Thinking of doing a DIY mini-split install

I looked into these. I did not like that the hoses are a preset length and you basically have to live with a big coil of extra hose sitting outside all the time.

I'm going to install a quad zone mini split system in my new build. I won't be using the pre-charged lines. It's more expensive and you can't change the length of them. There's a ton of youtube videos on how to flare and vacuum lines on mini-splits.

I installed one two weeks ago in a bonus room above the garage and I’ve been happy with it so far. I picked up the 18k BTU one from Costco on sale for around $1300. I believe it is eligible for a $300 energy tax credit as well. I probably spent another $100 on materials for the installation. The installation process seemed pretty straightforward when I was researching it and it was actually went in easier than I expected.

I did get a quote to have one installed professionally and it was about $7k. Even if I only get a couple years out of the MRCOOL unit, I won’t be disappointed.

If you do almost all the work except vacuum the lines add the correct refrigerant as said that’s probably under $200 labor charge from an AC company. Especially if you wait until the fall when their work slows down considerably.

As said the DIY install ones are pre-filled with refrigerant the entire copper coil length. So you have to use the entire thing or keep it in a coil outside. Not idea. Seems worth it to have a Hvac tech inspect it and cut the coils to length.

Imo the problem is few AC companies install them so they always quote high as hell due to lack of experience.

I’m thinking about installing one of those $500 Ebay specials in our travel trailer. Confortal Air 12000Btu

Just bought a Rheem on recommendation of my AC guy. 12k unit cost $1500.
This will be going in my camp in Mississippi.
My AC will walk me though the install and let me use his tools.
The reason he suggested i go this route is he can get the parts and help me if there is every a problem.
Will update how this goes once installed

I did the Mr Cool with my dad over a long weekend. Cut the lines to length and flared them ourselves, called an AC tech friend over and he did all the vacuum testing and fired it up. Got a quote for $6,000 or so and the DIY was worth it. 4 years later it’s still blowing cold as balls.

Haven't done one of these but I have a vaccum pump attachment that hooks to an air compressor. Cheap at Harbor freight and have used it on several car ACs.