So how hard is this really? With pre-charged linesets and ceiling casettes is it really just a matter of mounting the outdoor unit and ceiling units attaching the linesets and wiring it together? I got a quote to install a small system and it was $11,300.00. I put together a similar system and I see about $3,700.00 in materials. I just can't see another $7,700.00 in labor and markup. Has anyone here ever installed one? Here is a link to the system I am looking at. Am I missing anything from the following list? We are currently under construction and have easy access to the attic in which these ceiling cassettes will be mounted. https://www.ecomfort.com/LG-L2H18C07090000-A/p57457.html https://www.ecomfort.com/Mini-Split-Accessories-MSPLTKIT-143850/p56532.html https://www.ecomfort.com/Mini-Split-Accessories-MSPLTKIT2-143850/p82629.html https://www.ecomfort.com/Rectorseal-WBB300/p31087.html https://www.ecomfort.com/Bramec-NFDWHIP/p55821.html
They're not hard to install - I've done three. Sticking with a name brand (ie, Mitsu, Fujitsu or LG) is a good idea. The linesets aren't pre-charged, but the outdoor unit is. Spend a couple hundred on a decent vacuum pump, digital micron gauge, cheap manifold set and a clutched flaring tool and have at it. You can use inert welding gas to pressure test the line set. I wouldn't buy the accessory kits you listed - it's cheaper and easier to buy the ACR tubing from a supply house (or HD) and cut it as you need it. Same with the liquidtite and the wiring. ecomfort is a decent place to buy from also - they stand behind the warranty for the products. I ordered two Fujitsu units (and 6 heads) from there. They covered a set of thermocouples that were 8 months out of warranty for the outdoor unit.
The first thing we do is cut out the flare joints and braze the system. We’ve seen too many flares leak. Other than that rock out
I can’t imagine there’s any warranty on systems that haven’t been installed by licensed contractors. Without vacuuming the system down, there’s no way that the system won’t be contaminated and prematurely fail.
Yeah, that's why I said you need to spend the money on the proper tools. It's not rocket science. John
I keep seeing Mr. Cool DIY systems with pre-charged lines on my You Tube feed. No idea what the durability is though...
So every chucklehead with an Amazon account is going to order a vacuum pump, gauge set and nitrogen tank to properly flush and evacuate the lineset? And get themselves a tub of R410a and a wet bulb temp probe to ensure proper charge? Oooooooooooo kay.
Ask around. Us HVAC guys are a dime a dozen. Seriously though most up and comers are always looking for side work. Just be sure to get a reference from someone you know that actually knows something. Good HVAC guys are like any other skilled trade. Lots of people doing it but only a % doing it right.
Minisplits aren't charged that way - superheat and subcool aren't used. The only time you add 410a is if the you extend the lineset outside of what the unit is rated for and then it's done by weight. So, yeah, the chucklehead might need to buy a digital scale, too. John
