Installing My Own Mini-Split Heat Pump, DIY
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- Опубликовано: 10 июл 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
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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. 
Хобби
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?
Loved the chuckle at the end!! Great when things go as expected.
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!
Thank you for posting the Energy Guide at the end! I was curious!
Not all that impressive! Barely average/below average.
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.
😂😂😂
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.
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 ?
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?
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
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?
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.
*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!*
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!
Great job! Glad to see I'm not the only one who does the Charlie Brown face when doing precision work.
Excellent job and thanks for this
so are the lines charged or have a vacuum on them before you open them up?
I'm from Brazil, and here the instalation way, it's kind different, and some tools we haven't unfortunately
From Letterkenny to almost every channel I watch on youtube.........Canadians ...........You're very nice people.
Excellent video, extremely helpful. Thank you for taking the time.
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.
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.
Perfect timing Dave
Great video thanks for that. It has given me confidence to fit a system like this myself. Stay safe !
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 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 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.
Cool install. Satisfying when it's completed.
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.
Nice roll of tubing behind the heatpump!
thats the way we roll up here
Great job at video production. Did you have to check the pressure in the lines with a meter to confirm the system requirements?
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?
Nice Job. Thanks for stepping us through the install. It looks doable now.
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.
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???
Great video. Thanks a lot. I'm at the wrap and connect the lines stage!
This looks identical to the Senville units I just installed with the absence of the pipe benders and the proprietary valves. Does anyone know what company makes them for Mr. Cool and Senville?
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?
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?
The video was nice, I almost wish I needed one of these installed!
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!
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
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.
Have installed 4 of these units, having the refrigeration lines wrapped in coiled steel to prevent kinking is a nice feature
Tip: Make sure you independently "super insulate your line set" and also place fiberglass insulation directly inside the cover where your line set connects to the outside unit.
No bare copper showing at all.
Rockwool insulation would be perfect for that. I'm doing that. I'll be installing mine next week.
Me, all so warry about how little insulation is around the copper pipes, and why the outside plastic cover is not fill with extra insulation?..Not fiberglass!. But Dave's video has anything to do with that! Good video! Thank you!
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.
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.
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 .
Looks easy to install. Thanks I'm going to check into one for my garage.
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.
Just a quick question, did you have the system evaced to remove the air from the system?, just wondering
Not with this kit. I posted a follow up video answering that question: ruclips.net/video/KzHLsRtVn4U/видео.html
I would love to see the inside the AC disconnect panel and have a look at the wiring . This is a 115v unit and I’m installing one at the moment and don’t know the connections inside that disconnect box
i have a mr cool diy outdoor 3.5 ton hvac been working great for 4years so far. its hooked into my ductwork
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.
Questions: 1.) What do they say to do if you had a leaking connection? 2.) It seems you used more force to tighten the fitting to the outdoor connection, do they specify a torque to tighten those fittings to?
To answer both your questions if you get a torque wrench and follow the manufacturer’s instructions you won’t have a leak but if you do your suppose to leak check with nitrogen and soap bubbles
Can you completely enclose the outside intake thinger? Or does it need to have full unimpeded access to the fresh urr?
You did an excellent job explaining this installation! Thanks so much. I feel confident I can do this on my food truck.
Thank you for this Video. I will be installing one my self. Great Job!!!
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.
Beautiful job! Very professional looking.
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
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.
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.
Great job with all tutorials, ready to get one! Thanks!
!
Thanks this really helped an old guy like me!
Love the videos man...always great, always easy to follow!
Thanks for watching.
We also trying in our country Nigeria in repairing and installation
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.
Great, easy to install!
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.
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)
For some pricing reference I just replaced a 3t mismatched A-coil and compressor with a 3.5t for $3500. The old compressor burned up and it was $2k for a replacement without warranty. This was done by a trusted family business whose founder worked with my father when John Zink made air conditioners.
FYI the upgraded cooling was recommended because of the loss of shade and change of surfaces outdoors. North exposure, South is a different unit, but they replaced an old creek bed with concrete and we lost a bunch of trees to the widening.
you got ripped off. I paid $4,000 for a 5 ton Rheem system a few weeks back.
Excellent video ! Thank you
Question: How long is the hose loom with the copper tubes? (some of us can't install the compressor on the side of the house and have to run a line all the way to the front or back of the house)
I wonder what the mx length is...
This hose is 25 feet. If you want to make a custom length, then check out my latest video with a different brand. The new one can go up to 49 feet. ruclips.net/video/Kd092alkeaE/видео.html
@@DavidPozEnergy Thank you
This makes the 6th Mr Cool install I’ve watched on RUclips. YOURS IS BEST👍🏻👍🏻
Nice work!! No more noisy, inefficient window AC! And even better that its being powered off grid!
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 :+)
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.
OUTSTANDING VIDEO DAVID ! VERY PROFESSIONAL, EASY TO FOLLOW, YOU ARE A PRO. THANKS
I wish we had DIY options here in Australia.
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
Perfect for my new garage! Thanks
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.
Theoretically the coiled up electrical cable forms a resistance 'choke' with AC power. The magnetic fields created around the individual wires interfere with each other when looping causing this resistence and needing higher amps than neccessary. Your tested amps was right near the max of 10amps if I read the data sticker correctly. Unless you wanted to allow moving the exterior unit later you could test this out by reading amps, shortening the cord, reattaching then rechecking the usage. If temps are same as before the line should use less electrical energy when done. This lessens the heat in both fan & compressor motors when running. I have electronic degree and as a home inspector I always advised shortening coiled up AC wiring to save useful working life of appliances. What convinced me of the practical side in this was one day found a coiled 50' extention cable that melted itself together into a solid plastic coil. That definitely made an impresion on me.
Your over thinking it buddy. I feel bad for the people you advise, money not well spent for most (99.99%) of properties out there have far worse things that need fixing.
@@paulcrescenti5581 if the power is routed to the exterior unit 1st, that would make a large reduction in the reluctance (ac resistence) issue. Of course rethinking your example, his meter showed 10amps of current flow. That is extremely high for just the interior fan.
In rethinking my advised amperage test, it would be easier by simply uncoiling & spreading out the wire before re-reading the current. If amp drop is more than 10% it is well worth shortening the cord.
@@JDub-mi7fs thx, for sharing, your experience makes an excellent example of unexpected consequenses of coiling wires.
@@WilliamSymionow true, if that were the extent of my advice. Realize even 10% reduction in watts = greater relability for all components effected. Most designs are now manufactured with thin margins using cheapest possible components. One service call minimally costs home owner several hundred $. Shortening cords cost $2 and 5 min.
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 really like the stand you made!
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.
The leak is most likely in the evaporator coil
I have replaced many of them for the same reason you are changing system I pressure test the to 600 psi and they show up along the tube sheet or along the bottom rows of the coil
600psi? Is the unit even designed to hold that pressure?
@@mygripe It's a R410A refrigerant so yes it can handle it for pressure testing .
@@mygripe Often 500 is sufficient, all manufacturers have the test pressure of a system on the label.
Brandon Wright for r410a equipment
All AC guys do 360 max.
With this, as any refrigeration product, it's essential to vac down the line set and indoor section the leak check the vacuum to see if it holds prior to releasing the refrigerant into the system. Even a small quantity of non-condensibles can reek havoc on the system. And yes I've been installing these since the late 80's and speak from experience. That plastic drain tube, unless shielded from sunlight will disintegrate in 2-3 years. Better to put it in a piece of pvc pipe or at least wrap it in tape somehow. If you plan on getting one of these, you'll need to have it cleaned at least once a year or purchase a cleaning kit with tent to prevent damage to the home interior. The fins on the indoor fan (a long squirrel cage) get filthy in the cleanest of homes in due course. This will diminish performance and/or destroy the fan motor. Essentially, these are throw away systems. When you have any major issue it's mostly cheaper to replace than to pay for service.
Everything is a "throw away system" today. And usually not very long either. Hire an HVAC contractor and put a little furnace/coil/condenser in a little space like this and you'll pay $10,000. This can be bought and installed for $1,500. Sure, you might put 2 or 3 of them in while you stay in the home, but I still think they dollar cost average out. And they are VERY economical to operate.
I was quoted $13k to replace my central ac unit. Been looking at a multi head split system that is quieter, more efficient, and can shut off rooms not being used for under $4k and the vacuum pump, guage set, and pipe flare tool is only $200 to install properly. So even if it needs replacing every 5 years or so I'm still money ahead after taking into consideration service calls for an aging traditional system.
If A Day wanted to make a buck, he could install these with little effort and make money every day. Mike Maxwell is correct that the old guard needs to realize that we now live in a throwaway society. Not working? Throw it away and replace it. We're all guilty of it.
The line set is sealed at both ends and contains refrigerant. It is not possible or necessary to vac them down. The sophisticated connectors on the ends seal the outside connection before they open internally to release the refrigerant as you screw them together. The reverse is also true. If you unscrew the connectors, the internal seal closes before the external seal opens so only a minuscule amount of refrigerant is lost. I know this because I spent a long time on the phone with tech support after I erroneously connected one of the lines to the wrong zone on a 3-zone system. I moved it after our discussion and the system continues to work perfectly after almost two years.
Did you need to use a vacuum pump to get the air out of the lines before you released the refrigerant?
It's not needed with this particular unit. I go into more detail in my follow up video on that question: ruclips.net/video/KzHLsRtVn4U/видео.html
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!
Very impressed, as a HVAC man it’s good to see a unit that most men could do! Great video
Will install one in my garage, after I call Mr Cool
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 !!!
Is it okay for the outdoor to be mounted on a lower height than the indoor unit? May b 8 feets below the indoor unit? Does it affect the compressor to push the gas against gravity?
Yes.
Nice Mr.Cool advertisement but I do have a couple of remarks:
Those easy click connections always start to leak at a certain point so you should always solder your connections (like with all renowned brands). When soldering you should put your lines under nitrogen pressure and once you're done clear this nitrogen out with a vacuum pump. This gets rid of all the pollution in your lines and allows you to check for leaks. Usually the outdoor unit is prefilled with refrigerant up to a certain piping length, if your lines exceed this length you'll have to add refrigerant. If you don't your heat pump will have to work harder putting more strain on for instance the compressor and you might find it won't work that good in general. You'll also get errors like low pressure fault indications etc. When drilling a hole in your facade drill it at a slight downward angle from inside to outside to eliminate any chance of water coming through along the pipes.
Most cheap heat-pumps are cheap for a reason (like the usage of cheap, inferior components) which is probably why you had to replace your only 7-year old heat-pump. Brands like Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric who use grade A components will last you much longer with 15 years being the norm. With heat-pumps buying cheap usually means buying expensive as the compressor and expansion valves usually give out quite soon and replacing them can be more expensive than buying a new cheap inferior heat-pump. In general they have a short life span, meaning you'll have to replace them more often. You could wonder about the impact that has on the environment, with heat-pumps having been labelled "green". So overall imho it is better to spend a bit more on a more reliable quality product that will last longer with less downtime due to repairs. At least that has been my experience in the 15 years I've been working as an HVAC engineer now. We don't even service inferior brands like Mr.Cool any more because they are just a waste of time and money.
How is Mr.Cool inferior? Please explain
Great video, very helpful and detailed, Thank you. I am contemplating such a project but curious about all the extra refrigerant line, couldn't you have gotten a shorter line and it appears Mr. Cool only sell through local distribution, am I mistaken?
This kit comes with a 25 foot lineset. The lines are pre-charged and can not be cut in the field. Mr. Cool might sell a shorter line on the website, but I don't know. You can buy this model through Amazon. I linked to it in the description.
Yes you can buy a 16 foot line set for $210.00 I spoke with IWAE.com about that on Friday June 12,2020😁🛫
As David said, he is correct on the 25ft lineset. It also has a 50ft lineset which you can order. (For 2nd story or longer runs.)
The lineset can be shortened.
That requires trimming it from the wall and outdoor unit and brazing the shortened length with oxy/acetylene torches.
Hire a contractor! He didn't vacuum the lines and just killed his system.
Also, the lines are not pre-charged, neither the indoor evaporator.
The only precharge is in the heat pump(outdoor unit).
I'm an 27yr Hvac contractor.
Nicely done, David. Thanks for sharing.
Hello David, I am not an AC man but curious how the copper tubing gets evacuated or does it?
I was wondering too. It might have been evacuated at the factory and then filled with a small amount of refrigerant (in vapor form). Assuming that the lines stay sealed until connected, that would take care of it. If not, as long as the installer doesn't uncap both ends of a line at the same time, very little air will get in and the drier will easily handle it.