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DIY Mini splits
- Thread starter Twinstick
- Start date
Ransil
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 19, 2020
- Member Number
- 51
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- 511
rugger
TheOrginalMiataGuy
Are they sensitive to surge?
Levigarrett76
Zeus of the Sluice
Yes
rugger
TheOrginalMiataGuy
Thanks. I need to install one. I'll plan on adding one of those.
71PA_Highboy
An Unknown but Engorged Member
So I installed a Della 18KBTU unit last weekend in the GF's Garage. Amazon.com
It uses flare connections and I went with double flares on the 18" of lineset I used.
The unit only requires 15A 240VAC, so wiring was easy, wall mounted condenser means less cleaning since most shit will not reach that height.
No one said you needed to order a lineset cover separately, so just did that.
The one challenge I had was the wiring between the inside and outside units had a bad signal conductor in it and I had to swap that out. It was a pain in the ass after everything else was done and mounted and sliding a new cable in was not easy. Doable, but not easy.
I was watching some video that discussed using some additional sealant on the flare fittings that I was unaware of (can't remember the video or the product). Does anyone know the product they might have been referring to? Is there an additional sealer needed for AC flare connections?
Thanks!
It uses flare connections and I went with double flares on the 18" of lineset I used.
The unit only requires 15A 240VAC, so wiring was easy, wall mounted condenser means less cleaning since most shit will not reach that height.
No one said you needed to order a lineset cover separately, so just did that.
The one challenge I had was the wiring between the inside and outside units had a bad signal conductor in it and I had to swap that out. It was a pain in the ass after everything else was done and mounted and sliding a new cable in was not easy. Doable, but not easy.
I was watching some video that discussed using some additional sealant on the flare fittings that I was unaware of (can't remember the video or the product). Does anyone know the product they might have been referring to? Is there an additional sealer needed for AC flare connections?
Thanks!
Otto M@n
Red Skull Member
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2022
- Member Number
- 4654
- Messages
- 18
Some vacuum pump oil on the flare faces helps them seal.
Dethmachinefab
Red Skull Member
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- May 19, 2020
- Member Number
- 96
- Messages
- 1,405
I didn't use any of the sealer. Just did one last week. It's been working great so far, very happy with it.
roundhouse
Red Skull Member
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2020
- Member Number
- 2622
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- 33
We Installed a Mr cool from homo depot in my garage .
We got the pre charged one , Lineset was also pre charged so no vacuum or gauges needed
Took me and a helper almost all day .
that included a trip to hd to get lumber and gravel and building the pad ,
We already had adequate power available at the outdoor location we mounted it right next to the existing heat pump , and the heat pump wiring was oversized for the possibility of a additional unit
We also had to get a condensate pump , it was either that or drill another hole In a ten inch concrete wall
We also used some kind of extra sealer . I got it around here somewhere . Lemme see if I cans find it and post a pic
We also used the torque wrench for the flares
Wife just texted few minutes ago complaining about the power bill so I’m not sure how much it added
Evidently it’s enough to be noticeable .
We got the pre charged one , Lineset was also pre charged so no vacuum or gauges needed
Took me and a helper almost all day .
that included a trip to hd to get lumber and gravel and building the pad ,
We already had adequate power available at the outdoor location we mounted it right next to the existing heat pump , and the heat pump wiring was oversized for the possibility of a additional unit
We also had to get a condensate pump , it was either that or drill another hole In a ten inch concrete wall
We also used some kind of extra sealer . I got it around here somewhere . Lemme see if I cans find it and post a pic
We also used the torque wrench for the flares
Wife just texted few minutes ago complaining about the power bill so I’m not sure how much it added
Evidently it’s enough to be noticeable .
arse_sidewards
Red Skull Member
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- May 19, 2020
- Member Number
- 71
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- 8,558
The drop of oil isn't for sealing. It's lube for making it easier for the parts to form fit against each other. Same principal as lubing the cone on a flaring tool.
Last edited:
Shit.
I've been researching mini splits for my new shop. 30x40 with 12' walls. I'm leaning towards the Mr. Cool 36k BTU with twin 18k BTU heads.
MRCOOL DIY 36,000 BTU 3-Ton 2-Zone 21.5 SEER Ductless Mini-Split AC and Heat Pump with 18K+18K & 25,35ft Lines DIYM236HPW03C08 - The Home Depot
This MRCOOL DIY 36,000 BTU 3 Ton 2 Zone Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner and Heat Pump with Wall Mounted Air Handlers bundle includes: 36K BTU Condenser, two 18K BTU Wall Mounts, 25/35ft. Quick Connect
www.homedepot.com
Projectjunkie
Whatever
Dethmachinefab
Red Skull Member
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- May 19, 2020
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- 1,405
Yea I know, they still call it sealer. It was hot and I didn't have it so it went together dry.
NorCalJalopy
Well-known member
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- Aug 27, 2022
- Member Number
- 5491
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- 242
I just installed a senville mini. They’re made by the same people as Mr cool. Only reason I went with senville is they will sell parts to the consumer and they sell direct to consumer so the unit is a lil cheaper. From what I’ve seen and heard you can’t go wrong with any of the brands really.Shit.
I've been researching mini splits for my new shop. 30x40 with 12' walls. I'm leaning towards the Mr. Cool 36k BTU with twin 18k BTU heads.
MRCOOL DIY 36,000 BTU 3-Ton 2-Zone 21.5 SEER Ductless Mini-Split AC and Heat Pump with 18K+18K & 25,35ft Lines DIYM236HPW03C08 - The Home Depot
This MRCOOL DIY 36,000 BTU 3 Ton 2 Zone Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner and Heat Pump with Wall Mounted Air Handlers bundle includes: 36K BTU Condenser, two 18K BTU Wall Mounts, 25/35ft. Quick Connectwww.homedepot.com
I'm researching the Senville now. It appears they are fully DIY like the mrcool?
36000 BTU Dual Zone Mini Split Air Conditioner - Heat Pump - SENA/36HF/D
Shop the Senville 36000 BTU Dual Zone Mini Split Air Conditioner - Heat Pump for energy efficiency, Alexa compatibility, and a 10-year warranty. Ideal for rooms up to 1800 sq. ft.
senville.com
NorCalJalopy
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- Aug 27, 2022
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- 5491
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Yes. Same thing, different name. I got a 12k unit it was the largest 120v I could find. You still need to have it on a dedicated circuit if you want to keep your warranty. I put up the disconnect but had a friend connect the power. I know 12v not the most confident I’m 120v.I'm researching the Senville now. It appears they are fully DIY like the mrcool?
36000 BTU Dual Zone Mini Split Air Conditioner - Heat Pump - SENA/36HF/D
Shop the Senville 36000 BTU Dual Zone Mini Split Air Conditioner - Heat Pump for energy efficiency, Alexa compatibility, and a 10-year warranty. Ideal for rooms up to 1800 sq. ft.
Attachments
Last edited:
Dethmachinefab
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I put one of these in. I think it's the same as all the other DIY kits. You just need to buy a lineset in the proper length and a 4 conductor wire for between the units.
Correct me if I'm wrong, the lines aren't "charged" according to the manual. You still need to pull vacuum or do whatever it is after connection? It's not as simple as plug and play like the mrcool. Unless I'm missing something.
NorCalJalopy
Well-known member
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- Aug 27, 2022
- Member Number
- 5491
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- 242
Correct, I got this kit. It’s the same gauges as automotive.
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roundhouse
Red Skull Member
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- Aug 7, 2020
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We used the blue sealer stuff and the torque wrench
Last edited:
Twinstick
Member
- Joined
- Jun 15, 2020
- Member Number
- 2020
- Messages
- 5
Figured I'd do about a year update. I absolutely love this thing. My basement is comfortable year round. I keep it on 75 in the summer, 68 in the winter. I've had no issues what so ever. I do try to keep my basement doors closed to keep the cool/ heat in.
Looking back through the last couple of years in bills, the mini split is costing me less than $20 month. My highest bill for my total electric home is about $230, with the lowest about $110. This is probably the second best addition I've made to my home 2nd to my Generac generator.
The only thing that took me a bit to get used to was the fan on the head unit runs to cycle air all the time. You really can't hear it, but you can feel it. It runs regardless of whether the outside unit is running. Apparently this is the way many of the mini splits are designed. Very simple to install, even cutting and flaring my lines myself was no issue. If you're on the fence about putting one in, pull the trigger.
Looking back through the last couple of years in bills, the mini split is costing me less than $20 month. My highest bill for my total electric home is about $230, with the lowest about $110. This is probably the second best addition I've made to my home 2nd to my Generac generator.
The only thing that took me a bit to get used to was the fan on the head unit runs to cycle air all the time. You really can't hear it, but you can feel it. It runs regardless of whether the outside unit is running. Apparently this is the way many of the mini splits are designed. Very simple to install, even cutting and flaring my lines myself was no issue. If you're on the fence about putting one in, pull the trigger.
Got tired of comparing units and worrying about replacement parts. I cannot get parts for carrier units that are five years old so this stuff is no different. So I just order this one.
senville.com
24000 BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner - Heat Pump - SENL/24CD
The Senville SENL/24CD mini split air conditioner and heat pump offers superior climate control, energy efficiency, and Alexa compatibility. Stay comfortable year-round with this eco-friendly solution.
senville.com
Twinstick
Member
- Joined
- Jun 15, 2020
- Member Number
- 2020
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- 5
That's exactly the one i got. Get the wifi module add on. It was only like $70 extra and very much worth itGot tired of comparing units and worrying about replacement parts. I cannot get parts for carrier units that are five years old so this stuff is no different. So I just order this one.
24000 BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner - Heat Pump - SENL/24CD
The Senville SENL/24CD mini split air conditioner and heat pump offers superior climate control, energy efficiency, and Alexa compatibility. Stay comfortable year-round with this eco-friendly solution.
Dethmachinefab
Red Skull Member
- Joined
- May 19, 2020
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Got the same one but under another private label (supplyhouse brand bluefin) it seems that a bunch of them are from the same factory.Got tired of comparing units and worrying about replacement parts. I cannot get parts for carrier units that are five years old so this stuff is no different. So I just order this one.
24000 BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner - Heat Pump - SENL/24CD
The Senville SENL/24CD mini split air conditioner and heat pump offers superior climate control, energy efficiency, and Alexa compatibility. Stay comfortable year-round with this eco-friendly solution.
crispins
FJB
I have been running the shit out of my GREER Mini-Split at my office for 3 years now
It is amazing and uses very little power.
It is amazing and uses very little power.
billdacat
No road...no problem.
It is a must have for any new system with ECM's (electronically commutated motors). I had a 9 month old 5 ton HVAC shit the bed after a power outage/surge. It was a huge shit storm that was covered under the warrenty. Manufacture was pissed that the installer didn't install a surge suppresor. IMHO: I might splurge for a "whole house" supressor.I went with a pioneer 24,000 BTU after digging into them some more.
Do any of you mini split owners use a surge protector on your unit?
Considering installing a couple of mini-splits; one for the garage and the other for the master bedroom. The 5 ton is struglling to keep up...
Twinstick
Member
- Joined
- Jun 15, 2020
- Member Number
- 2020
- Messages
- 5
When I installed my generator last year, I went ahead and put a surge in. It was only about $100 or so thenIt is a must have for any new system with ECM's (electronically commutated motors). I had a 9 month old 5 ton HVAC shit the bed after a power outage/surge. It was a huge shit storm that was covered under the warrenty. Manufacture was pissed that the installer didn't install a surge suppresor. IMHO: I might splurge for a "whole house" supressor.
Considering installing a couple of mini-splits; one for the garage and the other for the master bedroom. The 5 ton is struglling to keep up...
Levigarrett76
Zeus of the Sluice
Def worth it, had to replace a mini because of lack of one
Pt_Ranger_v8
A dministrator
It is a must have for any new system with ECM's (electronically commutated motors). I had a 9 month old 5 ton HVAC shit the bed after a power outage/surge. It was a huge shit storm that was covered under the warrenty. Manufacture was pissed that the installer didn't install a surge suppresor. IMHO: I might splurge for a "whole house" supressor.
Considering installing a couple of mini-splits; one for the garage and the other for the master bedroom. The 5 ton is struglling to keep up...
Or... insulate your house better?!
