How to Install Mini Split Air Conditioning Units
Mini split air conditioning units are a great alternative to traditional ducted whole-house cooling systems. The mini split system is efficient because it does not employ duct work. Ducting with whole-house systems accounts for nearly 30 percent efficiency reduction. The primary advantage of the mini split (ductless) system is the small size and ability to cool up to four rooms, if properly sized. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Mini split air conditioning unit
- Refrigeration line set
- PVC condensate drain line
- Room in electrical panel for power
- Concrete
- Drill with 1-1/2-inch hole saw
- Lumber for forms
- Nails
- Hammer
- Trowel
- Float
Instructions
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Determine the required size of your mini split air conditioning unit. Assume that you are cooling a room that is 20 by 30 feet with an 8-foot ceiling. Also, the room is facing south (not a kitchen) and receives direct sunlight. Finally, the room is on the top floor and will be cooled at night as well as during the day. With these assumptions, according to the "This Old House" calculator, a 12,100-BTU/hour unit will cool this room efficiently. BTU stands for British Thermal Units.
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Select the desired location and prepare the site for installation. Using the specified dimensions, locate the concrete pad for placement so that the unit will be at least 12 inches from the structure. The unit requires a 12-inch clearance to provide proper airflow, so trim shrubs and clear away anything else that would prevent this. Excavate to prepare for the concrete. Form and pour the concrete pad. Trowel and float the concrete. Make sure it is level and adjust it, if necessary.
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Run the lines. Set the outside unit and attach it to the concrete pad. Drill a 1-1/2-inch hole through the wall to the inside. Carefully feed the refrigeration line set (feed and return lines) into the room that will be air-conditioned. Run electrical lines. Use PVC pipe to run as a condensate drain line.
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Set inside unit. Attach mounting brackets to the wall, ceiling, or elsewhere as per manufacturer's instructions (see the owner's manual). Carefully attach the feed and return refrigeration lines and power source to the unit. Hang the unit on the mounted bracket.
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Call professionals for the final hook-up. For final electrical, plumbing and air conditioning hookups, call a certified installation expert. It is possible that may void any warranties should you attempt to do this part yourself.
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Tips & Warnings
Your unit should be within 500 BTU/hours of calculated need. If it's too small, the room will not cool properly; too large, and the unit will short cycle and not dehumidify.
