How to Install a Pioneer Mini Split

We are in the heat of summer down here in Florida so we need to get AC in this workshop ASAP. In this video I’m going to walk you through how to install a Pioneer Mini Split. *I am not a licensed electrician or HVAC specialist. My husband and I are installing this ourselves for the first time so this video is based off how to install a mini split from a DIYer perspective*
PIONEER
Pioneer Quantum Series Inverter+: bit.ly/45anDuG
Use this link for 5% off! www.pioneerminisplit.com/disc...
‪@PioneerMiniSplit‬ #pioneerminisplit
TOOLS
Copper pipe cutter: bit.ly/44WvJau
Flaring tool: bit.ly/3OJEhvH
Reamer: bit.ly/3s1dfY9
Vacuum pump with Manifold guage: bit.ly/47jkZoo
5/16" Adapter: bit.ly/3KwkNZ3
2 1/2" Hole saw bit: bit.ly/3OkISDr
Line cover kit: bit.ly/3KvjLMT
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[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@bubola59]

One the best tutorials on installing a mini split!,

[@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. 🍻

[@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.

[@AriVovp]

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

[@ivanwill]

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

[@erics9213]

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

[@2010khampton]

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

[@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.

[@thomaslotito380]

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

[@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

[@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! 😊💓

[@gflores7018]

Jack of all trades, Stefanie Thank you for the video

[@celiaamador2397]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@-gina1114]

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

[@johnmontgomery8927]

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

[@dallas5374]

That was extremely impressive. Good job!

[@DerekSpeareDSD]

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

[@bertlexington7716]

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

[@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.

[@jerrygarcia4390]

Congratulations! Very impressive work 💪

[@michaelsylvester7272]

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

[@HCW2855HCW]

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.

[@scottthompson7916]

Awesome as usual!!! Keep them coming!!

[@dr.sergiodelvallediaz4326]

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

[@mitzibud6908]

Another awesome video!! Thank you!!

[@norcross26]

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

[@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.

[@michaelhiggins2562]

Another amazing job!

[@samme5513]

Another excellent video thank you enjoyed watching

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@NoachEugenio]

THANK YOU

[@CHDean]

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

[@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.

[@ICgasm]

Best to use a crimper with terminal lugs or loop the power leads around the screw terminals.

[@JoeR203]

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

[@T_Jonesy]

Fantastic video. Really comprehensive. Thanks for doing this.

[@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!

[@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.

[@reconone3574]

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

[@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?

[@briom1425]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@batmarv12]

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

[@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.

[@michaeltemple8333]

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.

[@reconone3574]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

Exterior opening shop looks like a Pepsi AC unit.

[@kevin9c1]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@AliHassan-ep3sp]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@MJF40]

👍🏻

[@dirtyminerapparel]

I installed a pioneer home theater. Didn’t know a company using the same name made A/C units.

[@xenidus]

Pioneer, Mitsubishi, Yamaha... really all the Japanese and Korean electronic giants have a finger in all sorts of cookie jars 😂 Edit: this is a completely different Pioneer company

[@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.

[@saulgoodman2018]

That O looks a lot like Pepsi's logo.

[@bilweiser]

Hope it works that high up on the wall.

[@jekinneys]

MWR shirt? HAHAHA

[@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.

[@Vanfran2]

I installed a Mr cool 30000 btu in my son's shop Much easier to install and no special tools I just bought and I stalled a pioneer and was not happy to have to buy a vacuum pump and gauges

[@juliofurtado5642]

I didn’t know Pepsi made mini splits

[@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.

[@roberto.peterson9917]

Down side to more functions is more thing to go wrong and nickel and dime you to death

[@-mejor-que-nostradamus-6152]

1,000 Dollars Unit 24,000 BTU Pioner, Mitsubishi Price Is For Unit And Installation Is Free Locally Only. Amén.

[@IzzyEatz]

I didn’t know, Pepsi was making cooling and heating systems

[@TheBigbass13]

You missed some critical steps

[@roberto.peterson9917]

Mitsubishi come precharge no cutting or evaluation required vacuum pumps are expensive especially for one time use and need refrigeration guages for type refrigerant used also not cheap and then need vacuum guage not to mention nitrogen gas for pressure testing line a d also if any brazing is done this not a recommended DIY system Mitsubishi is Mitsubishi h as been on the market for years and have multi zone available where can have several indoor units working on one outdoor condenser

[@dkeveryday.]

Honestly that's cute and all but why do spend thousands of dollars to get EPA certified HVAC technician?

[@husk79]

900 dollars to install an air conditioner?? thats a rip off.. here you can do it for like 120 euros..

[@ExtremeSilver2000]

$900 here is cheap and with a cheap price you get a Bad install. a good clean install cost $9,000 + if you want it done the right way

[@husk79]

@@ExtremeSilver2000 wow.. thats a total ripoff... i really dont get why it would be so expensive... i understand if its a whole system in a house.. but just 1 unit? i think i should change jobs and move there.. haha

[@Samlol23_drrich]

​@ExtremeSilver2000 I'm with you on this. An electrician would charge more than 900 for electrical alone where I live. But hey- if someone can install a mini split I'm sure they can throw in a circuit

[@mikemaupin4507]

Little scary attaching a air handler to dry wall only with screws. Using a little common sense u would put a couple screws in the vertical stud in center of ur bracket. Just because ur diagram shows hole patterns should not stop you from using studs. Don't plan on sitting in the area.

[@HomeWithStefani]

In the video I mention how we installed blocking specifically for the mini split prior to hanging drywall.. so it's secured to the blocking 👍

[@mikemaupin4507]

Sorry u sure did I only glanced at the studs before drywall

[@leealtmansr.3811]

You forgot to mention that one MUST have their EPA certification to do this work. The reason is that you could release refrigerant. Also, one should torque the flair nuts to proper settings. Not just tight. Also, pulling a vacuum, use a micron gage. Use the proper tools. Or better yet, have a professional do the installation.

[@mosfet500]

He lost me at the pliers!

[@davephilpott]

I’ve been in residential HVAC for almost thirty years; the two problem areas we see with mini splits are bad flares (causing refrigerant leaks) and poor vacuum. Using inches of Hg to measure vacuum is like using miles to measure your height. You should be pulling that vacuum to at least 500 microns to ensure the elimination of non-condensibles like air and water which lead to a variety of problems down the road, including the formation of acids and sludge in the line set. Unless your intention is to compromise your comfort and efficiency, and eventually kill your compressor. I’m all for DIY and saving some bucks, but when it comes to your home HVAC system, treat it like you would your teeth; you shouldn’t do DIY braces and you shouldn’t do DIY HVAC.

[@tvandever2010]

Compared to Mr Cool, this one is too much work.

[@twittyk78]

another no name brand that nobody can get parts for from a vendor

[@polgartibor1958]

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

[@dre7637]

Hello Stefani! I hope I’m not bothering you by sending you a message. I am about to install a quantum mini split in my garage. Altogether my garage square footage is 450 ft.² with about a 14 foot ceiling. Are you happy with yours? Also, do you mind telling me how many BTU’s your unit is? Hope you’re doing well!

[@ramonassence1875]

where is the shock absorbers where is the foundation slab,too many violations

[@doudou53d44]

In France we cannot install the AC ourselfes it must be done by a professionnal 😎🐕‍🦺🐈‍⬛

[@LibertyDIY]

That way you have to pay tax to earn the money and you have to pay for the installers taxes also, with after tax money! Got to love big government it is growing here too.

[@axkev1_22]

Another reason I don't live in France.