DIY Ductless Minisplits

Ductless mini-split air conditioning is a viable and less expensive alternative to installing a full central unit in your home or extending it to another portion of your home. These units consist of a small condenser unit installed outside and an air conditioning unit mounted on the wall. A refrigerant and electrical line connects both units to one another. Performing the installation yourself can help save you money on a professional installation, in most cases.

Things You'll Need

• Cement
• Electric drill
• PVC tubing
• Hammer
• Wood nails

Instructions

1. Pour a cement pad on the ground near the home and allow it to dry. Make sure the pad has 12 inches of clearance on all sides and it is large enough to accommodate the condenser unit.

2. Mount the condenser unit on top of the cement pad. Drill a 1.5-inch hole through the side of the house for the refrigerant line. Insert the line through the hole and guide it into the basement.

3. Open up a wall in the room where the air conditioner will be installed. Guide the refrigerant line up from the basement and through the wall to the room. Assemble the PVC drain line for the air conditioner unit and run it to the room.

4. Pull the electrical cable and low-voltage wire from the condenser unit to the room. Cut a small hole in the wall where the air conditioner unit will be installed and pull the drain, refrigerant lines and wire through. Close the wall and secure it with wood nails.

5. Install the mounting bracket for the air conditioning unit over the hole in the wall. Hook the air conditioning unit onto the bracket. Summon a partner to hold the unit while you connect the drain, refrigerant line and electrical wiring to the unit.

6. Lower the air conditioning unit completely onto the mounting bracket and install the decorative cover over the unit.

References

• This Old House: How to Install a Mini-Split Air Conditioner
• This Old House: Ductless Air Conditioning