One of the great perks of choosing a ductless mini-split system for your home’s heating or air conditioning needs is the ease of installing these units.
But, as with any DIY project, you must follow specific steps to ensure that your new mini-split is installed correctly and will work as efficiently as intended.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Installing a mini-split system can be easy if you follow the proper steps.
- Having the right tools and equipment is an essential aspect.
- Choosing a professional installer or doing it yourself will be based on certain factors.
If you love to do home improvement projects, installing a mini-split on your own is probably one you can’t wait to tackle.
On the other hand, if the word “DIY” makes you a bit nervous (or completely terrified!), there are plenty of alternate ways to achieve an excellent, low-cost installation.
The Benefits of a Ductless Mini-Split Versus Traditional Central Air
Ductless mini-split systems offer numerous advantages over traditional central air conditioning beyond their easy installation process.
From being able to heat and cool separate rooms (or “zones”) in a home or commercial building to their superior energy efficiency, a mini-split heat pump is a great alternative to the traditional HVAC systems of the past.
For anyone who wants to dig deeper into why a ductless mini-split system can save you money without compromising comfort, our Learning Center is a great place to find more articles on the subject and other resources about mini-splits.
Mini-Split Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide
Though installing a mini-split isn’t complicated, there are specific things you’ll want to do before you begin and steps you’ll need to follow while installing.
Even if you can do many of these steps yourself, consulting an HVAC professional is always an option. Sometimes, it can be more cost-effective than doing it yourself, particularly if you have to modify work you’ve done independently.
Before the Mini-Split Installation
Step One: Assess Your Space’s Needs
To assess your space effectively, identify the area you want to heat and cool with your new ductless mini-split.
Will you install a single indoor unit for a specific space, like a new addition, a converted garage, or a basement remodel?
Or, have you decided to purchase a larger, multi-zone system with more than one indoor unit that will heat and cool multiple spaces in your home or office?
Every mini-split has at least two main components–an outdoor unit (a condenser or heat pump) and at least one indoor unit (an air handler). Deciding how many indoor units you need will make a big difference in the complexity and cost of your installation.
Step Two: Calculate the Required Capacity (in BTU) for Your Space
Another essential step in choosing and installing your mini-split system is to know the required capacity, measured in BTU (British thermal units), for your space’s heating and cooling needs.
This calculation will consider various factors, such as your room size, the amount of insulation in the space, your local climate, and more.
Undersized units won’t effectively heat or cool your space, while oversized ones can lead to inefficiency and discomfort.
To determine the correct capacity you will need, consult an online calculator or enlist the help of an HVAC professional.
Step Three: Select the Ideal Locations for Each Unit
Placing your outdoor unit: Choosing where to put the condenser or heat pump will be based on several factors.
One primary consideration is ensuring the designated space can adequately support its considerable weight.
Condenser units can weigh anywhere from 50 to 250 pounds, and a spot that tends to be soft or often wet may cause the unit to sink or shift, resulting in connection issues.
For the most secure placement possible, pour a concrete pad on the ground where you want the unit and mount the unit with anchor bolts.
If you cannot mount the unit to concrete, a great alternative is to use a condenser pad or heat pump risers to help keep the unit off the ground.
Placing your indoor unit(s): Another essential task is choosing where to install your mini-split air handler(s) to ensure optimal efficiency and comfort.
The aesthetics of your interior space will also determine where you place your units and what type of units you decide to purchase.
High wall-mounted units are the most common type of indoor air handlers. Ceiling cassettes are also popular, particularly for a sleek and discreet look.
It will be essential to know your unit type, their technical specs, and where you want to place them long before your installation begins.
Step Four: Gather all Necessary Tools and Equipment
Once you’ve chosen your single-zone, multi-zone, or dual-zone mini-split and are ready to install it, ensure you have the tools needed before you begin.
Though some of these are items that any do-it-yourself person will have on hand, others may need to be purchased or borrowed for the mini-split installation.
Required accessories: These include a bracket installation kit or an outdoor condenser stand or pad, refrigerant piping (known as a line set) and control wire, a disconnect box, an electrical whip, power wire, and a discharge hose.
Recommended accessories: Nylog thread sealant to prevent leaks and line set covers to conceal and protect the refrigerant lines and electrical wires. PVC line set covers can be painted to enhance the aesthetic of your installation.
Other optional accessories: Rectorseal condensate overflow switch, Diversitech coil guard, and Diversitech surge protector.
Tools: a drill, a level, and a hole saw for cutting through walls or floors during installation.
Remember that you may not need these items if you hire a professional to install your mini-split. Consult with your HVAC installer before you purchase or procure anything extra.
Step Five: Assess Your Electrical Needs and Current Connections
When planning a mini-split installation, assessing your electrical needs and current connections before you even begin is essential.
While the energy consumption of a mini-split system can vary significantly depending on its capacity, the voltage used is typically the same.
Most mini-splits need 220 volts or higher, so you will want to ensure the correct sizing of your breaker panel. This ensures that your electrical system can take on the additional voltage, as these systems must be permanently connected to the electrical service panel to operate effectively.
Even if you choose to do most of the mini-split installation yourself, we recommend contacting a professional HVAC technician or electrician. The licensed pro will ensure you have the necessary electrical connections and can assist with electrical wiring.
By getting a professional involved, you can be sure that the work follows code requirements and that your mini-split system’s warranty remains intact.
During the Mini-Split Installation
Now that you’ve decided where to place your indoor and outdoor units, gathered your necessary items, and checked to ensure your electrical source is code-compliant, the installation can begin. Here is a quick rundown of the steps required to install your mini-split correctly.
Installing the Outdoor Unit
The installation process for a mini-split system typically begins with the placement of the outdoor unit.
Once you’ve put your brackets or padding in the appropriate place, you can focus on placing the outdoor unit to ensure proper elevation and secure mounting.
It’s also vital to position the outdoor unit in a location that allows for efficient air circulation and access for maintenance.
Installing the Indoor Unit(s)
Now that you know where to place your indoor unit(s), your first step in mounting them will be to attach the included mounting plate(s) where you want to install the air handler(s).
Using a hole saw, drill through your wall at a slight downward angle adjacent to the lower right-hand side of the mounting plate. Insert wall sleeve, if desired.
Hang the indoor unit on the mounting plate while running the refrigerant lines, wiring, and drain tubing through the hole to the outside, where you will later attach them to the outdoor unit.
Focus on Refrigerant Lines
The heart of a mini-split system lies in its refrigerant lines. Mini-splits have a copper line set responsible for connecting the outdoor and indoor units, facilitating the exchange of heat or cold air.
Carefully route, insulate, and secure the refrigerant lines during installation to prevent leaks or damage.
Maintaining the integrity of these lines is essential to ensure the system’s efficiency and prevent refrigerant loss, which could lead to performance issues.
Make Connections between Indoor and Outdoor Units
Attach refrigerant lines to their connections on the indoor and outdoor units with a torque wrench. Then, connect the wiring between indoor and outdoor units, matching each colored wire to its corresponding terminal. Discharge the drain tube away from the outside wall.
Sealants and Aesthetic Touches
To complete the installation, DIYers and professionals use sealants and insulation to close up any openings or gaps where refrigerant lines or electrical wiring pass through walls or ceilings.
This step ensures the system’s energy efficiency and prevents air leakage.
Additionally, aesthetic touches, such as covering and concealing any exposed wires and refrigerant lines, can be done with accessories such as line set covers. These are a great option when you wish to have the efficiency of a mini-split but don’t want the wires and lines to be noticeable outside your home or office building.
After the Mini-Split Installation
Your ductless mini-split system is up and running. Now what?
As with many home improvement items, a mini-split needs ongoing attention to ensure it continues to work as it should. After the installation is complete, don’t forget the following:
Maintaining Your System:
Once your mini-split system is successfully installed, ongoing maintenance is essential to keep it operating efficiently and prolong its lifespan. Here are some tasks to keep in mind:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean or replace air filters as recommended by the manufacturer. Dirty filters can reduce system efficiency and indoor air quality.
- Coil Cleaning: Periodically clean the indoor and outdoor coils to remove dust and debris hindering heat exchange. Be cautious when cleaning delicate coil fins.
- Check for Leaks: Inspect refrigerant lines and connections for any signs of leaks. If you notice refrigerant leaking, contact a licensed HVAC technician for repairs.
- Condensate Drain Maintenance: Ensure the condensate drain line is clear and not debris-logged. A clogged drain can lead to water damage.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: If your mini-split has moving parts, such as fan motors, lubricate them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Though many of the maintenance tasks are things you can tackle yourself, having an HVAC professional do an annual check-up on your system is always a good idea to ensure everything is running well and no hidden issues are present.
Alpine Home Air Products: Helping You Step into the World of Mini-Splits
When you’re ready to invest in a ductless mini-split, reach out to the experts at Alpine for help.
From providing guidance on installation to helping you understand our services, the excellent customer service representatives and HVAC experts at Alpine are waiting for you.
With over 20 years of experience, Alpine Home Air is a respected leader in the HVAC industry, and its products and people make it clear why.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
