How to Install a Pioneer Mini Split

[@bertclough6510]

Best KZbin video I’ve found for installing Pioneer Heat Pump. Couldn’t have done it myself without it. Much easier than trying to read the manual. With this video I was able to completely install the unit.Testing was very well described. The only trouble I had was the -30lb. Vacuum test showed a leak. Discovered Unit didn’t didn’t have a leak, make sure you have your vacuum test lines good and tight before testing.

[@michaeltorres8747]

Hvac pro here very clean work. Here’s a few pro tips Use a torque wrench on the flares nuts and torque them to spec. Use a micron gauge don’t go off the gauges -29 as this doesn’t tell you if you have any moisture in the system the micron gauges will also tell you if there’s any leaks. Other then that nice work.

[@HomeWithStefani]

Thank you for the pro tips! 🙌

[@danielwarfield1027]

Also don't remove the hoses while the system is under vacuum. Release the charge, then remove the hoses. The momentary depressing of the Schrader core will cause you to lose substantial vacuum, you will def go above 1500 microns by removing a hose.

[@unknownrelics5078]

What micron gauge and torque wrench would you recommend for the average DIYer? Currently about to install one.

[@solideogloria7987]

Just a tip for those doing this. Don't put the disconnect behind the condenser. It needs a 3x3 area of clearance for California code. So three feet in front and three feet to the side. It doesn't have to be centered in that three feet just either three feet from the edge, right or left. If the unit caught on fire for some reason you wouldn't be able to shut it off very well. Nice job though, not meant as a critique but we're all learning.😎👍

[@edwardmartinez6730]

shes in florida, who cares about commiefornia lol!

[@sivarteramthgin4001]

its not California, its in FL

[@garrettgarcia7115]

Finally got it up and running. The only delays we had was because we realized we needed some extra parts (I’ll list that below) kzbin.infoUgkxihMYiJNXcHdbH-7ihymsLz61l7jVyb5O . So we have a loft where our current hvac just couldn’t seem to keep cool during the summer. We have been using a window unit since we bought this house over 6 years ago (all the houses in this neighborhood were built in the 80’s and majority of the houses built like ours use a window unit). I hate window units because they are just so noisy and the one we had really only cools one side of the loft. I had contemplated upgrading our current HVAC, but with all the rising prices these days, it would take years before saving up enough to do that. With the advice of my father-in-law (used to run an HVAC business), he recommended we get an inverter instead. We thought we bought everything we needed, but there were just a few other parts we didn’t anticipate needing (which is what caused most of our delay). My friend and father-in-law did all the work to get it installed and running and now we have nice cool air circulating nicely throughout the entire loft. It is very quiet and even the outside unit is much quieter than our main HVAC unit. Saved ourselves thousands getting this.

[@LibertyDIY]

Tip when drilling through siding, start with the hole saw running backwards to ensure it doesnt jump around or grab suddenly and crack the siding.

[@pamelairvin3164]

Great job! Would love to see an update on the mini-split's effectiveness during this atrocious heat wave and how it has affected your monthly power bill. Couldn't help but smile knowing another house project is on the way, too! Blessings!

[@AriVovp]

good thing you did a vaccum pump. so many people miss this step when diy

[@missrv9432]

I had a professional 🙄 that never vacuumed my mini split 😢>it never worked correctly after a few weeks😓

[@2010khampton]

I installed my 1200BTU Pioneer Mini Split two years ago, it's still running strong!

[@bubola59]

One the best tutorials on installing a mini split!,

[@adamwilson8559]

I'm so glad I watched this! Thanks! I hadn't heard the advice not to leave coils, and I almost installed the outdoor unit on the wall immediately outside the indoor unit (leaving all 16' of lines coiled up behind the unit). After watching your video I did some reading, and I likely would have dramatically shortened the life of my condenser by doing that. Thanks again!

[@mos8541]

i bet that set up sounds AWESOME! Ive onlky owned one Pioneer component, back in the late 80s, mainly a hodge podge of Sony, TDK, Yamaha etc., now just crank it to 11 with some Jinjer!

[@ronnieam33]

I installed this exact one in my garage that I converted into a man cave about 5 years ago and let me tell you I live in Phoenix, Arizona and when it is 118° outside my mini split keeps it 72° inside the man cave! I got the 220v one because it runs much more efficient than the 110v unit. You and your husband did a great job on your installation, nice and clean!

[@Perly53]

Thanks Ronnie. I was wondering about the difference. Glad yours is working out great for you.

[@robertgregory2618]

same wattage at 120 volt or 240 volt...No difference...

[@ronnieam33]

@@Perly53 The 220v runs more efficient than the 110v.

[@mae2759]

@@robertgregory2618 Correct, but the amps are less on the 240. You can run 14 gauge wire to the unit as it only draws 4-5 amps.

[@robertgregory2618]

@@mae2759 Exactly!!

[@wickedwinnie]

You and your hubby make such a great team, I really enjoy watching you two work together; the little high five as you completed a task… 💜. This is a great tutorial I really appreciate the close-ups because as they say, the “Devil is in the details” so those close-ups are VERY helpful. 🍻

[@coldbloodedscience]

Thanks so much for this video! Such a help! I bought one in 2022 and had someone install it, I love it but wanted to learn how to do it myself since ill be ordering another one. Thanks!

[@ivanwill]

Honestly, is there anything you two can't do? Nice work, and nice install; loving the attention to detail, too...

[@ADawk-ps3pp]

This was a great video on this install it was very detailed and recorded very close where you could actually see how to install this system I will be checking into this system to maybe purchase one for my building

[@pattytrevino2869]

Thank you!!! We are in the process of building a tiny home in our land. This is so helpful

[@ebonywinn50]

That’s awesome! I want to build a tiny house in central Florida on some raw land and trying to learn everything I can

[@pattytrevino2869]

@ebonywinn50 it is hard work but is worth the experience. I wish you a great journey 😊 when you start your project

[@gflores7018]

Jack of all trades, Stefanie Thank you for the video

[@erics9213]

Hard to believe you guys are DIY'ers. Superb job!

[@coppertopjohnson9782]

While I will thankfully never need this skill, and half of what was done was over my head, I just enjoyed watching you and Devin working as a team. You are going to have a wonderful workspace soon. Thanks for sharing. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@HomeWithStefani]

Thank you for watching, Denise! 😊💓

[@DerekSpeareDSD]

I'm in St Pete and it's about a thousand degrees here. I hope you have your Pioneer AC keeping you cool!

[@tangoseal1]

Your music has that real Home Depot vibe going on haha .. Great content. I am going to order a 2 ton mini split from Pioneer in the next few days for an 840 sqft space I have.

[@dperreno]

Flaring tool tips for those of us who are only probably going to do this once in our lives. :-) 1. Cut your lines a bit longer than you need in case you mess up and need to cut off the end and try again. You can run the longer lines a little past the unit and make an S turn back. This also gives you some room to move or reposition the outdoor unit if needed. 2. Make a few practice flares on the scrap end of the line that you cut off. 3. Don't forget to put the flare nuts on the line before you make the flare!!! 4. Yes, make sure that there is about 1mm of line protruding beyond the flaring bar (1/25", which is between 1/16" and 1/32" as Stefani said). 5. Use some Nylog Blue (flaring sealant) or a drop of oil to lubricate the flaring cone. (not required, but it helps) 6. KEEP TURNING THE HANDLE UNTIL IT CLICKS OVER - the tool will not allow you to over-tighten it. 7. A proper flare fitting doesn't require either nylog or a flare gasket (I had never even heard of these!), both are just DIY insurance to help prevent leaks, but if you don't use them you should still be fine.

[@mae2759]

I'll also add... Don't put nylog on the threads. Make sure it's on the flair only.

[@johnmontgomery8927]

This was an absolutely wonderful video. The detail was very helpful and totally useful. Thanks so much!

[@shidaliang2425]

Wow, a handy , smart and beautiful lady . The husband is so lucky.

[@Charles-Windham]

Ya'll did good. Since I used to do AC work, the only thing I would have added is a filter drier to the liquid line.

[@robertgregory2618]

not necessary on split systems. They may be an internal one I don't know...

[@-gina1114]

Good tutorial Stefani! Thank you to you and your husband!

[@thomaslotito380]

This was excellently done. Good job! Clear, concise and to the point. I’m installing my mini-split tomorrow. Wish me success!

[@bmc2828]

From a former contractor, current architect and avid DIYer, nice job.

[@dallas5374]

That was extremely impressive. Good job!

[@sgtsol7934]

I wish I could have one of these "SHEDS" HOA is not so nice. Yours looks great though, thanks for sharing. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

[@celiaamador2397]

Wow everything is looking great! The skills you two have is amazing. Great work.

[@robgorta6131]

I learned that you should put a surge protector on the outside unit, especially on Mini Splits. The control board is known to go bad from lightning. Plenty of videos on KZbin about it.

[@jerrygarcia4390]

Congratulations! Very impressive work 💪

[@ES-bn1bi]

Excellent video. Thank you! I wish I had a partner to conquer these projects with. I am glad you do. BTW, if you find you need to do maintenance on these mini-splits, please do a video on that as well. I have found them to be very difficult to thoroughly clean as they start to accumulate mold. I don't know what the solution is. I love your work and videos.

[@bertlexington7716]

You guy’s are great at what you do.. good luck

[@michaelsylvester7272]

Excuse me I would say you both did an amazing job Nice clean work .

[@norcross26]

Awesome job. I'd probably get frustrated with that... electrical isn't my strongest thing lol. You did a great job

[@Ricko1962]

Tip to people working with tools, don’t use channel locks or vise grips to tighten nuts, especially brass ones! It’s a great way to deform the nut or strip it. Wrench or adjustable wrench are designed for tightening.

[@CHDean]

7:11 It’s nice to see a couple working together…w/ NO bickering 😮.

[@dr.sergiodelvallediaz4326]

Excellent Job!!!! Saludos desde México!!!

[@mjay4700]

Our Pioneer mini split unit stopped working after about a year. Tried cleaning and other things but turns out the compressor went bad. Wasn't aware that they had a warranty like that. Might have to contact them about a replacement under warranty. Thanks for the video!

[@imasahm]

You were required to file your warranty within three months of purchase. We just found that out and barely got our 1st one installed in time to get the warranty. Working on the second one now and a third one, has until October deadline.

[@mjay4700]

@@imasahm Turns out it was a small valve that went bad and the refrigerant leaked out. A common issue and cost of repair was low. Has been working fine since. For others that may see this - check your "Schrader valve".

[@jorgerd3606]

Excellent video, thank you very much for such a detailed explanation, god bless you…

[@jimmybokinskie-reellifevid9623]

Great video. Thank you. Could you have run the lines inside the wall behind the sheetrock instead of on the outside of the building? Genuinely curious....

[@David-mm5vl]

You really should have gotten the hurricane pad and tied the outdoor unit down to meet Florida code. Other than that good job. I've helped my dad do AC work off and on for years and its cool to see someone do their own.

[@justin3db]

Great video! Very helpful. Thank you for posting so in depth. Had a hiccup free install. just need to hide the line set but, I don’t see the link for the cover fixture.

[@chuckmarrs8181]

I have 2 bedrooms next to each other, 150 sq ft. each. Can I series two indoor units together on one condenser unit. I realize only one room will have temperature control. Can I do this to lower the price and just have a single outdoor unit rather than a dual zone unit. Thanks.

[@JoeR203]

Looking at that Pioneer logo makes me want a Pepsi. 🙂

[@mitzibud6908]

Another awesome video!! Thank you!!

[@T_Jonesy]

Fantastic video. Really comprehensive. Thanks for doing this.

[@Perly53]

I didn't see how you bent the two copper pipes coming out of the exterior wall downwards to run along the outside wall. I guess "carefully" would be the answer. But of course, they can't be kinked. Nice video. Thanks very much.

[@robertgregory2618]

Why can't they? If not careful, you bet they will kink.

[@DavidVerch]

On drawing the vacuum on the lines. If the lines have been open to atmosphere for quite some time, it pays to draw vacuum for several hours even. This will cause any moisture to boil off and be sucked out by the vacuum pump. I worked at an A/C research facility and we would actually draw a vacuum overnight to ensure a dry system. We would hook up the vacuum pump with a highly accurate electronic vacuum gage at the end of the day and let it run till the next morning.

[@HomeWithStefani]

Thank you for the tip! 🙌

[@robertnock7680]

Don't tell them the secrete this should be illegal

[@pg8605]

In Greece vacuum pump isn't used for mini-splits or when it is used it is used without a vacuum gauge. Requesting a vacuum pump can sometimes be considered offensive, potentially leading the contractor to react with aggression or respond sarcastically. I called about 50 installers here and most got really pissed off and aggressive. I found one who used vacuum gauge but now he stopped using it. However minisplits work fine without vacuum at least without any noticeable issue so nobody cares.

[@robertgregory2618]

@@pg8605 To do job right you need to vacuum the air out of lines.

[@michaelhiggins2562]

Another amazing job!

[@aychkaykay88]

what happened to the rest of the electrical? you connect the L1 and L2 lines to a box but then where does the disconnect box get power?

[@kennixox262]

How do you clean the filter on the indoor unit without a ladder?

[@xenidus]

You will need a ladder, but it is a work shop so that should be easily handled.

[@scottthompson7916]

Awesome as usual!!! Keep them coming!!

[@MrReyes-wt9dl]

Is a condensate pump necessary with this unit? Im looking to install one.

[@royquesada5295]

Kinda weird seeing freon being released into the high side of a unit. So it's OK to do this? Why not release into the low side?

[@johnblank8443]

When I start the vacuum, it drops to -30 really fast, within about 20-30 seconds. Shouldn't it be a more gradual drop? Or is that fine? Do I keep running it for 15 minutes anyway even though it is already showing -30?

[@batmarv12]

the supply line did not hook to the L/N screw? That will vibrate and might loosen itself over time.

[@myself248]

Is that discount code link still working?

[@egkingjr]

How did you get details for blocking for the indoor unit mounting plate? I’ve looked at the pioneer installation manual and it’s a bit confusing. Are the plates designed to have holes for mounting that are over 16 inch center standard studs?

[@asleepinthealley]

@ 1742 You opened the valve by turning the hex wrench 'Counter Clockwise" Not "Clockwise" as you stated.

[@samme5513]

Another excellent video thank you enjoyed watching

[@dperreno]

Interesting that you went to the effort of shortening the refrigerant lines (nice job, btw), but you didn't shorten the signal line! 4 crimp terminals and 10 minutes and you can get rid of that coil of wire hanging on the back of your workshop!

[@acostaae90]

Did you flare all sides of the pipe or just the side connecting to the compressor but not the side connecting to the indoor unit?

[@LibertyDIY]

Looks like the used the factory flares when connecting on that side. They only had to make flares because they cut a few feet off the lineset.

[@WadeLacy]

Your manifoldi gauge set is for R134A not R410A that Pioneer uses, says there not compatabule because R410A goes to 600 PSI. Pioneer has a KWIK-E-VAC Line Set Flushing Kit on there website, dought it would be any better then this.

[@madisonshobert971]

Does it come with the rubber gasket for the flare fittings?

[@HomeWithStefani]

Yes!! The unit came with several rubber gaskets!

[@TheOmaJohn]

Sorry, new to the channel and watching at a bar on my laptop like a young person so I can't really hear anything -- tangentially related question. Did you guys have any trouble with moisture penetration after spraying your roof sheathing? I've heard if it's not on heavy enough condensate gets trapped inside, even mold can be an issue, so I've decided to avoid spray foam insulation for outside walls and rafters. Have you experienced any issues with condensation being noticeable on the inside of the foam or on the rafters?

[@reconone3574]

How long were the line sets that came with it? I will need about 25’. Thanks for the video.

[@Ding_Bat]

I love this series!! Question: Did that orange screwdriver come with the AC unit? They seem to be included in quite a few items as standard. I got one included in a Fortigate firewall appliance, and I still use it to this day. It’s just such a cool “freebie”. 😉

[@kevinpcook]

I have one of them also. I have no clue where I got it from, but it's a great screw driver!

[@Mltemple8333]

Hard to tell in the video but I believe the flare tool instructions state to turn it a couple times more after it "clicks" or goes past the clutch.

[@matthewprather7386]

Would have been tempting to hide the lines within the wall - since you were doing drywall work anyway!

[@xenidus]

I think that is not recommended due to the dangers of vapor condensing on the lines, and moisture building up inside the wall inadvertently. I could be wrong though.

[@reconone3574]

I don’t see the link for the vacuum pump?

[@l.rod2827]

Very good information for a DIY project. But I would personally stop short of the line set connections and let a AC professional make the final connections as I do not want to spend the $$$ for the gauges, vacuum pumps or any special line connectors. But still very good useful information, Thank You

[@HWPcville]

Thanks for your video. Was your unit a 110v or 230v? Pioneer offers the same unit in those 2 voltages (although the 110v seems to be sold out as I write this). I'm in Fla also and plan on installing the same system that you have. Thanks!

[@rrrscience]

They didn't answer. What did you decide to do?

[@HWPcville]

@@rrrscience I purchased the 220v version. Either type was the same price. I've always heard 220v anything is more efficient so that's what I went with.

[@frankmarmorato1016]

Dumb question.... My son installed for me. I t's cold here in NJ, so can't determine if AC works. But regarding the heat.... should the outside unit be running when the heat mode is on?? The inside wall unit operates fine, but blows only cold air. If anyone has a clue, please let me know. Thank you!

[@imasahm]

This is a heatpump and operates the same as the whole-house heatpumps. So yes, the system reverses in cold weather, pulls heat from outside air and sends inside. In the summer, the unit pulls heat from inside the house and sends it outside. Put your hand in front of the outside grill and you will feel the heat blowing out. I'm no HVAC, but this is my basic understanding, since we've had heatpumps in Texas forever. And BTW, in the winter, it blows "room temperature" air, so you won't get the heat of a gas-heater. But it also won't dry out your sinuses, like gas heat does.

[@kevin9c1]

Is this a Gree-made unit? I looked for signs of Midea and everything seems different.

[@LibertyDIY]

I think the Pioneer units have Toshiba compessors in most cases.

[@travislopez1465]

I wish you didn't have the music when he was doing the flare and we could see how far the copper pipe went into the clamp before flaring it.

[@AliHassan-ep3sp]

What a prices of this AC in Pakistani rupees pls tell me about it pls 🤔🤔🤔

[@dianasloss7498]

You did not mention the installation of the drain tubing ….. not one thing was mention on it … plz explain !!!

[@imasahm]

Always position the drain tubing on the bottom, below the two copper tubes and communication wiring, when you wrap them all together in preparation for stuffing it through the hole. Make sure to keep the drain tubing unkinked on the ground so it will drain properly. Hope this helps. Another thing, some say not to use the cheap drain hose that comes with the unit because it will disintegrate quickly. Go buy a good one. We have already used the one that came with ours on two or our three units so far - must correct that on the third install.

[@NoachEugenio]

THANK YOU

[@roberto.peterson9917]

Pioneer mimic split are manufactured in the USA Florida

[@4GSR]

They come assembled from Asia. Warehouse in Florida. I have installed four of the Pioneer Brand Mini splits in my home. They are not made in USA. Be nice if they were.

[@TheYensy007]

That's a 220 or 115 ?

[@kevin9c1]

Wow sealing goo and flare gaskets? Belts and suspenders. That doesn't even seem right.

[@Gatewayvick]

99.9 percent of the work was done by the guy, Stefani did absolutely NOTHING other than talk !

[@imasahm]

Rude and false comment. You obviously watched with your eyes shut!

[@conradcoolerfiend]

mr cool also makes one that is DIY friendly and doesnt take all those fancy hvac tools!

[@philcarpenter]

They are also quite a bit more expensive

[@imasahm]

Mr. Cool is pre-charged in the lines, not in the condenser unit. I guess if you're very careful with the lines, you would like Mr. Cool better. After our 2nd install, we decided we prefer the pre-charge in the condenser - that way, if we kink a line, it's more easily replaced.

[@Edwin-oh2fv]

Good video, but the pump and the manifolds you used in the video doesn't match the ones you got on the tool list.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

Exterior opening shop looks like a Pepsi AC unit.

[@rockstarfan886]

My mini split didn't require any of the extra steps you did no vacuum pumping or anything just connect everything and its good to go

[@robertgregory2618]

Was it a Mr Cool? Those don't have to be vacuumed.

[@polgartibor1958]

Stefani / i'love your work , and you video - Congrats for you famili !!!

[@bilweiser]

Hope it works that high up on the wall.

[@briom1425]

So difficult , I would never be able to do this by myself

[@saulgoodman2018]

That O looks a lot like Pepsi's logo.

[@christiandaniel3738]

I wud recommend homeowners doing every bit of this except for the pressure test and evacuation. I’d leave that to a hvac tech . Proper vacuum and nitrogen pressure testing are extremely crucial . If the vacuum is not done correctly you will have issues later or soon .

[@sivarteramthgin4001]

Not a single connection was torqued to spec that day 😂

[@EisenhowerJacqueline]

1123 Bechtelar Wall

[@Rocky-xx2zg]

Why not run the lines inside of the wall? That would hide all the outside feeds. JMO

[@xenidus]

Moisture and mold danger from condensation on the pipes and trapping the water in the walls.

[@robertgregory2618]

Do downspouts from a gutter bother you?

[@MJF40]

👍🏻

[@MrEightfortytwo]

Did you use a torque wrench to tighten those nuts or just wrench it down with your Home Depot Husky channel locks? Are you EPA cetrafied?

[@MrEightfortytwo]

Super dangerous to assume or give the idea an average person can do this easily..

[@FamilyManMoving]

Torque wrench is smart, but you don't need an HVAC cert to DIY these models because the charge is pre-loaded.

[@MrEightfortytwo]

@@FamilyManMovingAwesome, Then you get a bunch of people with no experience hooking these up with there husky wrenches, system looses charge a year later (bye bye ozone). Any thing to save a buck, put the guy who went to school, took time and tested to become epa certified and has been in the trade for 20 years out of the job. Yay Mr cool!

[@LibertyDIY]

​@@MrEightfortytwoIf we thought that way we'd still be in horse and carriage right.

[@imasahm]

@@MrEightfortytwo - Perhaps if they weren't so astronomically high-priced, things would be different. But to install a simple 9K BTU unit, we got quotes ranging from $2500 - 9,000! We did it ourselves and all is great. We DID have an HVAC neighbor come down check our work and ok'd everything.