From those in the know... How difficult would this be to install on your own, if the house is stucco/cinder block / Florida style? Like if you can install something like x or y, then you could easily install this too...
From those in the know... How difficult would this be to install on your own, if the house is stucco/cinder block / Florida style? Like if you can install something like x or y, then you could easily install this too... - barryk
Not hard to install, but you will need a vacuum pump to evacuate the lines
vaccum for the lines, the condenser will need to be bolted to concrete or to a solid structure, and you will bravely need to pass the copper lines through the stucco wall and patch afterwards. It is 110v so you might not need any electrical upgrades, but you will need an outlet handy
just got a quote from my local HVAC service...they don't do installation for third party unit and the one they offer is starting at $6200 *yikes* - rays
Call another company. I can absolutely see them not wanting to install a brand they're not familiar with as any issue can turn into a nightmare. While the brand is less important to reliability than the installation, this is a "value" brand by any measure. That being said, $6,200 is waaaaay too much for a 1 ton. Depending on the circumstances, $2,000 to $2,500 for a name brand unit (Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, etc) is more appropriate.
i installed several units myself. it is not easy and i would not recommend it.you will need to get electrical and hvac permits. run wires and pipes. i did mine inside the walls, install inside and outside units. it made sense for me as installation would be over 20k, but to install just one, it's not worth it. i had invest over a thousand ss in tools alone. i had to study and understand how to charge them. charging turned out to be most complex part for me. where I'm it costs about a grand to run a lineset alone. it works great and i have no regrets, but you need to be very handy, buy specialized tools, and invest into understanding how to purge, vacuum, charge and maintain.
just got a quote from my local HVAC service...they don't do installation for third party unit and the one they offer is starting at $6200 *yikes* - rays
If you're handy get gauges and pump from Harbor Freight. Not hard, I'm sure there is a video and would add about $100 to the cost
Most of these type DIY units are pre-charged, it is not complicated and if you are handy, you can do it. I have helped many friends installing it and is cut and dry. most system comes with everything you need, some even comes with hole cutters. I have central AC, when it takes s dump, I will go with split system.
You guys rock... I can tell you for sure I will never get a permit for a DIY job like this. Based on most comments, it seems like this is within my abilities and tolerance for frustration. Thanks!
Call another company. I can absolutely see them not wanting to install a brand they're not familiar with as any issue can turn into a nightmare. While the brand is less important to reliability than the installation, this is a "value" brand by any measure. That being said, $6,200 is waaaaay too much for a 1 ton. Depending on the circumstances, $2,000 to $2,500 for a name brand unit (Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, etc) is more appropriate. - EffluentOne
My neighbor got one installed, all included, for $2000. I plan to replace my central system with this system.
You guys rock... I can tell you for sure I will never get a permit for a DIY job like this. Based on most comments, it seems like this is within my abilities and tolerance for frustration. Thanks! - barryk
Mr Cool makes a DIY kit where the lines are precharged and you basically just plug them in and then open the valves. Mr Cool, this Pioneer and many (most) other brands in the under $2k range are almost all made by Midea.
The vacuum pumps and gauges from Harbor Freight are not appropriate for this application. If you don't know why you shouldn't be posting advice. - bcsc79
You sound like an HVAC pro. They usually hate DIYers and refuse to help. Which is understandable -- money-money-money... ;)
The opinion (above) that cheap vacuum pump is no good is based on HVAC business practice: to be cost effective deep vacuum must be reached fast, HVAC tech can not afford three hours of vacuuming. But DIYer can.
Barryk... If you want DIY and a very easy installation look at buying Mr. Cool DIY Mini Split. I did. Self installed. Only thing you may need is electrician for circuit, if you fear electric. I did my own. I love it. Saved thousands on install. I bought a multi unit system. Been in use for 3.5 months and it is a gem.
Comments & Reviews (20)
- K.Dunn
The opinion (above) that cheap vacuum pump is no good is based on HVAC business practice: to be cost effective deep vacuum must be reached fast, HVAC tech can not afford three hours of vacuuming. But DIYer can.
Thank you!