DIY: Ductless Mini-Splits

Many homeowners find that the warm summer months are just too unbearable without an air-conditioning unit for cooling the interior. Unfortunately, some homes do not have the ducting, or passageways, needed for a typical central forced air conditioner. Luckily, air-conditioning units are available that do not require ducting, called mini-splits. A mini-split system uses indoor and outdoor components for generating cool air for one specific room, such as a living room. Installing a ductless mini-split can be a do-it-yourself project, negating the need to pay a professional costly time and labor.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder
• Marker
• Level
• Mini-split system
• Binding belt
• Screwdriver
• Screws

Instructions

1. Choose a location for the indoor unit. The unit should be located on a wall approximately 8 feet above the floor. There should be enough space surrounding the unit to allow adequate ventilation.

2. Locate the wall's studs, or wood supports, with a stud finder. Mark the stud locations with a marker.

3. Install the supplied wall-mounted plate in the chosen location by securing the assembly with screws and a screwdriver. Use a level to make sure the supporting plate is horizontally straight.

4. Affix the indoor unit onto the wall plate, securing it with the supplied locks on the plate.

5. Attach the drain hose and refrigerant pipe to the indoor unit's rear. Drill a hole in the wall large enough to feed the hose through it. Verify that the refrigerant pipe attaches above the drain hose for proper functioning.

6. Bind the drain hose and refrigerant pipe together with a binding belt. Snake the hose and pipe configuration through the wall until it reaches the intended outside location for the outdoor component.

7. Confirm that the outdoor unit is placed in its permanent location, typically on a concrete block. The area immediately surrounding the outdoor unit should be large enough for ventilation and future servicing access.

8. Attach the drain and refrigerant pipes to the outdoor unit. Make sure they are securely attached to prevent leaks.

9. Plug the indoor and outdoor units into electrical power outlets. Test the system with the supplied remote.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not bend the drain and refrigerant pipes too extremely. Sharp turns will negatively affect the movement of refrigerant within the mini-split system, hindering the cool air supply.

References

• Shinco: Split Type Wall-Mounted Inverter Room Air Conditioner Instruction Manual