How To Install A Mini Split AC The Right Way | Save $2,000 | THE HANDYMAN | 

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Just another tip when you are going from vacuum to charging the line set and indoor head. Open the high side opposite (top) side of your gauge vacuum connection first with allen key very very slowly until you just see 5 psi on the gauges. Then close the port with allen key. Now remove the gauge line from the Schrader fitting and then fully open both pump valves. You will only lose a very small amount of refrigerant this way. And don't forget to Nylog the cap fittings as it is typical for gas to sneak by the o-rings in the valves. Good Job!

I've installed many of these here in Tokyo many many of them. You did everything right, not to my standard, I use some different tools but still very good. We don't use the nitrogen pressure test for basic mini-splits here with only the two or I guess four joints, but on larger installs we do, but for basic mini-splits like that no one does the pressure test. To test the joint inside I prop the bottom of the evaporator unit (Inside on the wall) off the wall by about 4 inches then spray the leak test stuff that will bubble, when I get no bubbles I then wrap the joint up and put the unit back down on the wall. Mini-splits rock they make up maybe 80% or more of home installs. Cheers from Tokyo! Stu

It was good to mention that you should NOT disconnect the gauge set while the line set is under a vacuum but you really don't need to fully release the refrigerant before removing it either. In the future, all you really need to do is open one of the valves while watching the low pressure gauge and as soon as goes to a positive pressure (like 5 or 10 pounds) and then close the valve. Then you can safely remove the gauge set without letting outside air into the line set and if for some reason you have some difficulty removing the set from the fitting, you will not lose your charge. After you remove the gauge set, then you can fully open the valves and check for leaks.

You inspired me I'm 25 and work a full time job installing doors and windows I now have been doing my business for over year I took on the thumbtack app I am always full of work and I have so many repeate customers I'm going full time now due to all you have shared I made over 10k this month just on side jobs doing plumbing flooring trim work and replacing easy stuff just wanted to say thank you !

Tip: Borrow the pump and gauges from O'reilley's. Especially for a single project in one afternoon.

I’ve been a female handywoman working alone since 2007. First of all you are making me want my own workshop. Second I plan to install some mini splits - I loved these when I lived in paraguay, South America.

Good to know I’m not the only one who keeps every scrap of wood, tile & pretty much anything that I can use & use it I do!

These Split AC units are great for server rooms and computer labs in small to midsize businesses. I've seen them used there a lot. Relatively easy, inexpensive way to get a dedicated cooling system into a room you plan on throwing a bunch of tech stuff into.

I had these Tosots installed in my house in 2017, use both the cooling and heating and they really are amazing and energy conserving, I've had no problems yet considering they're in use almost every day. Good choice in Tosot. 👍

My in-laws just installed a 36k BTU unit in their house to replace the main outdated unit. They have four indoor units strategically placed and it does an awesome job. Cut their power bill too!

As an HVAC tech, thank you for pulling a vacuum! I've installed tons of mini splits, they're great systems, still hate them. for those of you who don't know, any line set longer than 25 feet needs added refrigerant which can only be done (in the US) by a licensed tech.

We use these units in Norway. We call them "heat pump" because we need the heat more than the AC part. They are very common, and is the "bread and butter" economic heating solution here. We have no ducts, and they still work beautifully for both heat and cooling. Nothing to worry about :)

Excellent video! Thank you. I see a lot of homes (with central air already) add these in a second floor master bedroom.

As an hvac technician I’m adopting your explanation for my customers.

Great job on the install 👏 I am a technician for hvacr and I also do wholesale distribution. I work around this stuff everyday all day. The only thing I recommend for you to not have issues later on is the coiled up linset outside at condenser cannot be coiled due to oil trapping in the coiled lineset. You will not have adequate oil return to the compressor. You should cut excess off and re-flare the ends. Great video though

Love this channel, you guys a extremely knowledgeable and friendly

I am researching installing my own mini split, and have watched several videos. Nobody, thus far, after watching 7 videos, have stated that one can "borrow" the vacuum and AC gauges from an auto parts store. -- you just leave $150 deposit and you get it back once you return the item(s). The only thing left to buy is the flange set, and the gauge "mini" connection. It's always best to not have extra length on the pipes, and God forbid you coil them in the vertical plane!

I’m a hvac tech. Good job. Clean install. I would of pressure tested with nitrogen.

Brilliant work and thanks for sharing this with us take care

Great video, Handyman. These units aren’t just air conditioners, they’re heat pumps. Very popular here in Canada. They provide heating for a much lower cost than competing technologies. Potentially a nice business line for you.

I've also seen people use these for isolating basements from central air so you can have a loud theater/party room that is properly soundproofed.

These are great units because they can be used in so many different ways from banquet halls to homes

I figured this was easy to install but actually seeing the process helps even more. Thanks.

Ive installed 4 separate systems in my home for primary heating and cooling.. its 3300 sq ft and they are the best. I did Mitsubishi Hyper Heat and LG Red systems those are -15f .

The open end wrench for your torque wrench is called a Crow's Foot. Nice job Handyman! Really enjoy your videos and appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience!

got the Adjustable wrench out like a true HVAC tech. I've installed 1000's of these. and you can Coil the line sets unlike most of these guys will tell you.. just make sure your horizontal it twice the length of your vertical and it cant be a trap.. even on Heat Recovery units used commercially which is a lot more sensitive than a simple mini split install. great job (btw the Nylog blue is most in important on the back of the flare as it stop friction from preventing you from getting the proper torch on the flare nut its self)

That was fun! Nice job Handy! 👏

Good job, 37 degree evap temp is good. Guessing the unit uses R410a if you are seeing 100 psig suction pressure

Good stuff brother, keep it coming 👍

Nice summary. I would not skip the nitrogen pressure test. And pull the vacuum with a micron gauge. It’s just insurance. Most mini splits fail at the flare fittings. The factory flare nuts on my unit were cheap cast nuts that crow’s foot torque wrenches won’t fit. Yellowjacket makes an adjustable wrench torque wrench that would be better but it sure is pricey. Your installation should be great! Enjoy!

That's what i'm talking about, now you are speaking my language...lol I just got my EPA 608 Universal certification two months ago here in Florida and let me tell you, I am a hot commodity now to all my family and friends...😊

Great show Handy, I’ve installed a mini split in office above garage. Worked great. I like those units. Fortunate for me I had a chimp on hand for support.

Thank you for this DIY video! This is the typical A/C set up that they use in Hawaii. 🤙🏼

Thanks. I’ve been looking into mini splits for a few rentals without AC.

certified universal HVAC here. Well done, I don't care what anybody else says!

Handyman, just make sure you do yearly maintenance on the units, or trouble will eventually follow, usually ends up costing mor then units themselves. Cleaning and flushing yearly is what most brands recommend, and if knowledgeable…..don’t need to call hvac tech out to do, can do yourself. Glad have AC now and staying cool. Like your shop vids, work vids…..all dang it, like all your vids😊 Cheers✌🏻

i did residential for a while and now i work on grocery stores but grinned like a school girl when you brought out that nylog lmao that stuff is great. edit: also you explained the proper way to apply it. insane how many people dont get it bonus bonus edit: if you were to get real fancy with it, you could nylog your gauges to ensure they are super tight for pulling a vacuum

Oh yeah, iv got a 18k in my garage. By far my favorite appliance.

Thank you for your help 🙏

It’s been a while since I’ve UTubed. I immediately recognized your voice, but buddy, YOU’VE AGED. Great video and glad you recognized the “qualified” HVAC people. I’ve had to fire a few

I’m an hvac technician myself, pulling the vacuum to see you have leak at either indoor, or outdoor is okay, but I would prefer to use nitrogen, put at least 250-300 psi, take some big blue spray bubbles check for leaks around the flair joints, and if there’s no bubbling then it’s good. I wouldn’t pop the values unless I’m 100% sure I have no leaks.

Cool video Handyman!

I'm going to be installing a mini split here shortly in my garage. My only thing that stood out to me on your install is at at 16:48 you have the line set at a vertical loop. Everything I've read in terms of Mitsubishi/Daikin...etc. state that you should not have vertical loop in the lineset due to the oil then possible resting at the lowest point and not being properly circulated within the system. I plan on getting longer lineset that what is needed just incase due to my install and then cut the end off and flare them so that I can have no excess lines and it's a fresh flare that's good. I've read many many videos where the factory flared ends aren't great, and for the $100 tool to make new flares it's worth piece of mind that you don't get a leak later on due to the machine that they used not properly flaring it. I just had a quote since we are getting our entire house HVAC systems replaced (2 furnaces and two ACs) and said how much for a mini split in the garage? They came back at me and said we can install one for $8k. I'm like cool thanks. Told my wife, no way in hell I'm spending $8k for a mini split in the garage when ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL these videos are showing how easy it is to install. The HARDEST part for me is going to be drilling the side exterior wall through the vinyl siding...lol. Who likes to drill huge holes in their house?! That's the most nerve wracking thing to me. The inside unit just as you said looks like you are hanging a microwave. No different than hanging a tv on the wall and I literally just did that for a friend over the weekend. I can't wait to have a cool garage in the summer and warm garage in the winter time. Good video. I like that it was a DIY and not some paid manufacture's video.

I know absolutely nothing about HVAC. What I do know is those mini splits are extremely durable. When I was in Iraq all the little metal containers we lived in had mini splits. Those things ran no matter what. If they had power to them they worked. Sand storms, 115+° temps, and running 24/7.

I'd invest in a Micron Guage and pull a correct deeper vacuum. Then pressurize the line set with nitrogen, and hope it holds over night. It being your personal unit you can wait 1 more day without cooling 😎.

That was a great video. Those Minis are versatile and not too expensive

Dont blow your next TV opportunity Handyman!

They’re also very popular in recording studios, I have one in my control room

I recently retired and moved to Florida, so I'm looking at one of these for my workshop here. While in Arizona, my employers had one installed in our "new" office space, done by a local HVAC company. Apparently, this was their first time dealing with one of these, and they "forgot" to install the insulation mentioned at 7:18 in the video. The result was condensation dripping all over my desk and computer - I was not a happy camper!!

Since the external unit is so close to soil and dust you may want to clean the radiator regularly from inside out using low pressure water hose. It may keep your unit from overheating.

Many rental condos in Hawaii built in 60s-90s without central AC now have an upgraded mini-split systems. Much preferable to the old window shaker style ACs.

one thing you want to keep an eye on is cleaning the cylinder fan once a year (this is actually a good business if these are popular in your area, takes like 30 minutes to clean and you can charge an easy 100$) mold tends to build up in there, also the drip pan can get clogged with mold so water will drip out of the head instead of out the tube. other than that, these things are fantastic

Loved the video. I use the kids medicine syringe to put the soapy water on, to make it easier for me.

Master of none!

Great educational video

In parts of Canada where electric baseboard heat is common, mini-split heatpumps have been promoted as a easy way to lower your heating costs.

Thank you for sharing.

Your cord management in your shop is steller. Nice install.

15:10 SUPER HELPFUL how to properly use Nylog!! (im just wondering if you use it differently on the DIY kit lines? "the mating surfaces" not the threads.

Funny you would make a video about this I’m installing one and I done and F’d up lol when doing the copper lines I applied just alittle to much force lol so now I’m learning how to flare ha ha

The 5" difference of deficit to the wall will lower your cooling efficiency by " a percentage " (small in your geographical area, more noticeable in Southern States where 115 degrees is a normal day.) .... mainly affects the cooling of the compressor and coil.

Thanks for the video =)

Looks pretty good. Only thing with piping you created an oil trap.

I find I’m remaking about more than half of the factory flares. Also for some reason it’s stained in my head that the outdoor “unit” should be 12-16” away from the outside wall. Still green here!

You will be fine with 7 inches off exterior wall for the condensing unit. Usually we do 6 inches minimum in HVACR, and I've installed 3-4 ton units that way, works no problem.

Great video! Gonna be adding one to a detached garage loft! Which wireless mic do you have? Didn't see it in your links or Amazon page.

Great video! Would definitely like to see future install like you mentioned, for your rental property, friend's workshop or a client looking for mini split install. Have you looked into other brands like Mr Cool, Pioneer, Gree, Ductless Aire (Home depot brand)? before going with Tosot. Again awesome video!

this video is hurting my business 😂 cheers

Good explanation

@AWD40 PLEASE give this man a sponsorship!!!!

That extra wire it comes with is your whip that comes from the disconnect to your mini split condenser

You should put an I log on the back of the flyer. Just FYI also you can use it on the threads to help torque down the larger connectors on bigger units.

Good Job thanks

Very useful.

Thanks!!

Thank you for this. Where I live there is a drought, and I’d like to know the best way to collect the condensation, as I understand a mini split does put out a lot of water. I have lots of plants that need water.

We just installed a mini-split. When you are putting the unit on a wall bracket, you only need 3-4" between the outer wall and the back of your unit.

New units come with thicker replacement brass fittings to replace original thinner fittings. Thinner fittings are known to crack. Flatting tool should be elliptical style to insure smooth flared face.

My advice is to clean the head unit every six months. I have been installing and using minis for a decade in remodels, new construction, and rentals. They are great! Keeps the area a constant temp and humidity unlike traditional units that kick in and off making the area temps vary constantly. If you do not clean them though you will be faced with a nightmare!!! I installed a Gree unit in an uninsulated room about 8 years ago. Just hooked the lines up and released the refrigerant. It had to run constantly for all these years and has never stopped working! Hell if a deal.

If you do this again harbor freight sells 3/8" drive crows foot ratchet ends. This can be used with a normal 3/8" automotive torque wrench as long as you have the crows foot on in line with the wrench handle. Cheap open end torque wrench. If you didn't have an automotive torque wrench the auto part stores will lend you one :)

I’ve done one now too. My pro tip: I’d wear a glove while unscrewing the fitting after releasing the refrigerant. It gets real cold real fast!

I believe the clearance states something along the lines of X inches unless mounted on a wall mount as you have it... then it is a shorter distance. I've only illegally installed 4 of these units... so I may not have any idea what I'm talking about.

you dont hear it work more likely inverter technology on the compressor. good thing the US is slowly taking on more of these.

I recommend using the quick connect system. There are real seals inside and for a little bucks more you even get them prefilled. So no need for the vacuum pump.

MERCIA 😏🤙🙌 Greatest country in the world other places can't compare 🙌

A good one.

Since the condenser unit is elevated with the brackets, the required clearance is less with the other installation manuals I've looked at. I need to learn how to add a 240V circuit though and manage that wiring for the first time.

Installed one similar and put in a crazy feng gu fountain thing I used the condensation to keep the fountain running. But now I have to install a pisser that fountain is tough to listen to

same as a brakeline, Lost out on a job like this, Wish i knew this video was here.

The reason we put nylog on the back side of the flare is not to bend out the copper when Tightening down do you spec

You should show the gauges while the compressor is running. 37 sounds a little low but may be unit specific. I normally deal with fujitsu.

I've put in a dozen of these and I'm not an HVAC tech the one thing I have found is I like to use the flare ceiling compound on all the flare connections it's like a sticky glue substance

If you have sight line to your breaker box most areas do not require the disconnect switch.

Fun fact that little pss noise has a term, it is called "de minimis". Specialty valves do that to release only a slight of refrigerant into the atmosphere, which as we all know is what destroys our ozone layer. Hence why some refrigerants like R22 are banned, and can be collected and turned in for money, and then sent off to be destroyed.

wow interesting good video tutorial.

I can't stop looking at the ghost painting in the background. I'm trying to focus on your words but that dam 👻 ghost 😆

It used to be 110v and 220v, but that changed some time ago. Now it is 120v and 240v.

Installing home hvac in flip flops! That's freaking hardcore

Those are very sensitive to throw an error code if the filter gets a little dirty. But I love mine