How to Install a Soleus Air Mini-Split
Mini split air conditioners cool one room at a time. They give homeowners more control over the temperature of the home room by room. Unlike a larger air conditioning unit, the mini-split unit requires little ductwork. An outside unit compresses a coolant. A thin hose carries the coolant to a plate in the inside unit. The inside unit draws air over the plate and forces cold air into the room. The best time to install a mini-split system is before the drywall goes up. This gives the homeowner access to the inside of the walls and creates a finished look to the system. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Bricks
- Metal base plate
- String trimmer
- Soleus condenser unit
- Drill
- 2-inch rotary hole cutter
- Condenser line
- PVC drain line
- Electrical line
- Wrapping tape
- Adjustable wrench
- Drywall
- Phillips head screwdriver bit
- Soleus blower unit base
- Loose insulation
- Soleus blower unit
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Instructions
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1
Place a layer of bricks on the planned area for the condenser unit. The outside unit goes outside the home as close to the room as possible. Place the unit at least 12 inches from the home. Trim any grass or brush from around the condenser unit. The condenser needs constant, unobstructed airflow for proper operation. Place the metal base plate on top of the bricks. Put the outside condenser unit on the metal plate.
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2
Drill a 2-inch hole in the outside wall of the home behind the unit. Angle the hole slightly upward from the outside of the home. This helps water flow from the PVC drain line. Push the condenser line, the PVC drain line and the electrical line through the hole.
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3
Pull the three lines through the hole from the inside of the home. Pull the lines to the area where the inside blower unit belongs. Place the inside blower unit as high as possible since cool air is heavier than warm air and will fall to the ground. Starting 12 inches from the end, wrap the three lines together with wrapping tape to hold them securely. Tape the end to one of the studs of the unfinished wall.
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4
Attach the coolant line to the coolant outlet on the outside unit. The line attaches to the condenser unit with a pressurized attachment held in place with a threaded collar. Use the adjustable wrench to tighten the nut securely. Plug the electrical line into the plug on the side of the unit. This line carries the set temperature from the inside unit to the outside compressor. It also powers the inside unit. The Soleus unit requires a licensed electrician to wire the outside compressor into the home’s electrical system.
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Pack the hole to the outside with loose insulation.
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Install the drywall to your room’s plans, cutting a 2-inch hole for the lines in the space where the inside unit will be installed. Pull the lines through the hole in the drywall. Mud, sand and paint the walls as needed.
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Change the bit on the drill to a Phillips head screwdriver bit. Screw the inside unit base to the chosen spot on the drywall. Press the PVC drain tube to the drain nipple on the bottom of the inside unit. Plug the electrical line into the unit. Screw the coolant line into the pressurized coolant plate. Use the adjustable wrench to tighten the nut holding the coolant line in place. Pack insulation around the hole to prevent bugs from getting into the unit. Hook the inside unit onto the base at the top. Swing the unit down and snap it in place.
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Check the lines to make sure that the PVC drain line is dripping and that none of the lines are tight. Caulk around the outside hole with silicone caulk to prevent bugs and vermin from getting into the house.
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Tips & Warnings
The condenser, electrical and drain lines are all sent to your specifications from the manufacturer. Your salesperson will help you measure the proper length for each of these lines.
Soleus requires a licensed electrician to install the electrical wiring. If you attempt to install the electrical yourself, you will void the warranty.
References
- Photo Credit Yamini Chao/Digital Vision/Getty Images
