How to Install a Ductless Mini Split

In this video I show you how to install a ductless mini split air conditioner/heater. Installing a ductless mini split is not a difficult task but there are some things that make it easy to get hung up and hit road blocks. In this video I show I installed my Pioneer ductless mini split for my 500 square foot garage workshop.
*****PLEASE READ
I AM NOT AN ELECTRICIAN OR HVAC TECHNICIAN. IN THIS VIDEO I AM SHOWING YOU WHAT I DID TO INSTALL MY DUCTLESS MINI SPLIT. IF YOU WANT TO INSTALL YOUR OWN PLEASE CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL AND DO AT YOUR OWN RISK
****FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: / theaveragecraftsman
Twitter: / avgcraftsman
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****My Pioneer Ductless Mini Split - www.pioneerminisplit.com/coll...
****Install Article
www.theaveragecraftsman.com/?...
****Materials and Tools
****Tool I Used to Install My Ductless Mini Split
DeWalt 20V Max Drill and Impact Driver - amzn.to/2mt5nJj
Torpedo Level - amzn.to/2EmdYcp
24" Level - amzn.to/2nV5E9n
Milwaukee Hole Saw Kit - amzn.to/2H7v9we
Milwaukee Insulated Screwdrivers - amzn.to/2Hc6nLB
Klein Tools 1/2" EMT Conduit Bender - amzn.to/2Bs01az
DeWalt FlexVolt Grinder - amzn.to/2H9ChrW
Klein Tools Conduit Reamer - amzn.to/2EEmlzx
Southwire Wire Strippers - amzn.to/2EANQKf
***Materials Required to Install a Ductless Mini Split
*this is really going to depend heavily on your specific situation
30 AMP A/C Disconnect - amzn.to/2EBJvq7
6' LiquidTight Conduit - tinyurl.com/yay46m57
12 Ga THHN/THWN Solid Copper Wire (Black) - amzn.to/2H9Uaac
12 Ga THHN/THWN Solid Copper Wire (White) - amzn.to/2Hc7YRB
12 Ga THHN/THWN Solid Copper Wire (Green) - amzn.to/2H8olyi
Flex Shot Clear Rubber Sealant - amzn.to/2H9Um9q
****Check out Spark Channel for all kinds of good info on electrical - / channel
****Subscribe to my channel - / @theaveragecraftsman
****Music by
David Cutter Music - www.davidcuttermusic.com
Epidemic Sound - www.epidemicsound.com

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Hope you all enjoyed this video. If you've done a mini split install before, post your experience down below.

[@sobe3216]

The Average Craftsman ... can you comment on how you like the unit. Both from a heater and AC perspective. Thanks in advanced.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Love it! It's worked great so far in both modes.

[@crforfreedom7407]

I don't get the attraction of these things. LG sells a window heat pump with the same specs for the same sqft for under $700! Why install this, when I can put in the window unit without permanent damage, and save a grand for other things?

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Window units arent nearly as efficient as these mini splits. I'll save that extra money in the long term many times over. Also, a window unit wasnt an option for me because I dont have a window that opens in my shop. My unit ended up being around $1300-1400 when it was all said and done including the wiring, disconnect, etc so I wouldn't have saved a grand.

[@kotchz455]

Great video. You should be on this old house. I have a question though. I believe you said that your shop was 500sqft. Isn't the unit you used oversized a bit especially with what appears to be an insulated room.

[@patrickbollingguns]

*Works so well **Fastly.Cool** that it only requires daytime operation until high temp and humidity are overnight. It is difficult to get to side filters, but back is easily accessible.*

[@dpaulsen1]

Purchased: August 2023 - still works GREAT!I kzbin.infoUgkxxsUnXhGsSJLim_XnMHyQK0u3XVaW-CGn live in a studio and during the summer it gets scorching hot - really old building with no ac units. I can’t express how EASY it was to install. This unit has been a life savior during the summer and some days during other seasons where it can still be a bit warm at night. In this small place is my friend, a husky, poodle mix and myself. We need AC - lolI don’t use the dehumidifier option - I’m not sure if it will leak in my house, since I did not install the small draining hose that came with it. May look into it late but I don’t worry about much humidity in the apartment. I don’t understand why the negative reviews since all things mentioned, I personally did not find issues with. Definitely worth it!

[@vigoss10]

I like the way you work, simple direct and straight to the point.... No BS!👍🏻

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks, I try and to make the videos as informative as possible. Glad you enjoyed!

[@ismackherbiehind]

For a DIY job I have to say this is better than 90 percent of work I have seen don by professionals.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@sustainlight1]

Sir, my hat is off to you!!! I realy don't understand how some people dare to put a thumb down on your videos...I'v been struggling to install this mini split, and until I found your video I was able to be succesful; other videos were just useless. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Glad I could be of help. Enjoy your new mini split!

[@MrPatdeeee]

The reason I gave him a "hands down" is quite simple: He talks TOO much! Sadly, this is a very common scenario in MANY DIY Video's. "CUT TO THE CHASE MAN". We are NOT children that needs to be "spoon-fed".

[@timbailey6106]

Thank you for the excellent video. I'm installing a 12000 BTU unit and you got me out of trouble in a couple of issues . Thanks again for the professional and clearly articulated instructions.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Glad I could help you, Tim. Enjoy your new, cooler space!

[@rhombusmeniscus9164]

Well done!!! Awesome job!!! Nothing average about the craftsmanship on this channel!!! Executed like a pro! ... both the Aircon installation ... AND the well thought out video which is often taken for granted .... but which can sometimes be the bigger hassle. Just a small observation ... you probably not gonna need that aircon. Why? cos you're already a cool dude!!! Thanks a million.

[@heathpass3708]

Very good video. I bought a mini split last week and started getting all the prep work done. I’m glad your video confirmed that I had everything I needed and was going to be hooked up correctly. I haven’t yet cut the hole through the wall and but seeing that you did use that long drill bit to make a pilot hole was a great idea. The cutting the hole in the wall part is the nerve racking part. Can’t screw that up! Anyway this is by far the best and most reliable video for installing mini splits I’ve seen.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks, man! Hope your install was successful!

[@donmarlowe717]

You did a great job, since I retired from being in management, it would take me about a year to do all the things you did. So I thinking of having a complete system installed in my home since you cool just the rooms that you use. My brother in sarasota did that in an old victorian house and he says his electric bill is one third of what it was last year. But he didn't tell me how much it cost. He had a total of 15 units installed.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks for the comment! For a 15 zone system I would think it would be upwards of $10-15k for the units and installation. I've seen 8 zone systems for about 5k but that's the most I've seen run on from a single compressor so I am guessing he has two compressors at least.

[@sprnova1948]

Great job on this project-very helpful since im doing the same at my son's house. Thanks for the efforts you made-VERY HELPFUL !!!!!

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks! Post back here when you’re done and let us know how it turned out.

[@clarkg9805]

Excellent video, much appreciate you taking all the time and effort in showing us the specific steps in your installation. I'm about to embark on my first install of a split system with two heads. Your video cleared up a lot of questions I had.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks for watching, Clark! Good luck on your install!

[@stevereject]

Excellent install video. I am installing my first mini split this week and went with a Pioneer also. I am thinking it should be perfect for my needs. Quiet and efficient, much more affordable than a full replacement of my 23 year old R22 central air unit.

[@brianmurray8058]

If you're "The Average Craftsman", I just downgraded myself or would promote you to "The Above Average Craftsman"... don't sell yourself short - great detail, thought/planning, clean and safe work. Awesome video, awesome result. Thanks for sharing and stay safe!

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks, Brian!

[@superquax1]

Wow you did a perfect job, the wiring and the hose fitting ...great👍🏽👍🏽😃

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thank you!

[@laurencehuie2444]

loved it--- thanx -- i like how you make your video without drawing it out by speeding up and getting to what matters.... great stuff

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@milesaway131]

Awesome video clears up alot of questions before drilling holes through the garage walls.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Glad I could help, Dan. Thanks for watching!

[@rodlanthier7402]

Great step by step. Super clear and the best one on KZbin in regards to a mini split installation. Thanks!

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks, Rod!

[@brianmacconnell1249]

This is first video of yours I've seen. I like your video style. It was well put together and filmed. I look forward to seeing more.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@willardwolf667]

I thought the tutorial was very well done. Instructive and well documented. The video covers the complete installation process extremely well. I was very impressed with his process.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks, Willard! I appreciate the kind words.

[@stephencameron3127]

Really helpful video. I bought a system and was doing research on the install and your video is incredibly helpful. Thanks for filming this.

[@outpostcamp]

Best video for MINISPLIT install on Utube. Lots of detail. Thank you.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thank you. I appreciate that!

[@Ironweinersdad]

Great job. Kind of reminds me of myself. I’m not licensed to do any of that but at home I do it all and the inspectors never had a problem with my stuff.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@davidpatrick3533]

Great job and explanation. I'm about to tackle this... Thanks so much

[@mikerodman402]

Great job.... I love the professionalism and neatness...My kind of guy. 👌👌👍👍

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thank you!

[@tylerdirden3416]

Loved your attention to detail on making the vid, showed pretty much all the steps. Thank you.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks, Tyler!

[@jimaldridge4284]

You did a great job, very professional! 👍

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@lonniecrook1684]

Well done video and your install work was very professional. Nice Job! Thanks!

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks, man. I appreciate that! Hope you found it informative.

[@anon31415]

Really appreciate you taking the time to make this video!

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

My pleasure! Thanks!

[@galenledbetter8014]

Awesome tutorial and great work! I installed the MRCOOL 18K. My plumbing was a little more intense due to my indoor unit mounting location. I choose an interior wall not adjacent to an exterior wall. I routed the copper lines into the attic through the wall and left the uncoiled excess in the attic. Some HVAC friends suggested that the oils in the refrigerant, while at rest inside the coiled copper could compromise the structural integrity of the line. I also had to install a designated PEX drain line for the inside unit. In the interest of keeping all lines hidden, I routed the drain line in the wall through three studs to an exterior wall and outside. I choose to pour a concrete pad to mount the outside unit on. Other than those extra steps, the initial install was straight forward. I posted on my channel if you’d like...

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Yeah, much more involved than my install. Thanks for watching!

[@woodrowellenburg4381]

Very nice content... very professional.

[@gjoseguerra]

Really apreciate it the clarity of the video. Excellent job sir.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks, I appreciate that!

[@scubadiver5366]

Thank You, and this video is MUCH MUCH better than the info from the Ductless Aire site.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@brianmurray667]

Great demonstration! You have no worries over content or style.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks, Brian!

[@josphchidexigwe4644]

Very good work and well understanding as a technician, Thanks for the video

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks for watching!

[@ecordy]

I appreciated the neatness of your work and the conduit set was a learning for me. Thank you.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks, man! Appreciate it!

[@JaydenLawson]

Except for the final liquid-tight conduit! Thought it was a little sad that you spent all this time with badass looking steel conduit, then used the bendy plastic one at the end. Great video though!

[@yomama6461]

Great video, I’m installing mine next weekend, thanks!

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Awesome, thanks! Post back here when you're done. Would love to know how it went!

[@idealdirecthomeimprovement1639]

Great Video! I appreciate the time it takes to make a video, thank you for sharing, again, you did a great job throughout!

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thank you!

[@scottswastesystemsllc9798]

Nicely done! Clear and honest!

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wcpir81]

Awesome job!!! Doing it right takes time.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@edofih]

Thanks for the super useful video. You've convinced me to do it myself.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks! Good luck!

[@jlynn5300]

Nice job. Pioneer should probably pay you for producing this. I am putting in 2 Pioneers in a building I am constructing. Your video gives me the extra info I needed to jump into the job. Thanks.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Glad I could help. Thanks for watching!

[@robertsison26]

Well done. Its very informative and useful video.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks! I appreciate that.

[@Zanezach]

This video gives me hope. Thanks for posting the how-to.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks, Jack! Good luck. It's easy.

[@Dettdu]

Very good job with cable protection!

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@stanbaker1916]

Great video, will be installing a similar unit next month.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks. Good luck on your install!

[@bmay8818]

Looks pretty good! I'll be putting one or two mini splits in my big new shop so I'm seeing what others have done. Two things: 1. When I saw you put the outdoor unit on just two pavers on the ground, I thought "oh, he must live where there's no snow" but then I saw the snow. Aside from the unit moving as the ground settles over time, snow building up around could be an issue there. 2. When doing outdoor wiring, it's a very good idea to use Nolox (I think that's it), a greenish goop that you squish into the wires at terminations to prevent oxidation. Anyway, I bet it's nice to have that setup now, especially since you did most of it yourself! I hear you on things taking forever because of research; everything I do on my new shop (I'm doing every last bit of the work except the foundation) takes a while because I have to keep looking things up to make sure I'm doing them right.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

1. Well, they are starting to move around. We've gotten a lot of snow the past few weeks and things have frozen and thawed a few times and the pavers have moved so it's something I need to address. Honestly, the best option would be to hang it off the side of the house but I was in a hurry! Not sure what I am going to do but I'll figure it out. 2. Good tip! I do love it. It would be even better if I had my ceiling insulated but at least it keeps the shop above 55 when it's 0 outside. Good luck on your shop build and thanks for watching!

[@Jyantis]

You did a great job. You made it look easy.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@TheVoiceofKevinC]

Thanks. That is all I needed to know.

[@sonlieu2617]

it is look professional..#1

[@kennideee]

Very nice video. Clear and concise.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@tumenbayaradiya9737]

Very detailed, helpful. Thank you

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks, Tumenbayar!

[@gk_filer]

One of the Best I've seen Thanks

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks, Greg!

[@levipowelljr4804]

I really enjoyed your video keep up the good work.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks, Levi!

[@robertlyman9789]

Awesome vid, your more than an average craftsman!

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks, Robert!

[@aloopoori2666]

outstanding video ! you explain very well ...

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@andonispapas3942]

very professional work

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@cherylseavey196]

If you are a detailed person he definitely gave you it very detailed. Like he says at the end of the segment that he had a bunch of time that he did research on the internet to make sure he was doing things correctly so that shows you that he did things right.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks for the comment! And thanks for watching!

[@parishm]

awesome video, great work !

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@paulwaters8252]

Nice. I need a solution like this for my garage and basement. Thanks!

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks for watching!

[@kirkslossar7917]

It took me a while to find your video but I’m glad I did. Super job explaining what needed to be done. You wasted no time spouting off about your personal life or opinions, and your AV work was great. Thanks so much.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks! I appreciate that!

[@mikenaughton4298]

Well done. Thanks for your video. Very clear.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks for watching, Mike!

[@athaothao2880]

nice ductless mini split cooler master

[@henrycole8705]

The way you work with your hands, i would never guess you were a Carpenter/woodworker

[@homeservices6754]

Good informational video on your company

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@vigoss10]

You did good man👏

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@derrickenbuenosaires]

Great job man, you did everything a technician should do in your situation. As a technician myself the only thing different I would've done is leave the signal cable after for when the unit has been mounted and pipes pushed through and I understand hiring a tech because a good vacuum pump can be pricey ranging from 400 dollars onward. Not to mention the nitrogen tank, regulator and gauges.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Yep, hiring the tech was money well spent. Thanks for watching!

[@TheRPhelps24]

Do you recall roughly how much your AC tech charged you to do all of the line set connections, pressure test, vacuum, etc?

[@jerrydharris6998]

Hey, great job, on vid and you don't need to try harder. I subscribed and will be watching more of you. Installing mine this Friday. 18000 Thanks so much!

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks. Good luck on your install, Jerry. You'll love it!

[@sidsnj]

Great job!!

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@jdmtechllc6589]

Great Scott! that air conditioner has the capacity to power a time travel vehicle. 1.21 Gigawatts!!

[@MaquinasDePalomitas]

What a sweet install, ps love the way you hang your rolls of tape.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thank you!

[@pabloautomator]

Good job man!

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks! I appreciate the comment!

[@jailbreakoverlander]

Great video.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thank ya!

[@guyboule6558]

Thank you for your good video. It’s clear

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@johnbarone8948]

Nice EMT work, better than most seasoned Electricians can do! Very impressive 👍

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thank you very much!

[@johnbarone8948]

@@TheAverageCraftsman you're welcome AC

[@SuperKwame1]

Great educational video.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@seng4christ]

Thank you for sharing the video one day I will get the 4 zone unit for the house 🏠🏡

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Good luck! Thanks for watching!

[@larrywallace3637]

Great job! Meticulous care in doing this project is evident. You really did your research. Got it right the first time. OK, maybe a bumps but Hey it works and looks great. Looking to do something very similar real soon here. Thanks for your insight on how you did your system.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks! Good luck if you decide to take one on.

[@larrywallace3637]

Brought home a two head Mitsubishi mini-split system home today. Now it's my turn to say, This going to be a pain in the Butt! 😇🇺🇸👍 Thanks for the encouragement.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Good luck! I mentioned it in the video, but I'll say it again here, I HIGHLY recommend reaching out to an HVAC tech and talking with him/her before you do your install just to make sure you've covered all of your bases. Then have them do the final line connections and startup. It cost me about $150 for that and it was well worth it.

[@cliffwoods2437]

A lot of information.Thanks

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks, Cliff!

[@jesusnaves2414]

Very professional!

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks, Jesus!

[@fabio05002]

nice job,congratulations

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thank you!

[@teymoors]

Thanks, good video.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@fabm4252]

Great video thanks for sharing

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@lucassacul2012]

Excellent Video, I like that I am nothing of the aforementioned but if I have the knowledge together the experience as well as your Lord, a lot of experience and that qualifies me in what I do, I know very well how to recommend and give opinions serious of the problem. Thank you for your video is pretty good, it helped me a lot to know more about the mini Split

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelmcnew744]

Good video informative. 🍀🍀🍀👍

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks 👍

[@roydowding7124]

Good job!

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@FireInMyHeart186]

Great job!

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@biosnake333]

Done like a pro !

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@vicdean9558]

Great video. Thank you.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks, Vic!

[@justaguy2356]

I really like how you used the long drill bit to drill your pilot hole for the drain pipe. I was wondering the best way to get a slant for that pipe exit, and that was a good takeaway for me. Thanks for posting!

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Sure thing, Corey. Thanks for watching!

[@richardwozniak3238]

Nice Media unit :) just re badge'd as a pioneer.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Yup, like a lot of machinery these days, manufactured overseas and badged for multiple companies. Thanks for watching!

[@difarr1618]

Great job... Can you run the signal and power wires through the same power wire conduit?

[@kenfischer2135]

Good job. Thank you.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks, Ken!

[@rasraster]

Awesome - thanks!

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thank you!

[@richardconley3343]

Great video, thanks....

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

My pleasure. Thanks, Richard!

[@ralphvalkenhoff2887]

You did a great job on this video. If I can make a suggestion, I sure would have liked how you figured on the size of your unit.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

I thought I mentioned it in the video but apparently I did not. I just relied on the manufacturer. Most have calculators on their site where you put in your space dimensions, windows, insulation, etc and they tell you what size unit you need.

[@wiserdaley6624]

Nice job Sir

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@norfloslotcar]

great vid ...thanks

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks, I appreciate that!

[@rtoweprojects9072]

You did a good job. Personally I would have used PVC conduit. I've look at a lot of videos installing these units and Mr. Cool mini split seems to be the best for DIY installer because most of this is already done for you when comes to the wiring from indoor unit and the refrigerant lines.

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks! I looked into a Mr Cool but I didnt want a bundle of excess lineset.

[@anthonyboone728]

Good job

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Thanks, Anthony!