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Install my own mini-split

Posted on 7/31/20 at 6:54 am
Posted by NyCaLa
Baton Rouge
Member since Apr 2014
1015 posts
Posted on 7/31/20 at 6:54 am
I'm thinking of going this route.

They come with pre-charged lines, so I don't think I'll need to pressure test.

I will use an electrician to run power from our panel.

Are there pitfalls?
Am I being delusional?
Posted by mctiger1985
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2009
3693 posts
Posted on 7/31/20 at 7:24 am to
I assume you are talking about the MrCool DIY version? If not, I think you lose the warranty on other brands/models if not installed by a professional.
Posted by jmon
Mandeville, LA
Member since Oct 2010
8402 posts
Posted on 7/31/20 at 8:53 am to
Following...
Posted by LSUtigerME
Walker, LA
Member since Oct 2012
3789 posts
Posted on 7/31/20 at 9:18 am to
Have you priced one with an installer? Are you looking at a cheaper option or a well known brand like Mitsubishi?

One of the pitfalls of a DIY is the excess cool length in the lineset. If you’re installing where you don’t need the full run, you’ll have to just coil that excess up somewhere and hang it (either near air unit or outside by condenser). It’s unsightly and immediately screams DIY if you see it.

Another potential problem is condensate leaks. Depending on where you install it, a leak could be disastrous. Mini-splits don’t really have a float switch (Some have options now) or back-up pan. So if it leaks, that water is going to run down your wall until you notice it’s a problem.
Posted by CrawDude
Baton Rouge
Member since Apr 2019
5264 posts
Posted on 7/31/20 at 9:41 am to
quote:

I think you lose the warranty on other brands/models if not installed by a professional.

This is likely the #1 factor you need to consider with a DYI install.
This post was edited on 7/31/20 at 12:08 pm
Posted by MikeBRLA
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2005
16448 posts
Posted on 7/31/20 at 9:56 am to
quote:

Are there pitfalls?


One is that the lineset comes precharged like you mentioned. BUT, the line set is REALLY long bc they obviously don’t know how much is needed your your application. So you are stuck with tons of line that you are stuck trying to hide somewhere and the install will look like crap if you hide it outside. It will have a much better look if the line set is cut to the proper length for you application.

ETA. Dammit LSUtigerME.
This post was edited on 7/31/20 at 9:58 am
Posted by NyCaLa
Baton Rouge
Member since Apr 2014
1015 posts
Posted on 7/31/20 at 12:43 pm to
That is helpful. Think I'll get quotes for a turnkey installation
Posted by mctiger1985
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2009
3693 posts
Posted on 7/31/20 at 1:03 pm to
I recently got 2 quotes in the BR area, and they were both above $4500
Posted by b-rab2
N. Louisiana
Member since Dec 2005
12575 posts
Posted on 7/31/20 at 1:18 pm to
quote:

$4500


woof
Posted by Aristo
Colorado
Member since Jan 2007
13292 posts
Posted on 7/31/20 at 1:40 pm to
It's easy, but it cancels any warranty if you DIY.
Posted by RaginCajunz
Member since Mar 2009
5306 posts
Posted on 7/31/20 at 2:51 pm to
Do the hard work of mounting everything. Pay a tech to come finish the install. That’s what I did. Learned the hard way. Let them make the connections on both ends. I jacked my swage connector on interior and had to have it redone after it all leaked in a month.

I think the original bill was like $130 for him to come pull a vacuum and make that outside connection for me. The other second out was all my fault.
Posted by Hamma1122
Member since Sep 2016
19801 posts
Posted on 7/31/20 at 3:31 pm to
I did it 3 years ago no issues. To me drain line is the toughest part
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