Mini Split Install So Easy A Handyman Can Do It | No Need For HVAC Company | THE HANDYMAN |

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#thehandyman #thehandymanbusiness

[@TheHandyman1]

Here is the link to the Made In USA filters filterbuy.com/xvQoupFI7DmgfnlK9IUu/

[@b_uppy]

Seen where a wetted circular piece of sponge circular is used inside the holesaw to drill through tile, masonry, etc. Have you used this?

[@TheHandyman1]

I had a bucket of water on the ladder that I was dipping it into. I haven't tried the sponge trick.

[@chriscolameco6850]

Another one for bricks is using a grinder to make one or two cuts perpendicular to the mortar joints, then if you hit the new “square” with a hammer it should fall out perfectly. Not as neat looking but much faster

[@Rook137]

Dude you and your video made my day! I was not getting heat inside and then I saw you release not just the LOW but the HIGH too and I forgot to open the HIGH pressure valve, your video shows BOTH need to be OPENED this fixed my problem now I have heat inside..love it!! Thanks man!!

[@ryanmccormick8618]

I’ve found myself in need of getting epa certified for residential and wondering if you or anyone in this thread could point me in the right direction to get certified online, also I am an electrician not not a hvac technician so I’ll probably need a training class or something so I can pass the test. Thanks!

[@sharidandan4172]

Handyman here, i installed abou 10 of these laste year for clients. They are super easy and a fast way to have a happy customer by how well they work. Im not a hvac tech so i can't give them warranty but i make that very clear from the start and make sure they understand. Never had any complaints.

[@plumberpayday]

That’s awesome. Is there a way you advertise or target clients? I’m a plumber but very interested in mini splits

[@vSeabass]

You don’t need an EPA or any other certificate to register equipment I promise you

[@vSeabass]

@@plumberpaydaylook out for detached garages, casitas, pool houses without a mini split. If you don’t see one leave your card lol that’s how we do it in Phoenix anyway

[@_RT.Tony_]

I’ve been doing hvac for almost a decade. I have two A.A.S, one in HVAC & one in Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration. And your right mr.handy man! I would’ve liked to have seen a nitrogen pressure test but I’ll let it slide cause you’re my boy! 😅 good shit man!

[@_RT.Tony_]

Also I personally don’t like mini splits because they aren’t easy to service or troubleshoot. Also in my opinion they seem to belike they’re engineered to fail sooner than later. No hate intended..just my personal honest opinion from my almost decade of experience

[@bnasty267]

@@_RT.Tony_ They should be, and generally are, treated as disposable (like a window unit.) By the time you get parts, and especially if you have to pay a pro to diagnose/troubleshoot, you might as well just replace the whole thing. Most of these are around $1000, which is peanuts compared to what parts/labor costs. Besides, all the conventional (unitary) split systems are getting crappier and crappier. Thin, cheap, aluminum coils that leak, expensive computer boards, and expensive ECM motors.

[@TheHandyman1]

I agree. This mini split cost the same as a in room portable ac that sits on the floor and blows out the window.

[@tjkrueger2655]

When I finally got a HVAC guy out to quote on one of these with two heads, they quoted some crazy $10k number... business is so good they add 100% markup on these small jobs to make it worth their while. Funk that, I'll do it my damn self...

[@TheHandyman1]

That sounds about right. I had a customer tell me they paid $20,000 for a 4 head unit at their ski condo.

[@remodz6385]

@@TheHandyman1 had a customer pay $28k for a 4 head system just a few months back. Pacific NW.

[@Longeno55]

You weren’t lying, it was a great video. I never installed one of these, but after viewing this video with all the pro tips I’m pretty confident that I can do it

[@golf-n-guns]

Thanks for this video. I've ordered a TOSOT unit to install in my brick home. Indoor unit will be about 20' above ground level, so I ordered the extra 25' tubing bundle and 2x the chase cover.

[@cherrybarb4651]

Mini-splits are one of the best inventions ever for people without the ability to have central air. Mine is only 10K BTUs and cools my whole large house and it's silent. I had mine professionally installed but loved this video anyway. Very interesting.

[@ceceet]

How is it for heat? That's my main concern with getting one, but I live in WV where winters can be pretty cold. I'm in a two story, but fairly small, house and I'm trying to figure out if 2 units would be enough haha.

[@918scott4]

I need one of those hole saws but they are very expensive at HD. Thanks for the tip!!!

[@RapidRepair]

I see this growing in popularity, literally every single day. Soon homeowners will be installing their own systems and Handymen will also get a lot of that business.

[@StarrTile]

And it has been popular and standard in other countries especially the Caribbean for decades, it's just now finding a space here.

[@kageshadowmane4271]

Good thing! A/C companies ALWAYS over charge!!! No pun intended. 😅

[@seanmc133able]

Nice to see you have the confidence to tackle the electrical and HVAC stuff. Most guys are scared of that stuff!!!👍👍

[@tyregalaxy28]

he started in electrical

[@josemv25]

He started in stuff

[@robd7365]

Excellent video. I've done these without nitrogen as well...I just like to release some refrigerant from the high side and see if it holds the pressure for a while (after pulling vacuum first)

[@acf894]

I had a Mitsubishi h2i mini split heat pump system in my townhouse, had three wall units, was absolutely awesome for heat and ac, my electric bill was like 150 bucks a month with that. Now I'm in a house with an old central ac that's less than efficient.

[@fatjaysgarage]

i have the same tool box, how do you like it? ive had it for about 2 years

[@taijistar9052]

You are professional!

[@OthmanAlikhan]

Thanks for the video =). I wanted to ask, wouldn't gluing the metal wall bracket to the wall cause issues removing it down the line when the indoor unit needs replacing?

[@Xyrium]

Subbed...great demeanor. Finishing touch...3/8 NM cable clamp for the burial cable to the head. Nice work sir. I just got one all connected today, can hold a vacuum, might have to buy a darn flare tool now.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I need to install one of these in my duplex, just for the AC

[@Asomesauc]

Great video handy thank you and good by.

[@adriangalindo3802]

Isn't the escutcheon supposed to go on the outside?

[@b_uppy]

Seen where a wetted circular piece of sponge circular is used inside the holesaw to drill through tile, masonry, etc. Have you used this?

[@mikebowling8795]

When I install anything in this type of material I always put a few pices of bailing wire in the holes. That way when you send your screws they mush the wire screw and brick together. It's kind of welding them together.

[@MsCharae23]

You mentioned that nitrogen was needed to charge the kines. I didn't see the part where you did that. How do we do that?

[@WarrenRunk]

Got something in my eye just watching you use that hole saw

[@jfalbo]

Love your videos. Next time, try a mrcool mini split. No need to mess with refrigerant.

[@TheHandyman1]

4x the cost to save 30 minutes of work.

[@rayt230]

@@TheHandyman1 Doing my 1st (whole home, my own home) renovation and was interested in the mrcool due to their 5 unit kits. Using your link I couldn't find any option like that at tosot. Any extra detail or guidance would be much appreciated!

[@miknefish1]

Hvac tech here, I love the minisplits! You need a HANDYMAN HVAC sticker to put on it!

[@Karateka1]

I like this new format of videos, well done handyman. 😊👍👍

[@TheHandyman1]

Glad you like it

[@andrew7319]

How much for the labor? I've been following you since 2015 I think I live in Seattle Washington thanks for your videos it helps a lot

[@christianramos9159]

Great video! What type of disconnect did you install?

[@pstrzel]

I just went through this yesterday, but my vacuum needle goes back to zero after shutting the pump.😥 Gotta find the leak, maybe put Nylog on the fittings, which I didn't do.

[@renecuevas4128]

Je ff Mini splits love the idea ........but i never installed one .......i m more incline to teach the newbies and rookies at my existing workplace...love teaching

[@MinhTran-fc7jl]

what kind of voltage does it take 115 or 220? did you have to run new electrical outlet? great video , thank you

[@adriangalindo3802]

My disconnect needed fuses. Is that normal? I put 25-non fuses.

[@rafaeldiniz5552]

Should i have a power connection in switch painel seperated only for Spliter AC?

[@stupendas101]

There are two Shraeder valves. One on the unit and one on the small adapted used for pulling vacuum. Do these two stay in place ? Do I have to remove one or the other ? I suppose the one in the valve itself must stay but not sure about the one in the adapter

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Sometimes for Tapcons I drill the hole, put in a zip tie (or toothpicks) then the fastener. Helps snug up the hole. Thanks for the video 👍

[@dvirki]

I use trimmer string and it seems to never fail.

[@mechatronx4383]

Dont you need and hvac license to do this work?

[@carlfoster3961]

I’m sure some handymen do great work like you do. But I go behind a lot of so called handyman and DIY guys to fix their mini split installations. ( hvac tech here ) but yes if you have some sense it’s easy lol.

[@davidbintner3375]

This guy calls himself a handyman but he's far from it. I'm a carpenter and just from a few videos I can see he's better at carpentry than most carpenters and he seems to be pretty good at everything else to.

[@Yaboiie398]

Do you have to vacuum the line or could you just run it?

[@user-jr1hm3jw2i]

How do these work in winter weather?

[@quinnhoenig8564]

Love the videos! The only thing holding me back on doing this myself is not being able to take advantage of the 5 year warranty since I’m not a licensed tech. If I get the EPA certification does it come with a license number or something to throw on the warranty?

[@TheHandyman1]

There is nothing in the warranty about supplying the license number of the contractor that installed it. There is no way to prove who installed it. These are all made and sold by china. Go check out the warranty on their website.

[@AbsolutePayroll]

You did a great job and i found out I can rent nitrogen and buy a micron gauges and boom I can install 5 of these in my home for next to nothing.

[@renecuevas4128]

most guys only will put 2 tap cons not 12 funny but love it already i work hvac 30 yrs and never installed one that s why i m watching the video Tnk uuuuuuu

[@weekendhomeprojects]

I like these mini splits.

[@joshuawilson1989]

How much did you charge to install

[@gregb5254]

Curious about your experience with tapcons. I’ve never had trouble with brick or cinder block but I shear off or strip out about half of them in concrete. I started using the (new?) white tapcons about a month ago and haven’t had a single failure through about 20 of them.

[@MookieMan1]

Same here. Never had one pull out, but I have had many snap the head off half way in. Also have had the pre drill hole blow out the surrounding material, particularly on block walls

[@GannDolph]

i find a deep enough hole and blowing out the drill dust is key, then installing them with a hand screwdriver or a drill using the clutch setting to not over torque. but def not an impact driver. i always also use a couple of lead lag shields with #10 screws as a fail safe.

[@markAD666]

were you using the bit that came with them cuz a lot of concrete seems to hard for it, that's my experience with using that bit.. when I use a sds bit I never have a problem with concrete unless I use the wrong size lol

[@MrMiller123]

Beach front property soon 😂

[@calebwofford2212]

Whats the link for the hole saw

[@evan-edstrom]

I got that hole saw of amazon. It claimed it could drill through concrete. I found it could not.

[@jkilpatrick5214]

Aircraft Mechanic here... Ever use a precise torque wrench in any of your construction projects?

[@abscissatv]

No lol it’s not that serious. What’s the torque spec on a anchor into 100 year old brick.

[@BobutBrody]

Gorgeous watch Seiko?

[@TheHandyman1]

yes

[@user-uu1gk8px7k]

what's the price for such split unit installation?

[@mattcasoni]

Thank you! I know nothing at all about hvac. It’s my next challenge

[@renecuevas4128]

True you need a Vacuum to see if it holds at a predertmined Micron Gauge Reading I finish Vacuum for 45 min or less an see my Gauges if they did not move at all I was happy I Never got a call back in about 10 yrs in the 90 s.......to 1999

[@ButterFreshTV]

How much did you make ?

[@rhemamachaira8763]

How do banks see these for loans

[@elizabethlane9687]

How did you connect this from your disconnect exactly?

[@nimajnebrm]

...But can you install a gray water system?

[@renecuevas4128]

Pre charged Ref Lines can be funny but many times in AC split installs we go empty Nitro Lines wich is not a good feeling for an AC tech on da field

[@Richism4U]

Thank You Professor Handyman for this class. Appreciate your videos, now on to final exam of installing unit for my parents.

[@williamstebe3855]

How do you get an hvac license for just mini splits?

[@xXVintersorgXx]

Why didn't you shorten the lines? You ended up running the lines along the ground where you specifically said you wanted to keep the lines away from the weeds..

[@gematria101]

Good stuff handyman! We never went to the moon. "First person to step on the moon was Neil Armstrong".. or Neil A Neil A backwards A lieN 🛸

[@d0nn13m0n0]

Are you trying to tell me that boomers didn’t drive a dune buggy on the moon? I bet you think they didn’t play golf on the moon either! How. Dare. You.

[@michaelkuhns416]

Nice but what if you live in a area that will freeze the drain tube .

[@keithf5236]

How do we determine the power use when it's running say for 8-10hrs a day. I see 1250watts but I have no idea how to calculate the usage when running.

[@shannonp4037]

1,250 watts per hour of run time. So if it is on for 10 straight hours, you'll use 12,500 watts or 1.25 kW. If you pay $0.15/kW it'll cost you 18.75 cents or a full 24 hours of running is about $4.50/day or about $135/month.

[@keithf5236]

@@shannonp4037thanks for the breakdown, helps me figure out if I want to get 1 for sure or maybe 2 :)

[@pamross4994]

Yes you do need a H V A C, If you READS the book there is no (( warranty)) if you do not have paperwork to show a H V A C co put it in.

[@terencemerritt]

No you don’t

[@terencemerritt]

They’re all pre charged, you only have to twist a valve to open. No hvac certification required

[@coldflame6196]

Good luck with warranty without a technician install 👍

[@TheHandyman1]

These are so cheap they are throw away parts. The entire system is only $700.

[@TheHandyman1]

This is such a false statement. None of the brands I work with say you have to have paper work showing an hvac company installed it. This mini split has a 5 year warranty against manufacture defects. These are all made in china by Gree and then rebranded and sold under dozens of different names.

[@oso3440ify]

Lic HVAC Contractor here. The one thing you failed to mention. That you already had a 240V circuit available for a DIY project. I'd say 90% of DIY's don't realize your need a high voltage line (240v/120v) available. That does require a Lic Electrician (depending on State/Municipal req)

[@tman6663]

The one thing you failed to mention, is the respectful, meticulous professional work, plotting then drilling thru brick, no cracks, then complete install ..and he’s still worried about making a mess, cmon Alex

[@schleben22]

Yeah I'm an hvac contractor in louisiana, we gotta have electricians run our whips for code

[@Chrominance87]

Well remember "Handyman" is in the channel name. He also referred to the mini-split as a "microwave".

[@harrychu650]

How about the length of the vacuum lines? My understanding is that one of the issues with a DIY Split Job is that the length of these hoses tend to be extremely long and cannot be shortened without the expertise of a professional HVAC installer. This results in long messy hoses that stick out like sore thumb.

[@coldflame6196]

Not called a vacuum line, and don't try flaring a line set for the first time just to lose your charge of refrigerant.

[@stupendas101]

I heard that you must keep at least 10 foot long linesets or it cause some issues for the compressor lifetime

[@christopherharpster9330]

Which brand mini is that? Looks like a Sanyo?

[@TheHandyman1]

Check the link in the description

[@123mjolie]

Thanks !!!

[@airforcerymer15]

If your tapcons aren't gripping as you say, you're either stripping them out or drilling the wrong size hole. Tapcons are excellent fasteners and just one 5/16" at 2.5" long has a tensile strength of 2,500+ ibs

[@StarrTile]

You needed to show the running pressure, usually about 70 PSI on the low side in about 110 to 115 on the high side... and that would also depend on the temperature

[@MookieMan1]

There is no high side on a mini split.

[@Asomesauc]

Handers McHanders

[@arth.4196]

If I may ask, what was the labor cost to install. If you changed it.

[@TheHandyman1]

$3,000 to $5,000 is the going rate in my city. I charge half that.

[@JJ-yn8fl]

Are these really that much superior to simply putting a $300-400 window a/c unit in? Obviously you need a window, but most rooms have those, and you can remove the unit in the fall/winter.

[@TheHandyman1]

They only cost $700 they are much nicer and a lot less trashy than window units

[@landen1234]

Also they work in reverse and can be used to heat your room if your house has poor hvac design. Or if gas is expensive.

[@stupendas101]

and much more efficient and much quieter. Plus, when you separate the coils, you are likely to get much longer life out of it. I think it's a no brainer when all is considered

[@64maxpower]

If that ever happens again with the tapcon stick a toothpick or two in the hole and drive to screw in again. You can all so use a piece of copper wire. The wire works the best actually.Hit Pins also work very well for me.

[@jackt6595]

Using a toothpick seems like a bad idea. Eventually the wood will rot and then your bolt is no longer holding.

[@64maxpower]

@Jack T you're right. The whole thing would probably fall right off the wall in the first hurricane. It's probably better to do it right and put a big long bolt right through the wall and use grade 8 bolts at least with lock washers so it doesnr vibrate off. If you are going to do something do it right

[@markbailey6051]

I run a 5k window unit now with my Honda I2000. Could the Honda run the mini split?

[@TheHandyman1]

Yes.

[@georgedevere7902]

What kind of E-bike do you recommend?

[@TheHandyman1]

It depends on how your are going to ride.

[@0blivioniox864]

Man every time I try tapcons they wind up ripping up the concrete around the hole... I'm using the correct size because I use the drill that comes in the box. Dunno wtf I'm doing wrong

[@briancnc]

The biggest problem with tapcons is when people use impact guns to install them. I will always install them with hand tools like the video, they have a limit on how much torque can be applied

[@moneywithmagic]

Need a really nice hammer drill with a really nice carbide tip. Drill very lightly. I go on size down first. Then do the right size bit. Almost never have a problem with them. If any do strip out. Still install screws in the holes but add epoxy for extra strength

[@FatherFH]

You should write under the gun. "want some caulk?" "how big is your caulk"

[@ABC-gs3fe]

Hon much cost total cost ( AC and installation fee)? And cost of job ?

[@TheHandyman1]

Link in the description.

[@TheHandyman1]

Install costs vary from $3,000 to $5,000 per head

[@09splendid]

Yeah right! So easy you don't need any special tools, just a chisel and hammer.

[@TapelessDrywallFinishing]

👍👍

[@ccc822007]

Off-topic subject, but as a Handyman, do you charge a cancellation fee if a customer cancels at the last moment?

[@TheHandyman1]

No that is bad for business.

[@bobbyfanclub5749]

An insurance company is using you photo on FB to sell insurance , I screenshot the ad , lemme know if you want the photo

[@TheHandyman1]

I was in a commercial for contractor insurance. I think it was Next Insurance.

[@bobbyfanclub5749]

@TheHandyman1 yes , that was the company

[@jf8461]

I did each step meticulously. But when pulling a vacuum, and shut off pump, it won’t hold a vacuum. I have triple-checked all the tubing flare connections (as best I could with a vacuum only). And I am about ready to call the AC guy! 🥵🤬😡

[@vSeabass]

Sounds like you have a leak. You need nitrogen to check for leaks and then you can vacuum the lineset. You may have crimped the lineset somewhere.

[@trent624]

Nitrogen is needed to see if you have leaks. You can’t just throw a vacuum and charge. Never pulling a true vacuum with no micron gauge

[@dwhite6213]

Never use pliers on a brass fitting

[@MrNorthstar50]

Those bricks don't look like fire hardened bricks , there being drilled way to easy. They drill like old Chicago bricks if I drill in to a fire hardened brick even if I use Tungsten carbide bits they can be tough.

[@SNORKYMEDIA]

Bit of a crappy design when you end up with the escutchion below the unit...why arent thr pipes in the middle???

[@jimc.964]

Did you ignore that text from Beyoncé at 1:14?

[@TheHandyman1]

LOL

[@dexal8368]

Good god😅. Mini splits are something else. Such a terrible install, but it will work just fine 😂😂

[@Jako1987]

North is getting hotter AND we get efficient heating compared to normal electric heating. When electricity costs about 30c/kWh I close the heat pump and I start fuel oil (diesel) boiler.

[@Sonowske21]

Hello.

[@ccc822007]

They actually purge a system before shipping it. Nitrogen is a purging agent for purging out any moisture.

[@josemv25]

Just had an old brick hotel turned apartment complex downtown collapse and kill 3 people

[@coldflame6196]

You obviously know what you're doing, but I would recommend any homeowners to not attempt a mini split, standard split, or package unit install. Also as you said, testing for 500psi of nitro woild have been something to do. Just mention a homeowner has slim to no chance of warranty parts, which would in most cases be 10 years for a professional install. If they lose charge of the refrigerant, they have to pay a professional to leak check and charge it. And for getting 120v or 230v to the disconnect, they should have sparky run that. Finding a loop hole around legally needing a contractors license and epa card doesnt give me faith on homeowner installs lol

[@Genesis-fy3cp]

why not cut the linesets to only the length needed, with clean bends and linehide to conceal it; it looks like hammered dogshit. You also didnt mention the 240v disconnect installations, which requires an licensed electrician. Obviously, still cheaper than contracting the entire installation but not entirely DIY for most. Nice work, otherwise.

[@divemanred]

Handyman where is the sub?

[@TheHandyman1]

?

[@divemanred]

@@TheHandyman1 your submariner… you’re not wearing it.

[@TheHandyman1]

I'm testing out a new one.

[@divemanred]

@@TheHandyman1 gotcha I just picked up a BB54 so not to wear my submariner while working on someone’s sink 😂

[@dirckduncan7448]

Another job well done climate-warming my ass

[@OrignalRobRobert]

You are the one who destroyed my house