Installing a mini-split - everything they DON'T tell you

Welcome to KZbin’s most comprehensive guide to installing a MRCOOL DIY mini-split. I’m not just “walking you through” installing a MRCOOL mini-split here. I’ve painstakingly identified “The 31 Things You Absolutely NEED to Know” before tackling this project - and I’m showing all of them to you in this video!
Get comfortable today! Check out the entire line of MRCOOL products at mrcooldiy.com
We started a Patreon! Sign up free at patreon.com/BustedKnuckleWoodworks
Follow us on Instagram bustedknucklewoodworks
The unit featured in the video (24K BTU 4th Gen 1-Zone): amzn.to/3L507Hw
The MRCOOL DIY lineup:
• 12k BTU 4th Gen (cool/heat up to 500 sf): amzn.to/4bv1t9j
• 18k BTU 4th Gen (cool/heat up to 750 sf): amzn.to/4buyEdc
• 24k BTU 4th Gen (cool/heat up to 1000 sf): amzn.to/3L507Hw
• 36k BTU 4th Gen (cool/heat up to 1500 sf): amzn.to/3XMGdIV
Find out what size system you need here: mrcool.com/blog/what-size-air-conditioner-unit-do-i-need/
Things you will need:
• 3 1/2” hole saw (included with some units)
• Open-end crescent wrenches (included with some units)
• 5mm hex key (included with some units)
• Power drill
• Stud finder
• Construction screws (min 2 1/2”)
• Miscellaneous hand tools (screwdriver, pliers, wire cutters, etc.)
Things you might need:
• Spray foam
• All-weather duct tape
• Impact driver
• #5 step drill bit (to connect 3/4” whips)
• Long bit (to drill pilot hole to outside)
• Concrete hole saw (for masonry walls)
• Spray bottle
• A/C Disconnect box
• 8 AWG power cable whip (for 24K and 36K models)
• 10 AWG power cable whip (for 9K, 12K, and 18K models)
• MRCOOL Lineguard
• Tapcon 3/16” concrete anchors (for attaching Lineguard to brick/masonry)
Gear and supplies used in the video:
• 3 1/2 Inch Concrete Hole Saw - amzn.to/4cK8kg1
• Quad OSI All-Weather Sealant - amzn.to/45Na2Lj
• Great Stuff Insulating Foam Sealant - amzn.to/3zmYVge
• Gorilla All Weather Duct Tape - amzn.to/3VPEoYX
• Cutler-Hammer Non-Fusible A/C Disconnect - amzn.to/3xHmQ9y
• Sealproof Power Whip Assembly - amzn.to/45NajOo
• MRCOOL Lineguard - amzn.to/3L8kP9q
Some of the links included above are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission on items you purchase using these links, at no additional cost to you.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
03:21 Mounting the indoor air handler
08:46 Mounting the condenser
10:42 Hooking up the lineset
13:00 Electrical connections
15:04 Testing the system
15:43 Installing the MRCOOL LineGuard
16:09 SmartHVAC module
16:34 Initial impressions
#mrcool #minisplit #splitac #diy #hvac #smarthvac #airconditioner #heatpump #dehumidifier #climatecontrol #shop #garage #woodworking #4thgen

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

We started a Patreon, and it's free to join! patreon.com/BustedKnuckleWoodworks

[@worstworkshop]

It takes a heck of a guy to entertain me for twenty minutes of A/C installation. Well done!

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

Awesome. Do you have a link to that video? 😉

[@scottreynoldsbuilder]

😅

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

One of the first things I did when we bought our house was get a mini split AC installed in the garage so I could work out there comfortably year round. I couldn't imagine trying to work out there in the summer without one! The labor charge was a couple thousand, but I didn't even consider doing it myself! You made it look easy, so if we move again, I'm may give it a shot myself and reference this video to make sure I do it right!

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

It was easy when I wasn’t trying to manhandle 120 pounds on a ladder by myself!

[@gregorybrucecampbell]

I have been watching these videos all day, and this one has been the most helpful!!!

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

That's awesome! It's not getting a lot of views now that the weather is turning cooler, but wait until next summer! 🌞

[@MilaDaricheva]

Sold! For the next year though. Or century. 😂 You are the only person I know who has a solid brick wall! I didn’t know these things exist anymore!

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

@@MilaDaricheva yeah, this house is built like a… well, like a brick house 😆

[@MyGrowthRings]

Very well done, Lee. I installed a similar unit last Fall, but mine didn’t have the pre-charged lines, so as you said, I had to purchase and use a vacuum that I had no idea how to use! Thanks to KZbin University I finally got it working after three attempts with the vacuum. I’m happy now, but half way through I wished that I had gone with a Mr Cool unit. I would suggest anyone who considers themselves unhandy should follow your lead. Scott

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

@@MyGrowthRings yes, those vacuums are really tricky. I’ve seen even experienced guys mess that up. Not dealing with that!

[@vdeantoni]

I just discovered this channel! Great content and production! Informative and entertaining. Now I feel confident I can do this myself too. Thank you!

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

Just take it slow and you’ll do fine

[@zendell37]

I'm never worried about the work. I'm worried about the fine details that will eventually sink the project. Never thought about running hot, then cool, then checking for leaks AGAIN. Thanks Lee. I'm seriously thinking about a solar unit. I never could imagine *free cooling without some trick. These things are so efficient they can run off solar! Incredible!

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

@@zendell37 wow, I’d be interested if you can make it work with solar, that’d be awesome 👏

[@zendell37]

Solar guys Pro EG4. 2100$ for a DIY kit with solar panels and everything (except batteries for storage). I'd link it but I'm not sure if KZbin would like that. It's a 12000 BTU unit, so half the capacity of that cool guys unit. But with the 100 degree heat we've been seeing, that 12k off solar might be the difference between a 200$ and 400$ power bill.

[@CoreyShockey]

Thank you for doing a more complete and honest video on the DIY Mr Cool, complete with complications. So many folks make it look like a 5 year old could do it. I've been considering one for a long time now, but am concerned about repair if something should go wrong. Because if it can go wrong, it will happen to me.

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

@@CoreyShockey it’s actually not that hard for anyone with basic DIY skills, but I was surprised at how many places things could potentially go sideways. You definitely gotta stay on your toes and pay attention.

[@mark37724]

Fun video, Lee! Good to see you back, seems like it's been too long.

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

It was!

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

11:42 make sure to use two wrenches on the flexible copper tubing. Always have your bigger wrench as a backup preventing the lines from crimping as you tighten the nuts. One twist of the tubing and you’re screwed

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

Yes, that's critical on the top ones since they both move, but you're correct, should do that on both ends

[@jaredvandyke]

Thanks for the great walk through and all the tips! Love your videos

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

Always appreciate you being here my friend

[@villeneuvewoodworks]

Great video Lee!

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

Thanks bud!

[@artemiscool67]

Excellent presentation, thanks for this!

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

@@artemiscool67 you’re welcome sir!

[@robklaproth8144]

What a great video that was so entertaining!!! One thing that really helped is the direction you put the sleeve in the wall. I have installed three of these now and only once did I go the sleeve correctly. The other two it stuck out on the bottom and that’s how you know you got it backwards! One tip I can offer that you are missing. The wiring up to the disconnect is very hard to bend those thick gauge wires around the terminal. I agree with you that MRCOOL is going way too big on wire recommendations. To make it easier I got the spade connectors from home Depot and crimped the wires onto the spades. Then you can just put the spade on the terminal and then screw it down. Agree 100 percent with drilling the inside and outside holes separately with the pilot hole. Also don’t drill the big hole first, drill a small one and try to look inside the wall to see if there is any electrical or plumbing. As you mentioned ruined this could be a costly mistake or even cost you your life if you hit an electrical wire. I almost did and thank god something told me to stop with the drill just in time. The flipper I bought the house from bunched together the excess length in the wall instead of cutting it and stapling it to the studs. Not up to code at all and almost cost me my life! I would love to fix it but bigger fish to fry right now. Fortunately the wires did not get damaged.

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

Thanks, it’s hard to make installing a mini-split interesting! Great tip on the wiring terminals, I may go back and do that myself at some point

[@robklaproth8144]

@@BustedKnuckleWoodworks the wiring is the most tricky part my electrician used thicker wires which were hard to bunch up inside the cover plate. I had the same issue with the larger 22k btu unit I installed on the other side of the house. Made me worry when trying to get the plate back on that I would damage the wiring. Btw, there are companies on Amazon that have much better deals on the line set covers than the MRCOOL one. One other tip with the WiFi adaptor, it will not work if you don’t shut the breaker to the outdoor unit off before installing. Of the 3 I’ve installed now, none worked until I went outside and turned off the power.

[@fiveduckstudio]

Oh how nice that must be, I'm sweating all over my projects these days 🤣

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

@@fiveduckstudio I had to constantly wipe down the saw to prevent rust spots from that!

[@scottreynoldsbuilder]

Great job! Im an ex hvac guy, and this was a great watch! When i installed a mini split on my house I did most of these things. 😂 my lineset cover still isn't the most attractive.

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

I'm definitely no HVAC guy, as you can see from the first 5 seconds haha

[@jlivewell]

Excellent video. May I ask 2 simple questions? how many sqft is this space and how long did it actually take from start to finish. Thank you very much.

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

It's about 500 sf, but there are 10 foot ceilings and it's in Texas. Quite honestly, I probably could have gotten by with the 18k. If I hadn't been filming it, I would have finished it in a single day.

[@tomn4838]

Good show, well put together. ❤

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

Glad you think so!

[@LYTOMIZE_Woodshop]

Great video, Sir. I'm still happy I paid to get mine installed, but I feared that I might mess up my pre-charged lines (and needed a new dedicated circuit installed for it in my shop). Congrats on your climate control - it's great, isn't it? 2 1/2 years later and I still love mine made for my northern climate Canadian shop! Keep the videos coming!!! 👊

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

I almost had to get a new circuit myself, but instead I tapped into the clothes dryer. We have a gas dryer, so we don’t use that 220.

[@kittyvonrosco8116]

I'm in Austin area too and wish that I would have seen this before we installed our Mr. Cool system.

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

Definitely need this around here!

[@davep6439]

Holy crap this guy looks just like Mark Margolis from Breaking Bad. Love your videos.

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

@@davep6439 Nacho stole my heart meds! 🛎️ 🛎️ 🛎️

[@kippie80]

Funny. I installed one myself a few years ago but I modified it to be a central air unit. Heck yeah, working now just fine! Hmm 2k$ central air vs. 6k$ central air … I’ll take the former! Basically how to do is take apart interior unit and replace the coil with an A-coil type ant put it above your furnace. There is a control unit in interior unit that you must keep by the coil. Also, remove orfice from your a-coil entirely! C’ause the expansion valve is already in the compressor unit.

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

They have the multi-zone units for new construction but what you describe is a really awesome retrofit for an existing setup. That would make a really interesting video!

[@5ElementsWoodworking]

I've seen other woodworkers with these build a cage around them with air filters to keep them clean. And my local HVAC guy said the woodworking dust would kill it in 2-3 years. Now, I don't know if that's true, but hoping some other folks can chime in.

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

@@5ElementsWoodworking gotta definitely keep the filter clean. The cage isn’t something I had thought of but not a bad idea

[@AnthonyDibiaseIdeas]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

@@AnthonyDibiaseIdeas you’re very welcome

[@michaelchadwick8261]

I've had my Mr. Cool in the garage for a couple of years now . . . best $2K I've ever spent!

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

Right? Can’t live without it now

[@kennethvogt9379]

You are a delight to listen to. But I don't hear Austin in your voice...and I live in Austin. Of course, no one hears Austin in my voice either. Where are you from?

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

Only been here in Austin since 2018. Originally from Portland Maine!

[@Xdonald331]

What about the filter on the unit? As shops are dusty, wondering if the filter is effective and easy to clean?

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

@@Xdonald331 Great question. They are washable and are actually very easy to pop out.

[@mastershredder2002]

9:06 do those black rubber pieces come with the unit, or must I buy them separately?

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

They are included with the unit.

[@BlueTurtleStudios]

I think you did a great video. Our family business included HVAC and you nailed it. Of course some wieners will try to find something to whine about but they are just jealous of you air conditioned shop.

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

High praise coming from you, thanks Barry!

[@RedSunFX]

10:30 I would wait on that spray foam until you are sure that the unit is working. It would be very messy to scrape all that spray foam if you notice that you got a defective unit at the very end.

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

Excellent suggestion 👍

[@Leib33]

Mistake was: drum roll please, you did not feed the electrical wiring harness through the wall along with the refrigerant tubing.

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

@@Leib33 give that man a cigar

[@scottbyrd2157]

What part of Texas are you?

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

Austin baby 👍

[@Stillworks]

Stay cool big guy

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

I’m trying over here 🥵

[@themeat5053]

After watching a few clowns on the KZbin do it, I've never thought about doing one myself. BTW, $2K is southern pricing.

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

I thought that price was way high!

[@themeat5053]

@@BustedKnuckleWoodworks It all is. These guys are buying into the Mike Rowe rant about being more important than sliced bread. I was looking at the price of replacing the 20 year old central air in this place and was informed that the best price would be $15-!7k, mostly labor. What can you do? I guess DIY it, but that day has passed after the last orthopedic surgery.

[@ibitaRaptor]

You forgot the bracket. I know that feeling.... lol

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

Good guess, but that wasn’t it

[@Rudimentary007]

Damn good job 👍 👍

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

Thanks my man

[@robertdehart7128]

Refrigerant coiled lines need to lay flat so the oil in the system can run back to the condenser do not leave the refrigerant line set coiled in a vertical location 50 years experience it will kill the compressor

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

Interesting, I did not know that

[@scottstruif3939]

@robertdehart7128 Tell him it’s plainly stated in the installation instruction manual.

[@wittworks]

you live in Texas? I'm un subscribing.

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

They’ll let anyone in here 🤠

[@MilaDaricheva]

Sold! For the next year though. Or century. 😂 You are the only person I know who has a solid brick wall! I didn’t know these things exist anymore!

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

She’s a brick house! She’s mighty mighty, just letting it all hang out 😝