Installing a DIY Mini Split in a Garage

[@rogueengineer]

Written Article: rogueengineer.com/how-to-install-a-diy-mini-split/

[@accestos]

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.

[@rejeanpaquet4375]

I just finished insulating my garage door, I installed cabinets to store my tools , now I'm thinking about adding a mini split, I'm in FL and it gets hot here, very hard to work in a hot garage.Good video.

[@Mr.Weatherspoon]

Great Music and a very nice detailed install.

[@CrosshairLunchbox]

When you say a little bit smaller than the outline.. did you do like 1/2" less? an inch less? I am also taking the same approach as you. You're the only video I have seen where the mini split is installed prior to the drywall.

[@AdamWisner]

I'm about to install a non DIY one in a new workshop in WI, thanks for the info. I thought the compressor should be elevated above the slab so you dont end up with snow around it (or ice buildup around the base after defrost cycles). Looking forward to an update video after you've used it for a full year.

[@rogueengineer]

No problem Adam. There is a drain line that is routed from under the unit away from it to avoid the ice build up problem. The snow build up can be an issue but unfortunately we don't have a higher spot to mount it since there is a window right above it. We also have a radiant floor so this will probably never even turn on in the winter. It is more for cooling in the summer.

[@AdamWisner]

@@rogueengineer That makes sense. The radiant heat should be great in the winter. My boys and I appreciate the work you do.

[@toms6154]

Do u have to have an access panel for the connections on the interior wall?

[@gregj2647]

Nice installation video. What’s the cost of a unit like this?

[@ralphaelconfer9719]

Great video! Do you have one that shows how to insulate the garage door?

[@winnersk8]

That 36k unit only called for a 30amp breaker and what size disconnect did you use? Also was it a fused disconnect?

[@bradmontgomery8826]

I seen where you said you purchased the 36k unit. How many sq ft are you cooling?

[@CooperandHunterusa]

Great video! How do you like the mini split so far?

[@TheNorthsquad]

NIce, but why would you hang the unit pre sheetrock?

[@Pau1ys]

How did the sheetrock end up looking with the ply wood backer. Pretty clever Idea brothrr!!

[@mattalbrecht7471]

A question. I have a garage that is roughly 24 feet deep 22 ft wide giver take.. There is two grand bay doors in the front for cars. Where would you install a mini split? Also ng the long wall (2) centered? Toward the front of the garage where you enter the house (centered)? Or centered above the garage door openings?

[@alejandroruiz7866]

Great info, but don t those lines need to be vacuum?? I don't know much about a/c, but just wondering. Hello from Sonora Mexico.

[@jagboy69]

Yes, they should be vacuumed. Imagine, mr cool probably sent them a free unit for this video.. :-/ This is how they advertise these days.

[@edwardsurprenant8774]

He mentioned in the video that the lines were precharged...was the indoor unit PRECHARGED ALSO? They aren't usually...

[@cuzz63]

These systems already have a vacuum and are precharged. When you connect the lines it equalizes.

[@cuzz63]

@@jagboy69 no they send them out sealed with a vacuum on them.

[@Davidcolemanfl]

With those pre-charge lines they’re already connected to the evaporator so there’s no need to pull a vacuum.

[@jeffgrey663]

But im impressed with your install. Im an hvac tech so i can appreciate the effort

[@rogueengineer]

Thanks Jeff

[@jeoq]

@@rogueengineer my name jeff

[@douglasthompson2740]

Hello, Getting ready to put in my shop's mini split. What I am wondering is would there be any disadvantage to housing the compressor in a large outside unheated building? This would be in a mainly heating situation. Can't help but think that exposing all the metal and even the painted metal that is in the compressor to rain, wind, debris, snow etc. is going to shorten its life. Not to mention getting buried in snow inhibiting its functions. Since there is plenty of ventilation I don't think that would be an issue. I am thinking as well that any residual heat (if there is any, it is not an insulated or heated building with over 600 cu. ft. of interior space) would only help when the outside temp drops below thirty? I do know things last much longer in a temperate rainforest when they are sheltered from the elements. Evergreen needles can also clog the heat exchange fins big time. Going to give it a try as I can't think of any theoretical reason why it wouldn't be a good thing. Take care. Doug

[@rogueengineer]

Douglas Thompson I cant think of any. Just make sure it can drain. Keeping it out of the elements is great

[@douglasthompson2740]

@@rogueengineer Got it covered with a drain out the floor to a French drain. Floor is an eight inch concrete slab and it will be up off of that so if it leaks a bit it's no problem. Was also thinking the slab would act as a heat sink to some degree. Ground temp here is 48-50. Thanks. Dough

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

I am considering the 24k unit for a 400 sqft garge that is my woodshop my question is how flexible is the line set? Is it typical soft copper how tight a radius do you think I could make with the line set? I want to mount the air handler on the wall 8 foot ceiling, and run the line set inside of the wall to the hole in the brick were and existing mini split is. Thanks.😁🛫

[@countrysideworkshop]

I am getting ready to buy this unit next week. Did you get the 24k unit?

[@rogueengineer]

Countryside Workshop I installed the 36k unit.

[@livehowyouwanttoo]

I have 1008sq ft 1story home 10 ft high ceilings all together 6rooms in the house would the system you installed be strong enough to heat and cool the entire house if not is there a ductless system you can recommend.

[@CooperandHunterusa]

For all those bedrooms, you might consider looking into a multi zone mini split system :)

[@IronAndy]

I'm ALSO from Michigan! LOL

[@brianr.2391]

Can I use 10/2 wire instead of 10/3 since the common wire isn’t needed?

[@bmay8818]

Yes.

[@goofsaddggkle7351]

What was that small grey electrical box installed next to the outdoor part of this unit? Was that installed specific for this project? Looked like it had a breaker of some sort that you installed. Thanks!

[@rogueengineer]

It is a fused disconnect and it is specifically for this unit.

[@bgregg55]

I just hope you aren't one of the unlucky ones that get a leak in the lineset later. Maybe that pinhole issue is history now. Using 10/3 is a good idea. Wish I had done that now.

[@michaelc.3812]

A tip/trick on this installation is to place a sheet of drywall behind the space where your unit will be mounted…

[@elijahbowles8842]

you missed the step were you vacuum the lines to less than 1000 microns. very important step to make sure txv and compressor does not have moisture or contamination.

[@CrosshairLunchbox]

These units are "DIY" and already have this done. This is unnecessary for the DIY units. That's why you can do it yourself.

[@biggbobish]

Vacuum pump?

[@cuzz63]

doesnt need one. they have a vacuum on them and are sealed.

[@joshcrotts202]

No vacuum pump

[@canillocanillo3371]

No point on getting these DYI mini splits anymore… they increased the price about 50% …..they are so overpriced its actually a waste of money to buy them. I got a Gree Mini split( MUCH BETTER BRAND) and had a professional install it and still saved $500 on the 24k BTU unit.

[@davidhoover2446]

Mr. Cool won't send me any specs on their inverter units. If there's no specs I won't buy

[@zstidsen]

You are really stressing that unit by not leak testing with an inert gas, then bringing the system into a 500micron vacuum to ensure it is dry before opening the valves. If there was a warranty on that unit, you just voided it. There is a reason why professionally trained techs should install these. You just invited a whole bunch of potential problems in the door.

[@josephthomas439]

Not with the diy version. 5/7 year warranty. No vacuum or professional install required. I just installed the non diy myself, and yes, I know I won't have the warranty

[@natalies7950]

could have hung it

[@a5440]

Useless video. This is an unfinished house. Who cares at this stage?

[@tracy419]

Useless comment. This is a video about installing a mini split system into a garage, not a how to for building a house. People who want to install a diy mini split care.