Mini Split with DUCTWORK? Complete Install of 1 Air Handler & 2 Wall Units on 1 36k C&H Condenser

SYSTEM I USED 36k Hyper, 1 AHU, 2 Wall: amzn.to/3CLPTYr
Economical Single Zone Units: amzn.to/430hJei
Hyper Heat Systems: amzn.to/3JvNtAR
Other Cooper & Hunter Mini Split Systems: amzn.to/3NOob3M
SYSTEM CHARGING TOOLS
JB Industries Vacuum Pump: amzn.to/44mtDjP
Yellow Jacket Gauges I Use: amzn.to/3r5FxzW
Digital Fieldpiece Gauge Set I Use: amzn.to/3PAXq49
Yellow Jacket Hoses with Valves: amzn.to/3CLOC3s
Mini Split Adapter Fittings: amzn.to/3pnUYDg
Metric Allen Wrenches: amzn.to/3ra2YYQ
CPS Micron Gauge: amzn.to/3Nt8oG1
Refrigerant Scale: amzn.to/3NNPf2X
My Favorite Power Tool: amzn.to/3r2zfBc
LINESET CONNECTIONS
Nylog Blue Sealant: amzn.to/3Xo7Dm4
Eccentric Flaring Tool I Use: amzn.to/3Ns5ZeB
Air Acetylene Turbo Torch I Use: amzn.to/3PNeB2z
5% Silver Brazing Sticks: amzn.to/3CNkqFm
DUCTWORK TOOLS
Midwest Tin Snips I Use: amzn.to/46Bvgft
Malco Folding Tool Slip & Drive Bender: amzn.to/43WOYAz
Duct Pliers: amzn.to/3pmwJFp
Klein Sheet Metal Hole Cutter: amzn.to/43QHyyB
ELECTRICAL
Tester I Use: amzn.to/3COTZiE
Main Panel Surge Protector: amzn.to/3COFFXl
240v AC Disconnect: amzn.to/3NjOFbC
10/2 Romex: amzn.to/3JtoMoD
Electrical Tape: amzn.to/3D6TFfn
LADDERS & MISC
Little Giant 22ft Folding Ladder: amzn.to/3pnEnQ0
Klein Safety Glasses: amzn.to/44o4Ewt
USEFUL LINKS
Heat Load Calculations: www.coolcalc.com/
Duct Calculator: hvacdirect.com/hvac/pdf/Field...
What I Believe: www.gotquestions.org/become-a...
In this video we go through the detailed process of how to install and set up a mini split AC/heat pump system with multiple zones. One of the zones for this installation uses an air handler and traditional ductwork while the other two have standard wall hung units. This should provide you with a good overview about how the installation process should go.
Thanks for watching and subscribing! As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support!
Blessings,
Ben

[@bsmooth5487]

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.

[@dew117]

try using valve core removers... remove shrader valve and pull the vacuum straight from the pump (no gauge needed). it helps significantly.

[@mikeh6206]

That's the re-labeled Midea unit similar to the ones we install. One thing to note about mounting in a protected space like that is that, as the HP starts taking heat out of the area, it can create a pocket of colder air that reduces the performance of the system. It happened to us and when we moved the unit away a bit, the performance improved a lot.

[@AltimaNEO]

Cooper and Hunter seems to just rebrand Midea stuff. I have one of their portable inverter heat pump ACs and its just a Midea unit with CH on it.

[@HVACguy813]

Love the video, a few suggestions to help you be more efficient. I would recommend a core remover and vacuum rated hose connected directly to the pump. Appion has a nice kit, use a little nylog on your fittings when you’re connecting them to pull your vacuum. I’ve pulled minispits down to 75 microns by using this trick. Also press fittings are your friend, unless the budget doesn’t allow. Keep up the good work!

[@bnasty267]

That's my trick: Pink Appion directly on the minisplit with the core removed and a micron gauge directly on the top port of the Appion. Once you pull the vac, close the valve on the core remover and remove the vac hose. Then, you only have brass/copper hard pipes with your vacuum, no rubber hoses or manifolds to leak. When done testing vac, either let a bit of charge out (or if you're adding charge) to get positive pressure to put the core back in. The valve/another core tool for the micron gauge is overkill: the CPS one is rated to 600PSI and isn't affected by refrigerant/oils. A little bit of pressure (no need to crank all the gas out) isn't going to hurt it.

[@edwardlouie]

Yes, getting rid of the non-vacuum rated hoses being also measured by the micron gauge will make your vacuums a lot better and lower. Use valve core removal tools and hookup the micron gauge directly to the valve core removal tool. I agree vacuums under 100 microns are easily doable with this setup. A dedicated Appion vacuum rated hoses between the pump and the valve core removal tools is essential.

[@jordanlatta]

Excellent video, as always! I'll be doing my first mini split install soon on my house, so this was a very nice overview. I went with a 36k multi-zone Senville setup, but I was seriously considering C&H too. I appreciate all the little tips that aren't mentioned in installation manuals 👍

[@Bass.Player]

When I installed my system I was concerned about looping the line set vertically because of compressor oil accumulating in the lower part of the loop, so I looped it horizontally and the loop spiraled slightly downhill towards the outside unit. (compressor)

[@uzlonewolf]

Make absolutely sure the valves on the indoor units are open \*before\* pulling the vacuum! Most coils are pressurized with nitrogen from the factory to keep them clean/dry and you do not want that mixing with your refrigerant.

[@hectormartinez6323]

I take my hats to Benjamin,wow great knowledge and very good video. Keep up thefantastic work.👍 always humble and very helpful.

[@bicycle697]

Thanks Ben! I've learned a lot from you 😊

[@DF-zp1os]

I'm not a professional hvac guy, but i like to play one on the weekend. In 2016 i installed an LG multi f Max - 48k unit with three heads in my house. I trippled purged the system with nitrogen and pulled a vacuum down to 200 microns and it held for 30 minutes. I initially tried pulling the vacuum without nitrogen but came to the conclusion way to much line set not to be using nitrogen. The system is still in use today heating and cooling. My only complaint is i wish i had the newer hyper heat technology because im only good down to -4F. Its fantastic system for helping regulate propane usage. I would like to get my hands on an air-to-water heat pump like an lg monobloc, or equivalent from some company.

[@stringlarson1247]

Heh. I just came across your channel earlier today. I thought, yep, fellow Swede and upper midwesterner. Love the channel, these are really great videos. Thanks.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Awesome video Ben!!! I enjoyed watching you work. 😊 The editing and voice over are both really good too! The iceberg from Alaska was pretty cool. 👍👍 And is that your son helping you out?? Wow, the little guy got big!!! God bless you and family! May you have success in everything you put your hands to my friend!

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Thanks so much! Crazy how fast the kids are growing and becoming helpful! The glaciers in Alaska are pretty awesome and the salmon is even better! Maybe we should come visit Hawaii this coming winter. :)

[@kdeltatube]

I second what he said, great video and job

[@WordofAdviceTV]

@@BenjaminSahlstrom Alaska sounds fun! Oh I bet the salmon is great!! Good to hear that you are having a great trip and that the kids are growing up and helping with bigger tasks. Happy for your family bro! And sure thing, come on over in the winter. Just let us know somewhat in advance since there are a few other people interested in a winter visit as well. Gotta make sure you don't overlap. 😄

[@Natsumidragneelkim]

​@@BenjaminSahlstromYou do know you could have used 4 foot of line set. All you had to do is put 6 elbows in it. Because one elbow counts as a foot.

[@lilo2469]

Great Work Ben👍

[@jamescollins8148]

Great video! I would be flowing nitrogen when brazing the lineset or anytime brazing. The Fieldpiece vacuum pump will pump to 500 microns, however using a larger vacuum hose helps!

[@martysheets6882]

Nice attention to detail Brother.

[@klaidenmorad103]

i living in fresno ca and here get hot in summer today is 115 so i had 2.5 ton central unit that builder install on my new 2000sf with high ceiling house . so for past 8 years my unit had hard time to cool down my house so last year i install 2 ton mini spilt single zone in my living and kitchen area that is like 1000sf to help my main unit to cool down my house and i couldn't believe how good this mini spilt perform so since last year i just run solo my 2 ton mini spilt unit and cool down whole house and i save a ton of money on electricity since my mini spilt unit is 17 seer camper to my central unit which is 14 seer and just 2 ton unit instead of 2.5 unit . my new 2 ton spilt unit blow like 48-49 degree cool air camper to my central unit that new could go blow below 62or 63 degrees.

[@bernardaflores1720]

Very interesting job.

[@davidderoode7691]

You have the best you tube channel

[@potentialhvac6074]

What up Ben! Great video and explanation A1! Copper and hunter not my favorite considering some weird flare adapters to the outdoor units in my experience but they seem to work great. Nice job man

[@adeelfromspain2919]

I have also been doing this for a long time but what about you, you have made this video very beautifully😊

[@victorlimon3146]

great detailed video, only thing i would get is a dedicated micron gauge. I think the big creep up you are seeing is because of the lines/vacuum gauge setup.

[@viewfromthewindowofaflorid7656]

I like this solution

[@DavidHalko]

I like your hanging of the outdoor unit! That outdoor unit is so close to the ceiling, I would be concerned that heat would build up and get caught around the outdoor unit in that area.

[@kdeltatube]

Props to your skill, knowledge and common sense

[@stan525]

fyi when flaring tubing its best to break the outside sharp edge to a 45*ish degree angle so the tear or split will not start as easy and the inside need to be properly deburred. good content. my2cents

[@SergeUnburnt]

Oil is needed at the point of contact of the nut and the copper pipe. Then the torque wrench will work correctly! And together, the contact of the camber and the valve is not necessary.

[@bernhardm9475]

Did you use nitrogen during the brazing ?

[@ducharmehvactraining925]

you should upgrade to core removal tools and a dedicated large set of evacuation hoses. I didn't hear anything about purging with nitrogen while brazing which would be a huge mistake.

[@thaitichi]

You mention @7:30 that having too short of a line set is not good. I've heard this before. What is the reason for this?

[@publicmail2]

And you put a nice quiet exhaust , guessing 1 sone at 80-100CFM?

[@FishFind3000]

20:30 have you ever tried attaching your flair tool to the existing factory flare and just touching it up a bit?

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

No but that could help. If there are big imperfections in the face of the flair it probably won't help though.

[@famousdude1239]

outdoor loop install vertical...will horizonal loop "also" work correctly?

[@GlenS123]

Nice install, love the homemade heavy brackets. Isn't a defrost cycle going to drip water on walkway under the outdoor unit where people walk?

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

It's not really a walkway for the most part. I did explain this to the owner and that's still where they preferred it. It's also likely that they won't be using this unit very much for heating most of the time.

[@Mr._Craig]

As long as you account for the overcharge, why cant you have shorter than 10ft of lineset? I've had 3 units installed with less than 4ft of lineset that have worked fine for years.

[@forestpassineau]

To pull down below 500 microns and hold don't use a manifold gauge set. Directly connect your vacuum pump to the system with a vacuum rated hose. Also use a dedicated micron gauge for measuring your micron rating. Should solve your issue getting low micron ratings. With the above suggestions you should be able to pull a 100-200 micron vacuum and hold that within 10-30 minutes max. Also make sure to remove your valve cores with a valve core removal tool to not have a restriction when pulling your vacuum Good luck.

[@davidv7403]

It looks like it would be hard to change the filter on the air handler with that condensate drain line in that location.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

True! Wish there was a better solution.

[@StonyAcresEstate]

I noticed that the air handler filter was a black screen type filter. Is that the washable type (that came with the unit), or do you recommend replacing that with a 'paper' type filter? Thanks for the video.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Definitely would replace. The one that came with it is definitely better than nothing though.

[@Ron_Masterjohn]

Curious why on ducting why don’t the coat it on the outside or use heat wrap to keep the heat or cold air inside the ducts so it doesn’t loose the heat or cold absorbing out the ducts sheet metal?

[@WILSON.1]

My unit is a Gree Livo 36k btu. I'm running 10/2 wire from my main breaker panel, however, the unit came with a 14/4 connecting wire between the outdoor and indoor unit. I contacted their customer service team and they confirmed it was the proper wire and that 14/4 is adequate for the outdoor and indoor unit connections. However, now I'm in need of extending the connecting wire by about 4 feet. Do you think it'll be okay to extend the 14/4 wire another 4 feet or so? I'll connect two sections with crimp connectors and put the connections in a junction box. Any opinion is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[@stiffmeister0hYeah]

Now I know why the Mexican HVAC guys to not use a vacuum pump (here in Cabo San Lucas). It takes 1/2 hour to vacuum down plus the time checking for a leak. They use analog gauges, do not use scales and are out of here in/out in 30 minutes making bank. Thank you for the equipment list, I've already been looking at Fieldpiece. Does the outdoor unit have to be below the indoor unit? They put my outdoor unit on roof and I'm concerned about liquid/gas phase change and flow. My Carrier 18K SEER 19 units are using 2500 watts constantly

[@getc1234]

Hey Ben, do you have any info on the cost of running mini splits compared to a electric whole house furnace? We have some spaces that need heat/cooling, but aren’t sure if we should try and get ductwork from our furnace or install mini splits. We aren’t sure what would be more effective price wise for running them. Thanks!

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

If your furnace is standard resistance electric then you definitely would save money on electricity by using mini split heat pumps in those areas. Typically a heat pump will be at least 1-3 times more efficient depending on the outside temperature.

[@sullydee2237]

do you ever look a see what these large units use power wattage i m think of buying 4 or 5 to 5 zone unit dont know how much better it will be on power //

[@DR-um2bv]

Is it better to have multi zone or more than 1 systems. Maybe if 1 goes out will still have the others, or will those extra units use more electricity.

[@Gaborkik]

Most of the time multi units are more expensive, than having separate units. Usually multi units are installed for limited spaces or aesthetics.

[@jay_321]

@6:40 you say the outside unit is really protected from the wind--as if that's a good thing. Is it? I would think you want air to circulate around it as much as possible.

[@Jon-hx7pe]

the fan provides all the air movement it needs. wind is counter-productive during defrost cycles, harder to get the coil warm to melt the ice.

[@handle924]

what hole saw are you using for cutting the metal siding? I tried Harbor Freight Warrior 4-1/4 in. Bi-Metal Hole Saw and it went dull before I could finish 20% of 1 hole...

[@dukeraul624]

Holesaw the wood, and snip the tin.

[@cengeb]

Don't buy junk, get Milwaukee, or Lennox etc hole saws....

[@famousdude1239]

So, in MT how much BTU output does that have-22F F

[@publicmail2]

Can you do cassette with blower unit? Of course up to total BTU of condenser. Also, what was total dealer cost of your system?

[@kn1gh7hawk]

My pioneer split unit allows you to use any type of indoor unit (ducted, wall-mount, or cassette) - not sure about the brand shown in this video. Unfortunately there wasn't an option for hydronic (for my hydroinc radiant floor heat)

[@chrisE815]

That air handler seems pretty giant for a 24k unit, no? Is it possible to connect a small run of duct-work up to a concealed duct indoor unit (say something that will fit above a drop ceiling) to condition multiple small bedrooms?

[@kevincowan7131]

If you were installing just one indoor unit with 10 feet would you nitrogen test

[@mikeplummer944]

I want to install a mini split system in my basement. Does it matter if the indoor head unit is below grade and the outside unit is above grade? And does the head unit have to have a drain line?

[@Gaborkik]

They can handle the height difference usually. The install manual describes how they can deal with both ways. Indoor unit needs drain line when used for cooling or humidity control, outdoor u it needs drain line when heating.

[@Ron_Masterjohn]

I’ve read a lot of reviews on Cooper and Hunter and lots of buyers complain about lack of customer service. Any suggestions ?

[@koryleach9660]

Do you ever do work in the Fargo area?

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Not really. Just a bit far to be time efficient. We're around 4hrs from Fargo.

[@tyecables8547]

So I have an issue. I have a 3 ton unit in a mobile home where my ac guy said I should have at least a 4 ton probably 5. So would adding a mini split be a good option to help with that. for reference I live in TX and its 113 right now

[@klaidenmorad103]

yes its . i living in fresno ca and here get hot in summer like there for example today is 115 so i had 2.5 ton central unit that builder install on my new 2000sf with high ceiling house . so for past 8 years my unit had hard time to cool down my house so last year i install 2 ton mini spilt single zone in my living and kitchen area that is like 1000sf to help my main unit to cool down my house and i couldn't believe how good this mini spilt perform so since last year i just run solo my 2 ton mini spilt unit and cool down whole house and i save tons of money on electricity since my mini spilt unit is 17 seer camper to my central unit which is 14 seer and just 2 ton unit instead of 2.5 unit . my new 2 ton spilt unit blow like 48-49 degree cool camper to my central unit that new could blow below 60 degrees.

[@General_reader]

I want a mini split for 220 ft.² room wall mounted unit is fine. What brand/unit should I be looking for? I’m afraid I’ll buy a crappy knock off.

[@R290s_biggest_fan]

Almost all of the cheaper ones are made at the same factory in China.

[@AndreaRuralMN]

Could a heat pump for AC work for a home with an existing firced air furnace? Just need an air handler? I'm a potential customer in your area...

[@stans5270]

20 degrees below zero??? That's when we till our gardens in Maine.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

🤣 pretty much

[@DavidHalko]

11:00 - why in the world didn’t the electrician wire yellow to the white, keeping red & black the same??? That’s crazy!!!

[@ernestgalvan9037]

And as Benjamin said, “be sure connect like colors together..” 😂

[@chaseoes]

I messed up installing mine and lost the refrigerant so now I need a video on how to recharge them :(

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

What a bummer! It happens unfortunately. Might want to find an HVAC guy to come recharge it. Unfortunately a lot of HVAC guys won't work on "IDY" systems. Hope you get it fixed!

[@mak4374]

For the flares, I have seen this small plastic washers they put right in the flare connection, that works like a sealer.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Interesting. Personally I wouldn't prefer that since the copper/brass connection is tried and true.

[@CGGC0202]

for the mini split air handler did it have Emergency Heat ? and if one does how does it get the power for that emergency heat ? does that also come from the outdoor unit or does it need a separate source of power ?

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Great question. The power would be supplied directly to the air handler for any electric backup heat. This unit was not equipped since it was unnecessary for this situation.

[@CGGC0202]

so if it had 10kw electric backup heat it would have a wire going to the outdoor unit with the lineset and also have a circuit supplying that 10kw to the air handler itself?

[@terrorgen]

Looks a lot like a MrCool unit

[@_kikaso]

It's possible that they're made in the same factory. I think Cooper & Hunter, Gree, and Midea mini splits are all the same.

[@bnasty267]

@@_kikaso Gree is actually separate. C&H, Pioneer, Mr Cool, Senville, Carrier and probably a bunch of other no-name minisplit brands are all Midea units. You can always tell by the manuals, which are basically the exact same for those brands. Mr Cool does break from the pack for their larger air handlers, which are Gree Flexx units. Either way, most minisplits and parts for some of the other 'big name brands' are made by two Chinese companies: Midea and Gree.

[@_kikaso]

@@bnasty267 makes sense

[@yalman32]

I reach below 500 mic in a new dry install 😅must be pure luck but deburr and flare slowly, with blue less is more 🎉😊

[@publicmail2]

I don't like that area because of trapped heat, did I miss something but manufacture doesn't recommend that clearances for condenser? I did finally see the open to outside air close by, looks reasonable.

[@FixthisCD]

What is the reasoning for the line set being at least 10 feet long? Gives it time to stabilize?

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Stability and vibration reduction.

[@richardheffernan4633]

I have to say, I cringe when I see someone using slip joint pliers on flare nuts and bolts. Also, most manufacturers recommend using flare joints on line sets instead of brazing.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Correct that flaring is the typical recommendation.

[@gnarkill57]

The Flaring tool that he used is critical that you get something similar to that, you will fight cheap flaring tools. Buy once Cry once.

[@John-eq8cu]

It's amusing that you summarily refuse to use the flare provided by the lineset, and then go ahead to make a really bad flare to replace it. There is scarring on the flare surface, probably because you used a needle-nosed pliers to ream it out. Use a proper reaming tool will make it better. You can also apply a bit of Nylog during flaring, so the flaring tool doesn't further scratch the inside of the pipe. You should end up with a smooth shiny flare surface. You talked about using a torque wrench, but then show how you tighten it with channel-lock pliers, without first looking to see if the flare properly mates with the fitting. Youch! Then you say the next step is to pull a vacuum, but you didn't say anything about pressure-testing the system with Nitrogen. A system with a small leak can easily hold a vacuum, because atmospheric pressure is so much less than the 300psi these systems run at. You said "pulling a vaccum and achieving 500 microns can be really tricky...." -- yes, tricky if you use a gauge-set instead of using a micron gauge, tricky if you don't use a valve-core removal tool, and especially tricky if you system has leaks in it. And no it's NOT fine if the gauge creeps up from 500 to 700 microns. The requirement is to pull it down to about 150, and see it doesn't rise about 500 over 10 minutes. Seriously, I don't see how this system won't leak. You have done a great disservice to the HVAC community by providing wrong information and showing shoddy work.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Unfortunately I'm not perfect. Thanks for sharing your observations.

[@Firehawk841]

literally pull down to 80-100 microns in new systems and holds below 500 for 10 min. get a new pump.

[@Melicoy]

Is this an ad?

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

For what? lol