get shoddy work out of licensed and bonded outfits - and pay through the nose for that privilege
These mini splits are so easy to install that you don't have to be very skilled to do it. I'm surprised Matt is late to this topic, but Mr.Cool was featured on many of the other big name maker RUclips channels a few years ago, and nearly all of them have a DIY video for one of these mini splits. If you have some skill then take a look at their full size split system. I installed a 3 and 5 ton of their universal series on my house some years ago and they've survived multiple Texas summers and winters when many people's systems were failing. You don't need to do any refrigerant handling because they also sell pre charged lines but i went ahead and got the EPA's 608 certification because a child could pass it and it protects you from liability. I only did this after having multiple HVAC companies give me quotes over $50k to install equivalent big brand systems and that price just didn't sound right with how easy these electronics are to work with. Also, these smart systems are significantly more fault tolerant than the systems of old and a lot of hvac companies hate that about them. The old systems would simply let your compressor burn itself out with no warning that a problem was coming. These smart units will detect the faults long before they kill your system and the repair is much cheaper. I had to replace one board in my 5 ton after it shut down from an overcurrent fault. Contacted Mr.Cool and they knew about the issue with the board and sent me the replacement with instructions on how to install it myself. Don't take this to mean you can't get killed doing this kind of work, but it's not more dangerous than understanding electricity and moving heavy appliances so that they don't unalive you.
How much to install yourself vs. the $50k bid?
@@aptpupil $15k
There's clearly a business opportunity here for anyone willing to work on these systems. Tesla attempted this same thing with trying to prevent customers from having full control and service of their products. Smart folks saw the opportunity and started opening 3rd party electric car garages. When I retire from my present career I might look into just going around and fixing DIY HVAC installs. I don't think anyone would expect a warranty on the repair and most just need someone that can go through the repair checklist and communicate to the manufacturer what the issue is for warranty parts.
Me and my dad installed a similar unit about 7 years ago and it's still running like a charm.
Would love for you to see my 1910 block farmhouse. I put in a 4th Gen Mr. Cool with 5 zones. Super cold. Stucco outside and inside of walls. Amazing how energy efficient from looking at my utility bill for a month of use. Increase was only $100. I did all the work and I am super pleased with the results.
Your electric bill should go down after installing mini-splits, not up...
@@skynetlabs- not if you had NO, or highly insufficiently sized AC previously.
I installed 2x 12k single zone units & a 36k 3 zone unit at my house 2 years ago. I absolutely would recommend them to anyone that is handy enough to install them.
Big difference that Matt glossed over is the warranty. The unit is 100% covered by warranty as a DIY unit.
I’ve seen too many people install regular mini-splits (non Mr cool) themselves only to have trouble 2 years later. Something like a fan motor going bad normally would be covered. because it wasn’t installed by a pro, the warranty is void.
@seriouslee8335 would you be able to link the model you used? I’m thinking of doing something similar for my 1960s ranch house. I’m so tired of the noise and ugliness of window units. Thanks.
@@skynetlabsthat’s assuming there was a central HVAC before the mini-splits were installed.
I installed the 24K unit in my new shop building. Excellent system. Easy install. Totally satisfied...and $2500 compared to over $4000 from an HVAC company.
We put a Mr. Cool mini-split in our pole barn workshop, which is well-insulated, and it works great. It's worked great for over a year and kept the building at a comfortable temp all winter and summer.
I installed my Mr. Cool myself. I replaced my old heat pump with a Mr. Cool 2-3 ton Universal. Not 'super easy' but certainly not hard. Love that I can set heat and cool separately between 2 or 3 tons with dip switches. Outside condenser AND inside air handler. Takes some time and patience, but very doable. Hardest part is manipulating/running the line set. Called support once during the install they were very helpful.
I am about to do the 4-5 ton unit for other part of house. I am considering reusing existing line set since it is are already safely in the exterior wall and in good shape. I'll have my AC friend do an evac/recharge. Mr. Cool comes with the connections for him to do that as well. Really smart setup.
Pros!
- SUPER quiet units and very effective.
- Uses about 1800 watts when running. My old system used 4500-5000! NO power surge on start.
- Decided to NOT order heat strips with it. Not needed in Houston since the unit will work well down to 0 and at 80% at -20/ Super impressive!!
- Price. I spent under $4000 and about 8-10 total hours to do what a contractor quoted over $12000 for! Not knocking the contractor, and for those not willing/able to DIY a good contractor is worth their weight in gold. That said, Mr. Cool provides some really good options for replacement units.
Cons:
- Line set is very stiff and frustrating
- Line set is bigger due to UV cover and harder to "hide" on outside wall. Not very aesthetic, but can use traditional, smaller line sets if you prefer.
We installed a Pioneer (pre-charged in the condenser unit) about a month ago. We hired an electrician to add a breaker and shut-off and then he checked our install and all was great. We had never done anything like this before. We love the ease of installation, the quietness of the inside and outside units and how well it cools - our patio of 288sf has ten windows and a storm door and the unit cools it with ease. It's so nice to have a year-round usable sunroom now!
Installed one for my bedroom on a south facing room. Made a huge difference in the hot summers of California. Love these units!
I just bought the 4th Gen 18k DIY Unit and it’s in the mail.
Great timing for this! It’s for garage as well.
It's truly fantastic that it can be installed without having to deal with the plumbing and the refrigerant gas. That coiled line on the outside of the house looks pretty bad though. It would be so much better if it could be coiled up in the attic or inside the house or at least at ground level and tucked behind the unit.
it should be coiled horizontally.
I have read that you shouldn't coil the excess vertically like that. It traps the lubricating oil in it and destroys the compressor. It should be coiled in a spiral horizontally in a way that drains.
I'd like to hear Mr Cool weigh in on that.
This is not a problem with mini splits. They regularly run liquid or a very low superheat so the oil is not trapped.
This is also official policy with Gree because you must have at least 10ft of line set.
Yes, not a issue.
Hey Matt, we all make mistakes and we learn. But I’d be 💯 surprised if Mr. Cool wants the extra lineset mounted vertically like that. It creates an oil trap and will eventually cause an issue as the oil won’t return to the compressor! Not to mention you discussed line set covers that you didn’t use (or show it installed) and 99% of the time should be mounted prior to running the lines on the outside of the wall. I’d imagine those flares have a recommended torque setting as well. Your too good to just put out content like this and not follow manufacturer instructions!!! All that being said, been a fan for a while and really enjoy your content. Don’t just put stuff out there to put stuff out there (“sponsored “ or not)!!!
Coiling the required line set is standard practice. Some ac units MUST have a certain amount of line set between the evaporator and the condenser. The precharged line set HAS to be kept...and there is no other way to do it other than a loop...unless you can spread the units out EXACTLY so there is zero extra tubing. How long have you done refrigeration? I don't pre install covers either...its easy to put the base under the copper and lines...and you can't miss.
@@rogerwhiting9310 Hey Roger! So I do understand that some manufacturers require a certain length of line set and obviously a precharged lineset cannot be cut down. But coiling the lineset vertically instead of horizontally is a bad idea! So I’ve been in the construction industry for 25 yrs and the HVAC industry 13 yrs (and just to be clear, my length of time in the industry doesn’t make proper installation practices better or worse, they are indeed proper regardless). I would like to think that while I absolutely don’t know everything (I’m always learning and honing my skills) I’m pretty sure almost every guy that installs line set cover doesn’t install it after the lineset is run! Even if it’s straight out and down. Can you…sure, but why? Knowing where the line set is being run, most lineset cover brands have clips so you can secure the lineset inside of the back cover, which helps when you’re making multiple turns and/or going around an outside or inside corner. And it’s pretty hard to hand bend lineset above 3/8”. 1/2” maybe but 5/8” through 7/8” is almost impossible to make a 90° bend that would fit in 90° cover fitting. On average I install about 30+ minisplit jobs a year. And that is predominantly multiple head units using branch boxes. So while yes someone can be installing equipment wrong their whole career, I am not one of those guys! Haha. I’m on the Northshore (just North if Boston) and inverter heat pumps have completely blown up here. We also install water heaters, boilers, furnaces and conventional split systems. Feel free to check out our work!
absoluteprecisionplumbing.com/
@@bradfordstoll5191Hi! I have my lines go up into the ceiling and then right down through the eves and into the condenser. No loops, but there is a single large up and down. Do you think that'll cause the oil trap problem?
I’m assuming we’re only talking 3-5’ up and then back down again. This should not be an issue. The multiple coils vertically are what’s usually a no no.
I’m assuming we’re only talking 3-5’ up and then back down again. This should not be an issue. The multiple coils vertically are what’s usually a no no.
I installed one of these 24k with two air handlers (18k + 9k). The 18k is capable of heating my whole upstairs and I really was not expecting that. Here in Seattle it doesn't get hot often but when it does, I need to set this thing to 78 or it gets way too cold for my comfort. I have a few thermometers around the house and even though the thermostat is right on the air handler itself, it's extremely accurate at keeping the air temperature exactly as set. I used to have an 8k window unit that on the hottest days would run constantly, was 10x louder, and used about the same amount of electricity.
Originally I was going to pay a company to install a mini split but these companies are booked up solid and there is no incentive for them to offer low prices. My lowest bid was $25k for a comparable Mitsubishi system! I got this whole thing delivered and installed for around $3k. It was definitely a lot of work though, as I'm not experienced doing this kind of thing, but I'm glad I did it!
I have one of these for my recording studio control room. I did it myself and even had covid during part of the install. The only thing I had help with was wiring it into the breaker panel. Super easy and really quiet unit.
I helped my friend install his Mr. Cool setup at his new house. It took less than a day to run wiring, lines, and drainage. It's pretty incredible for something that cost about $1,400 total.
My boy and I installed a Mr. Cool diy in my barn 4 or 5 years ago. Everything was straightforward with the actual install, had an unused 220v line running near the outside unit that I repurposed for the AC. The only challenging part was that I welded up some brackets to mount the outside unit about 7’ up on the back of the barn under the run-in shed roof so I could park my tractor under it without fear of damage. Keeps 1200sq/ft of insulated barn with 10’ ceilings comfortable year round, and it’s pretty economical with electricity. I had one failure of the outside air temp sensor. First they sent me a new sensor, then when that didn’t fix it they sent a new sensor and a new motherboard, no questions. It worked fine even with the bad sensor, but the warning was annoying. Honestly it’s the best tool I’ve ever purchased, and yes I consider it a tool. Before insulation the barn was well over a hundred degrees in the summer, which meant I didn’t want to be in there working and the temperature swings (plus the humidity changes) were bad for my other tools. Mine came with the USB dongle to connect to wifi, which for my use is unneeded but I can definitely see the utility if it was installed in someplace you don’t occupy all the time but want comfortable when you arrive.
I've personally installed 3 Mr Cool DIY units and they are great! One is in a 1,000 SQ FT garage and it runs great and very quiet.
How did you calculate the unit you needed?
its amazing listening to people in the US talk about mini splits like theyre a new thing that may compete with whats installed in the US. Pro Tip: Mini splits are the Industry standard. The US is decades behind most all other humans. Welcome, took you long enough.
I have installed two of these in past years. One in New construction one in old and have hidden the line sets in attic or under house so the outside is aclean install with no coils hanging outside. I'm about to install one more and will order a shorter line set to its claen outside.Great units
I want to do the same thing because after my shop was built I realized the location I ran my electrical to was not going to be a good spot for my mini split unit because of dust. I was thinking if I can get the linesets in the attic then I could put the unit anywhere I wanted it, but there is no spot on the unit for running the linesets up so how did you get them to turn up into the attic?
@@rickysdrywall5288 The drain needs to be down hill (gravity drop) that can be separated from the line set. In our case one wall is above an attic space so unit is high up and set drops behind into another attic. In new construction I put a 3 inch PVC pipe in interior wall so linesets and drain go to crawl space and drain well for drain to a PVC pipe under hiuse to daylight and line set is coiled under house parallel to floor. Line sets can rise uphill with zero issues. Its the drain line that needs to go down 1/4 to the foot. The drain is the one to plan for the hardest to get right.. The line sets are 25 feet or 12 feet.
Finally got it up and running. The only delays we had was because we realized we needed some extra parts (I’ll list that below) ruclips.net/user/postUgkxihMYiJNXcHdbH-7ihymsLz61l7jVyb5O . So we have a loft where our current hvac just couldn’t seem to keep cool during the summer. We have been using a window unit since we bought this house over 6 years ago (all the houses in this neighborhood were built in the 80’s and majority of the houses built like ours use a window unit). I hate window units because they are just so noisy and the one we had really only cools one side of the loft. I had contemplated upgrading our current HVAC, but with all the rising prices these days, it would take years before saving up enough to do that. With the advice of my father-in-law (used to run an HVAC business), he recommended we get an inverter instead. We thought we bought everything we needed, but there were just a few other parts we didn’t anticipate needing (which is what caused most of our delay). My friend and father-in-law did all the work to get it installed and running and now we have nice cool air circulating nicely throughout the entire loft. It is very quiet and even the outside unit is much quieter than our main HVAC unit. Saved ourselves thousands getting this.
More than 35 years ago I installed one like this and it was a Japanese brand " National " ! It was 30k BTU . It kept working with no flaw for more than 20 years.
Nice! National was a Panasonic brand.
I was just thinking, I recently saw a Sears garage door opener on a WOOD door!
It DID work! Noisily, but effectively.
Grease. People. Grease!
It had "wood grain," so 70s...?
Good lookin unit. This is gonna save a lot of people some money! Good job guys 👊
I was quoted $24k for a 5 unit system that really costs closer to 8k last year. I laughed out loud at the person quoting that price then when they started using my number to cold call me a few months later to offer the same system I told them to f off and never call me again. This weekend I'm working on the first of two 3 head mrcool mini split installs (including a 200 A sub panel in my garage that exceeds NEC code in a couple ways). I'm so tired of shitty contractors overcharging for sloppy work on my house so they can afford to drive unnecessarily large shitty pickups that get 4mpg.
Awesome system,
I installed my whole house system in 2021, Mr. Cool 3rd gen. no regrets, works so much better and way more efficient. I removed my forced air heater, and both roof mounted master cool units. Mr. Cool 2 exterior heat pumps, and 6 interior blowers. absolutely love the system. The app you can control from anywhere. -JM
to add, 1800 sqft home, 4 bed 2 bath. in the Mojave desert.
I installed a MRCOOL unit myself in my workshop and it was easy and works great!
Ready the warranty about installing yourself before buying one of these, and be VERY careful with the connection points on the line-set. Remember to have that condensate tube slope down when you go through the wall so it won't flow back to the wall unit.
Love to see you do one with the 5 Ton Mr Cool Universal System. I'm considering one myself.
technology connections got me on to mini splits. it's good to see yall and jerry rig getting on this too.
mini splits need to be more common
My HVAC technician said that those connections always leak. He said that walk in refrigerators have had those connections for decades and that they always leak he thinks because people DIY them. Word of caution to be careful there.
I decided not to go with Mr. Cool because they did not provide me with the specifications I needed to choose the perfect system. A lot of the Mr. Cool are rebranded Pioneers all from China! I went with an LG because it can ramp all the way down to 3,000 btu barely running all the way up to 22,000btu nominal and 30k btu peak. But, there’s no specs the company would provide me on the Mr. Cools I tried.
Mr cool is not all that cheap. With a liitle more work and knowledge you can save more.
I bought a 12k inverter AC/heat pump unit from Tosot direct, for my garage. Same setup. Ultra quiet. It’s 220 volt, but I’m comfortable with working with power. I agree most people should hire a pro, but like anything it’s easy if you know how, or can learn by watching a few hours of RUclips. My unit draws about 6 amps in normal operation.and less when at temp. The inverter tech is great, as it soft starts, with low LRA locked Rotor Amps, making it possible to run when powered by a 5kw generator.
Was about 900 doll hairs when I got it. It’s an R410a refrigerant unit. They run little sales now and then.
I already had a vac pump that would get down to 5 microns.
Bought a cheap set of 410a gauges, which I didn’t really need at all for this job., but good to have anyways.
Rented a micron vacuum gauge, from a local Oreillys auto parts, to verify I actually got the vacuum needed.
bought a cheap flare tool, to cut the lines and make the flares needed for the connections.
Don’t forget to get a small container of Nylog Blue, which is a refrigerant safe connection sealer
Super happy with everything, and have more knowledge now where I understand how this works and could probably troubleshoot the unit if needed, instead of calling a company, waiting for a tech to show up, and paying stupid high bills.
Nice job. Once you buy a $50 vacuum pump at Harbor Freight and a set of cheap gauges...it isnt any different as long as you dont have to extend the refrigerant lines more than is called for. You can then install any mini split as long as you have a supplier.
No. That cheap pump will not pump down low enough, and gauges will not tell you if you have an actual good vacuum.
Either go the Mrcool DIY route (don't recommend as those hose connections start to leak down the road) or do it right. You'll still come out ahead with a decent $250 pump and $300 micron gauge and hoses.
I really wish they would redesign the evaporator connections on these. The lines should pass thru the unit and bend over and connect on the front or botttom side under the cover. Your connections poked thru the wall and were accessible outside. But on other brands the connections are on the back of the indoor unit where you cannot check them for leaks once you charge the system. Also if you are installing on an interior wall, the lines need to be embedded in the wall where they are not accessible.
Changing the design to be front or bottom accessed fixes all cases, and makes them much more serviceable.
Good video, but what happened to the line set cover installation?
I just ordered my third. Love my first two!
I installed a two head unit in my vacation home in VT. The hardest part by far was bending the lines gentle to not pinch them and coiling up the extra so not to look a mess. After watching more RUclips on the normal units I purchased a small 110v unit for just 650. I also purchased a vacume pump and manafold. It does not look much more difficult than the Mr Cool and is a lot cheaper (also a much smaller unit). I even plan to get a flange tool so I can size the lines to match the install. I do not like the coil of extra lines.
Love the idea of these mini splits but I don’t like not being able to go to the local supply house for parts.
Mr Cool uses contract manufacturing. That unit is made by someone else and those parts are definitely at your local parts supplier.
I have since insulated my garage and installed a Daikin mini split. I caved.
i be getting one between now and next summer for sure, might try to see if they got the 18k. This is a good project for beginners or apprentices starting training in ac and heating as well, but for sure perfect for anyone trying to cool down or heat up a large room.
The remotes also act as a thermometer so if you keep it on the other side of the room it will help balance the entire rooms air temp
As I understand it, the thermostat is in the evaporator unit and the remote is a merely a controller.
Need one of these for my workshop!
Did one a few years ago. Still chugging along 3 years later.
Installed a 12K Mr Cool unit about 4 years now: no problems whatever. The electrical should be done by a licensed electrician (120v or 220v). Once that is done, its smooth sailing!
I installed a Hunter&Cooper with no previous HVAC experience. Totally doable.
The best addition was a "Cielo Breez Max" for thermostat control and WiFi access.
This is my 4th video I have watched on DIY split air conditioner install. All of the other people cut the excess of the copper tubing and re-flanged the end. all you did was gather the excess tubing up and attach it to the exterior wall!!!
I have really been impressed with Mr Cool. Matt, how would you compare it with a similarly-sized Mitsubishi, considering the cost.
2 tons seems like a lot, maybe make sure there is some attic insulation. My whole house only uses 3 tons (1950sf).
I have one sitting my garage waiting to be installed. I plan to use the full line set length and place the head on the wall so the lines won't have to be coiled up.
In the house I'm currently building for myself I'm putting in an air-to-water heat pump which are common everywhere in the world except here in the United States. In my researching of brand options I've come across a few that are a similar concept. They call them a mono bloc which means the refrigerant comes preinstalled in a sealed component so you literally just have to plug it into power. Between the shortages of installers and the exorbitant costs, I'm all for more convenient technologies.
Wish mr cool would sponsor a minisplit for my garage
these make a great supplement for a gas radiator system. whichever is the biggest room, turn off those radiators and use the mini-split to take that load. it should save money compared to a gas boiler down until about 10F.
About 8 years ago I installed 2 units; a 12k diy mrcool (1st or 2nd gen), and a friedrich breeze diy 12k. The Breeze died after about 3 years, developing a pinhole leak somewhere in the lineset and following up shortly after with a dead board. The MrCool kept on running, and I replaced the Breeze with another MrCool unit.
I've since sold the house and moved, but they were both still running when I left. At my new place there's central air with 2 really loud outdoor units. At some point I'm going to replace those with head pumps; MrCool is high on my list, although the permitting here in NYC is a lot more restrictive than at my old place in Seattle. Given the permitting issue and the layout of my house (it's a rowhouse), I think I'd actually prefer saddle window units if MrCool made them. I know MrCool makes U-shaped window units similar to Midea (mrcool.com/u-shaped-window-a-c/), but a saddle one would be so much better.
I did a whole house system and paid a large sum to have installed. I have had non stop problems for three years. the installer usually has to come out at least twice per year. I am actually waiting on them now to fix a problem with three of the internal head units. I would avoid LG at all costs.
Matt, you featured a system a few months back that had mini-splits with cassettes. It would be nice to see a DYI or solutions along those lines.
I don't think every state requires a licensed electrician. I did my own Mr Cool and I recommend them to everyone I know.
Matt and Build Team
Longtime listener first time commenting. Is there a way to use one of these Mr Cool heat pump condensers on a traditional forced air system while keeping my gas furnace as a backup? I’ve seen some folks on RUclips install a system like this but it lacks the detail I feel comfortable with before attempting my own install.
I live in the Midwest and would love to implement a system like this soon. I am a complete building science nerd now guys. Thanks for all the great content. I know way to much about insulation and air tightness for even my contractor father in-law to handle.
Great question here. ^
With that line set coiled up several times like that vertically the lubricating oil will likely get trapped or pulled in the coils of the line set and the compressor will be starved for lubrication. It may fail prematurely because of this.
With normal split systems, yes. With mini splits that run a very low superheat that typically has liquid returning? Not a problem.
I installed one in my garage a few years back and it worked great for about 2 years. Subsequently developed a large coolant leak from a copper pipe behind the indoor unit and this was a non-replaceable part. Therefore had to trash the entire unit. I had my HVAC contractor install a new unit of a different brand. Have maintenance agreement and extended warranty. I just didn’t want to replace the MrCool unit again myself and have it break down again in a couple years. Makes it a little difficult for me to recommend MrCool.
Signature solar now makes a model just like this that will run on ac or dc so when the Texas grid flops in a week or so you can hook it up to a solar panel instead.
Got to love that Texas power grid and its wheel bound commander in chief. 🤦♂️
@@Katana_00wow that’s a hateful comment. Texas has had one major outage in the last 20 years, and everyone thinks it’s the worst thing ever. Meanwhile, N California has rolling blackouts every summer and winter and no one thinks it’s even worth mentioning. Media’s selective attention bias at work…
I'm surprised that an appliance can run on dc. The only other appliance I've ever heard that runs on dc, and therefore directly to a solar panel, is a 12 V fridge designed for camping vans. Are you sure it's not an ac-only device and Signature solar is using an invertor to power any normal home appliances?
@donaldlee6760 per their website “The EG4 Solar AC is one of the most innovative ductless heat pump/air conditioners available; reduce your electric bill and keep your home the temperature you want with this energy-efficient appliance. Featuring the ability to plug directly into solar panels, this system accepts DC power from their PV array without the need for an intermediary device during the day or can draw AC power from the grid at night or during overcast days. Users of the EG4 Solar Mini-Split AC can save money when compared to conventional central air conditioning systems. Pair this unit with a small string of solar panels to immediately begin heating and cooling your property.”
Ran circuits for two of those today,different brand,same concept,heat and air company installed..it was quick
game changer
I put the 18k unit in my garage in 2020 and it's been great. I was worried about refrigerant leaking because I had zero experiences installing but it seems to be a nonissue.
do we need the electrician too if we get the 120V one?
I’ve heard the extra coiled up lines should lay horizontal not vertical as not to trap the lubricant oil in the refrigerant lines.
You mentioned that the unit quickly met set temperature, Does the number displayed on unit represent the target temp? reason I ask I see a lot comments on Utube complain about auto mode not working or customers having difficult time to adjust the temp to their desire. More importantly is there a HAVC company in the Austin area that would service the unit if something failed over time? I keep hearing HVAC companies will not support MR Cool units.
How often do you need to clean the mold off the fins?
Would these be suitable for commercial office use? 24/7 use?
Awesome product.
Haha! Even the electrical is DIY guys
I am very surprised about the lack of flashing used during instalation. What channel is this?... 😜
Pulling a vacuum on an hvac system really isn't that complicated or difficult. Granted ,I have a lot of experience with auto hvac. However, what I think a lot of people don't realize is that all residential hvac condensers come from the factory with a coolant charge sufficient for 15 feet or so linesets. This means it's not just Mr. Cool that pre charged its hvac condensers. All Mr. Cool is doing is pre charging the linesets, so you don't have to pull a vacuum. You can save hundreds of dollars by renting or buying a vacuum pump and pulling a vacuum before opening the condenser valve to the linesets. The problem with Mr. Cool is its very difficult getting a hvac contractor to do ant repairs on Mr. Cool because they can't get parts for it in a timely matter. So if you're going to self install a mini split, my advice is to buy a mini split brand that Hvac contractors can get parts for just in case in the future you need a pro to repair it. Finding contractors to work on mini splits used to be difficult years ago. However, it's easier now as some hvac contractors have gotten over themselves and have realized they can make money repairing mini splits as they are becoming very popular. However, hvac contractors still want way too much to install them. I was given a quote that was basically $1800 dollars just in labor, and they wanted basically twice what the mini split cost to do the installation. So doing the installation yourself will save you potentially 1000s.
Dam sounds pretty simple I need one for my mobile home
I'd like to see a Unico (I know he did a vid or two on new install/new build) as a retro fit (HighVelocityAC) in a 1800sqft home... namely mine! I'm told the minisplits in the northern climates can have drain lines clog/freeze and create a water intrusion issue. True? And that HiVeloAC might be louder but I don't care as long as it drones outside noise away. Finally, the cost. Is Minisplit for a home cheaper/better than micro-ducting? And are all HVAC providers moving to the Variable speed condensers?
I installed a Mr cool 12ton unit in my mom's place two years ago.... no issues
I know that nobody would recommend doing this, but can the outside unit be placed in an attic and ducted outside for ventilation? I don't have the ability to put it outside or on a roof.
A couple adapters and a hose cheap vacuum pump you could totally install a regular not diy mini split just as easy and not have that hideous roll of extra lineset
Doesn’t that horizontally mounted coil of line set create the possibility of trapping oil?
There goes your mitsubishi sponsorship 😂
Ha. Mitsubishi makes great equipment but I try to be agnostic. I tell sponsors that I can’t be on a non-compete with other similar companies.
That is 100% manufactured by Gree. Custom pressurized lineset connections and what not, but it's 100% Gree.
In CA the homeowner can usually pull their own electrical permits and do the work themselves.
The refrigeration line is installed incorrectly, it will cause an oil trap which will starve the condenser and lead to premature failure of the compressor. I wouldn’t be surprised if it failed within a few years. In my experience most of the larger HVAC companies will refuse to work on DIY units due to improper installation and lack of manufacturer support/parts availability. Simply don’t need the headache. It can be argued though that it will still be cheaper for a DIY installer to replace the unit rather than having a company install one properly at a higher price.
if the lines are pre filled then how do you cut them?
How well does this unit heat in the northeast? I live in PA, and have a newer oil furnace, and get by OK in the summer with two window ACs, but if this could offset my fuel oil costs, it would be a tempting investment.
I'm not a fan of the coils of excess tubing/wires hanging on the house.
The linesets need to be able to be ordered to cut length. Not just selecting 10, 25 or 50 ft.
Except the length sets the quantity of refrigerant. Fully custom lengths means custom charging of the line set. That defeats the cost advantage and simplicity of ordering like this. Just go custom install.
Last year I called for a HVAC to come and install one they gave me an estimate of 17,000$. I got a 400 $ portable and it works just great. Don’t know what they were thinking except maybe they do not want the business.
Make sure to add a surge protector on that disconnect box. Them boards get awfully pricey.
I have two Mr, Cool units, one is six years old and problem free. As a DIYer with a perfectionist attitude, I used a number of ways to conceal linesets in a way that is pleasing architecturally. These units get a bad rap because of very sloppy installations and NOT just by DIYers. With some creative planning, the excess lineset can sometimes be installed without coiling. I have not needed a pro HVAC tech so far and assume it may be difficult to get service. That's the risk you take.
How dows the condensate drain if you coil up the extra line? Looks like it would accumulate in the line and freeze in winter. But this is what I need in our 2nd floor master bedroom. Getting cold air from the basement to a second floor is not easy,
The drain is ran straight down and cut off the extra.
Great video. I've been DIY mini-split curious since I got some outrageous contractor quotes for AC in my 2,200 Sq ft home in CA. $45,000 for adding AC to my forced air heating system. So even if I have to replace a unit or two, I'm still way ahead if I go this route. I'd need multi zone of course... Just wondering how much more expensive electric heat will be than gas. Need to do some calculations.. Does Mr Cool help with layout planning?
I am impressed. In time I will probably have to replace my HVAC unit since it has 16 years on it. I would like to get away from using natural gas for heating and this would be doable.
Regular heat pumps could be made like this if manufacturers wanted to
Regular Cleaning, maintenance on my 3 unit set up, Way more work than i expected, plus the drain water (moldy)harmful to many plants, Cant pour it n2 the fountains either, but itd Good on the elephant ears
My neighbor put two of these in to cool is second floor. He's fairly handy, but by no means an expert. Both work great. However, the downside is that the boxes on the walls are huge and ugly. Mr. Cool doesn't offer ceiling cassette or crawlspace head units nor do they offer the ability to run 2 or more head units from a single condenser. But considering these cost a fraction of a professionally installed system, they're a pretty good bet.
Mr Cool does now offer ceiling cassettes; I think it is just been recently released.
@@thomasalison2188 I stand corrected. A they have multi-zone too. Impressive
Awesome video.
I'm in Cabo San Lucas and have had three Carrier mini-splits loose refrigerant. I CANNOT get any Mexican HVAC to pull vacuum. They come, throw some refrigerant in and take off as fast as they can. It's literally "do you feel cool air?" and they are gone. Each 18k mini-split is pulling 1000 watts constantly so I'm using 50 kWh per day on AC. Will pulling a vacuum and adding the correct amount of 410a help efficiency? Unlike any other construction block concrete house in Mexico, I actually insulated my ceiling and walls (6" EPS attached to blocks). They won't sell me 410a in Cabo so I have to do the vacuum in advance. They are ripping people off here!!!
Is it better to have only one more robust unit for the entire house of 900 sq ft, or to install 3 units for 3 rooms?
Im totally on board with these units. Im currently shopping one for my 120y.o. home. These line sets coiled on the side of the house are a joke though.
Looks terrible all coiled up like a garden hose..WOW.Just buy a pump and a lineset that you cut and flare ..You will have a much better looking install and you will acquire some nice tools.
How much do they save by using a lineset that has to be coiled like that?
The biggest savings is the DIY aspect here. A good hvac tradesperson should be billed at $75-100/hr plus profit for the company on the install. Even if the equipment was more expensive it would be a savings of at least 50% I would guess. Anyone concur?
@@buildshow You said that it took you only a few hours, but yeah add a day's work from someone with experience and an apprentice for $1,600 more but you don't need an electrician to come out. HVAC are allowed to add breakers and new lines in the states I've worked in anyways, but if you're cool with all that looped hose and whatever the electrician cost nothing wrong with it.
I've been psyched to watch Mr. Cool grow their market. It's avoided some methane and propane burning I'm sure.
It sure does look like if you open the door all the way it will hit the unit, but thanks for the video. I’m thinking of doing one in a house.