Ductless Mini Split Installation - DIY guide - Step-by-Step

In this video I show the step-by-step process of installing a Home Depot Hessaire Ductless Mini Split AC 18,000 btus. This unit comes in 12,000 btu and 18,000 btu varieties. Other common sizes by Hessaire include 24,000 btu and 36,000 btus.
This install follows the main steps for installing any mini split correctly.

[@juanvaldo666]

Thank you for your time invested. I'm gonna install one of those this weekend at my home.

[@jessechilders5753]

i just bought the same model. I really appreciate your work in making this video!!!! Can't wait to install!

[@JeffItUp]

Good luck man, I'm happy to help!

[@MatthewOsborn]

Whoever did the video on this is really good.

[@joseglvn77]

Thanks so much for the video brother! Saves time and headache reading though all the instructions

[@JeffItUp]

Absolutely, glad I can help!

[@mariomillan01]

I purchased one today at home Depot i do installation thank you for all the information.

[@littlebird4675]

Great video

[@WhiteBisonWhisperer-SU]

White Bison Whisperer approved!! Just installed 3 split units the way you did and I very much dislike electrical work.

[@kelseykauai]

Thank you!🎉

[@robertwilliams1241]

Thank You…

[@sconey98]

Fantastic video. I live in San Tan Valley, AZ, so very warm. A west-facing garage. Did you do any additional insulation? I know I need to address the garage door but was curious if you did any ceiling insulation. Thanks! A very good job and video.

[@JeffItUp]

No additional insulation done in the garage at the time of the video. Insulation will always help, but with that space being so small, that unit cools it well as is.

[@countryside8122]

If you figure out how to setup the WIFI please make a video. I can't figure out how to setup the WIFI. I just installed the 1.5 ton. I didn't have to vacuum the line out. Mine you could install it without doing this as they say there's enough coolant in the compressor. I also saw a video on how you can retract all the freon back into the compressor in case you someday have to work on the head unit on the wall. Emmerson put this video out. You did a wonderful video on the installation.

[@victorgutierrez5826]

great work and hard work to do it...I have a question about what Amps you put in the main panel for your 30 amps A/C Box. I ask you because I am Stock in That Step to put my A/C 12,000 .

[@JeffItUp]

Hey Victor, sorry for the late response! I don't remember offhand what size breaker is in there, but I believe it was a 30amp

[@harvestmoon2731]

I have the 12k BTU hessaire and it requires 8.6Amp to operate as stated in the manual. General rule is double the amperage for initial kick on so that equates to (17.2Amp) a 20 amp breaker being more than enough. That's what I have on mine and has never tripped.

[@harvestmoon2731]

Jeff, quick question... did you vacuum the line or not and if not, is it still working well after the 2 months since you posted this video? Edit: Thanks a bunch for the quality video 👍

[@Jpbawlings]

30:30 ish, he did not vacuum the line.

[@mehedirony3674]

Hello I am looking to get this unit but 1 ton 12000btu to replace the old unit I have. From the old unit I have 20amp double pole breaker and 60amp non fuse disconnect box. Do you think that should be good ? Thanks

[@JeffItUp]

Yes that should work great.

[@thomasmastrocinque7132]

Hi. Great Video. I have a small 1.5 car garage (~400 sq ft) I'd love to cool. Can you recommend a unit that is super-easy to install that runs on a 110 v AC outlet (instead of being hard-wired)? My budget is $1500.00 but I'd love to be closer to $1000.00 or less.

[@jesseriding7168]

Installing this tomorrow. Mind if I ask how she's holding up without the vacuum? Wondering if I can skirt that stuff and go the easy route

[@JeffItUp]

As of now, no noticeable issues.

[@jesseriding7168]

​@@JeffItUpended up vacuuming it and got it started today 🤙

[@AllanDee]

So, just to clarify, you didn’t evacuate the line and it still was ok? I’m also in southern Az wondering if I can get away without vacuuming it.

[@JeffItUp]

That is correct. I had every intention to evacuate it, but was not able to in the time I had. If you do it quickly like I did, you should not have any issues. This one is still working great.

[@mtwofeathers]

Mine came precharged, I have a vacuum pump, but I did not have to use it. After connecting the pipes I merely turned a screw valve to open the lines together, the amount of air in those joints was too small to worry about.

[@jdan6102]

You mentioned that the connections on the gauge's from HF were automotive and didn't fit. Are there adapters available? I think you mentioned it, but I wasn't sure.

[@JeffItUp]

I did a quick Google search for ' r410a AC adapter ' and lots of options will come up.

[@jdan6102]

@@JeffItUp thanks

[@_kevinjenkins_]

Did you end up using the vacuum pump for the install?

[@JeffItUp]

Hey Kevin, we did not end up using the vacuum pump for this install. It is definitely recommended to use one for efficiency and longevity of the unit, but in this particular case, we felt that we would be fine with how low the humidity was. I will update this as time goes on and report back if we have any issues with this unit.

[@OswaldoMartinez-od6tq]

I used a 30 amp breaker distance is 75’ would that be ok ?

[@mrdude3540]

Can u plz help me with a question when connecting to the disconnect does the white wire go to the ground bar or do both black and white go to the 20 breaker? Plz help I am using 10/2 wire I bought the 1.5 ton from home depot

[@JeffItUp]

The 2 blacks go to your breaker and the white should go to the inside of the panel on a lug. There should be a schematic for the disconnect that you purchased.

[@mikechamberlain9558]

I see a few questions on vacuuming the line. Oriellys rents the vacuum pump

[@pachipachi503]

Do u happen to know if it has dual thermostat? , im trying to see if i can use it with a coolbot system

[@JeffItUp]

I am not sure about the dual thermostat, maybe check their website and see if it says anything on there.

[@Jallelab99141]

For the Wifi. The Wifi adapter is now using a HiSmart-01-XXXXXXX format instead of the HIS-XXXX format. Now the app won't detect the module wifi network. Anyone know a fix?

[@triplewhoppper]

What are the potential issues if the lines arent vacuumed out?

[@JeffItUp]

The biggest issue would be moisture in the system. Moisture will cause premature wear in the compressor, along with the in line dryer. All of which results in reduced efficiency, cooling capability, and longevity. There is no specific scale that states certain amount of contamination equals x amount of problems. My purpose of this video was to show exactly that.

[@1corruptfile491]

What were the remote issues. I have power to unit lines are filled and ok. But remote won't run machine

[@MatthewOsborn]

The remote never had issues turning on the unit, it was just locked in Celsius and wasn't intuitive. It was also a little tricky to get it connected to wifi the first time. But it did turn on the unit first try.

[@DRE-uv9fu]

Did you use Nylog or any sealant on the threads?

[@JeffItUp]

Yes. Home Depot had the red and blue Nylog in stock. Thanks for the comment! I didn't mention that in the video, but hopefully these guys are following the installation instructions in the manual.

[@DRE-uv9fu]

@@JeffItUp Awesome. Thanks

[@alimabrahim1643]

did you vacuum the system or not is it necessary

[@JeffItUp]

I did not vacuum the system on this particular install. It is necessary for optimal performance and efficiency, however, I intentionally did not vacuum this one down to show the viewers that it is possible to not vacuum it down, and it will still work fine. It is recommended to install this per the manufacturers instructions. Hope that helps.

[@BrandonMitchell84]

what do you do if you misplace the mounting bracket for the inside unit ?

[@JeffItUp]

I'm not too sure, but I imagine that could be ordered. It would be hard to fabricate something to work just because of how they designed it to attach. I would go the route of just ordering a replacement one.

[@BrandonMitchell84]

@@JeffItUp i got the bracket thx

[@georgemorales8754]

By doing this , it voids my warranty. Is this correct? In order to get a warranty, the certificate must be signed and license number is needed before the warranty is sent back to you. I did most the work and looked for a tech to make last connection. $800.00 Or they will not touch it seeing that they didn't supply it. Service cost $600.00

[@JeffItUp]

That is correct. They will only warranty it, if it is installed by a licensed installer.

[@IndianRiverFlows]

Just installed this unit and turned it on with the remote - everything seemed to be working on the inside unit cycled through everything but the air flow was not cool or hot in any mode. Went outside and the fan on the outside unit was not turning - that part of the split did not appear to be working at all. The manual was no help in troubleshooting. Any suggestions.

[@JeffItUp]

I would check the basics first. Verify you have the correct voltage going into and at the unit. Then triple check the connections that they are tight and landed in the proper location. In my mind the only user error could be the electrical side. Once you confirm the above, it might be safe to assume there's an internal issue with the actual unit

[@IndianRiverFlows]

@@JeffItUp We figured if the inside unit powered on and worked the electrical must be ok - will re-check and verify all the electrical connections with the volt meter - sure hoping it’s not the actual unit - would be difficult to return to Home Depot at this point so I guess if it comes to that will need to contact Hessaire Warranty department.

[@JeffItUp]

If I'm not mistaken, I believe the indoor unit only uses 110v which is half of what the outside unit needs. Totally a guess at this point because I don't have the manual with me. But if one of the in line fuses blew on one of the 110v legs going to the unit, it would behave in a similar manner. Sorry it's just a shot in the dark, but I hope that helps.

[@IndianRiverFlows]

@@JeffItUp tested the electrical connections and everything tested good - guess it’s time to contact Hessaire. Thanks for your suggestions.

[@warham4155]

@@IndianRiverFlows hope to hear followup

[@youdosuck]

Looking at this to buy, As I live in Florida where the humidity is 1000000000000%, I will be vacuuming it.

[@OswaldoMartinez-od6tq]

I used ah 30 amp is that ok ?

[@superhostreacts]

I'm looking at this unit now Post install would you do it again?

[@JeffItUp]

I absolutely would recommend this particular one. Very straightforward instructions, and the quality seemed good. I'm considering putting in another one or two of these in some other areas soon. Aside from a few trips to the store, the total install only took a few hours.

[@superhostreacts]

@@JeffItUp awesome thank you so much for the video that was super helpful!!!

[@donxbarber]

How much did it run you ?

[@MatthewOsborn]

Just over $1200 including tax and supplies.

[@TheRoger93]

What size is the signal cable?

[@JeffItUp]

The outside diameter was 1/4" As far as the wire size inside of the cable, I believe they were 14ga wire.

[@TheRoger93]

Thank you

[@bicwoolard494]

All I can say about this video is wow!!!! should never have the refrigerant lines go around in a loop and kept vertical can create air pockets and keep oil from getting back to the compressor bad idea!!!

[@Jpbawlings]

It literally says in the manual on most of these split units that you should just leave the excess lines curled up behind the outside unit..... You could cut them up to length and reconnect but for most people that would just cause more points of failure, and thus, problems.

[@edmstudio3904]

You shouldn't run romex inside a conduit as that is a code violation and creates heat. Use thhn.

[@wolfdale_3m]

The outdoor unit is in a bit of a cramped space for my taste.

[@Jimddddd1981]

Just cut the lines to length and make your own flare. Coiling up unused lines and tucking behind the unit creates an oil trap and looks like crap. Also, don’t talk about evacuation as if it’s an optional step. It isn’t. Air and moisture left in the lines will cause inefficient refrigeration, capacity issues and will shorten the life of the compressor.

[@JeffItUp]

@@Jimddddd1981 All these are great suggestions. Good job.

[@omargutierrez9174]

I got the 1.5 unit can I run 12/2 on a 20breaker?

[@JeffItUp]

That should be fine. If I recall, a 1.5 ton is only about 1800 watts so 15amp breaker would be the minimum. 12-2 will work as long as your length isn't too long.

[@omargutierrez9174]

@@JeffItUp I’m about 75 feet away from the breaker box It’s 1500 watts I was thinking 12-2 with 20amp breaker

[@JeffItUp]

So with your distance being 75' I would go to a 10Ga wire. If you ran 12Ga, it would work, but you would be right at or a little bit above the maximum limit of the wire depending on your amp draw. For peace of mind, I recommend you do it in 10Ga. 10Ga is good for 35 amps over 400' whereas 12Ga is 20 amps at like 51'. Hope this helps!

[@omargutierrez9174]

@@JeffItUp thank you so much yes that should help wasn’t sure what gauge to install cause of the distance

[@omargutierrez9174]

I will get the 10-2 and a 30amp breaker

[@Trujillo4u]

Not a step by step video... also not impossible to follow if you are an average DIY homeowner. Thanks for the video..

[@bicwoolard494]

Looks like he did not have the correct adapter to vacuum the line out, so he just said ahh and not do it another bad idea!!!!!

[@JeffItUp]

Thanks for watching!

[@oldcarpenter2372]

There is a dangerous condition in the wiring of your installation, possibly deadly! The indoor unit is 120 volt since there is only one 120 volt hot wire, one neutral and one ground. Since there is a neutral wire between the indoor and outdoor units, there must also be a neutral wire all the way back to the breaker box for that 120 volt portion of this circuit to work properly. For your installation there should be a four wire 240 volt system with two 120 volt hots, one neutral, and one ground. This is clearly shown on the wiring diagram in the installation manual of your Hessaire system. The way your system is wired in the video, there must be current flowing through ground inside the outdoor unit when the indoor unit is energized. A person touching the metal of the outdoor unit could be shocked. (add/edit below) There was a change in the 2020 National Electric Code that requires the electrical supply for an outdoor unit to be protected by a ground fault breaker (yes there are 220 volt GFCI breakers). This was due to a child being killed when he came in contact with hot skin of a incorrectly wired outdoor air conditioner unit. Still some local jurisdictions are not enforcing this change.

[@JeffItUp]

Thank you for the comment. I will look into this immediately.

[@wildcorn12790]

The indoor unit runs on 240v as well, there is a Black, Red, White, and Green wire running between the indoor and outdoor unit. Green is ground, pretty easy. Then two of the other wires run 240v while another is used for a signal wire. If you open the outside unit, you'll see that two of those wires that run to the inside unit are essentially connected (by jumpers that you can't see) directly to the 240, then the third leg goes to the control board. This setup is fine the way it is. There is no risk of being electrocuted.

[@SomeOne-vy5gv]

This is a horrible DIY..

[@JoshuaMendiola-bg8xy]

DIY ductless is a horrible idea.

[@Antwainz]

Why

[@JoshuaMendiola-bg8xy]

So many reasons, specialty tools, knowledge, knockoff equipment that most professionals won't touch. So when it fails it becomes a yard ornament.

[@Yaboyyaasin]

Yeah that's cuz you don't know them yet