This MINI-Split AC System Changed My Life | Learn How To Install One Yourself

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 21 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 949

  • @redbeardengineered
    @redbeardengineered  2 роки тому +60

    ⭐Della Mini Split - amzn.to/3A4Oaf1 -----> Also note... I am not an HVAC technician or electrician... this video is just a guy installing an AC unit in his garage so take on this project at your own risk.

    • @RedBeardOps
      @RedBeardOps 2 роки тому

      Red Beard Ops -> ua-cam.com/users/redbeardops

    • @TheMcGregorFamBam
      @TheMcGregorFamBam Рік тому +1

      😮😮🛠️😮😮😮😮🔩🔩⛓️⛓️

    • @andrewfreeman88
      @andrewfreeman88 Рік тому +4

      You should say Electricity *can* kill you, if you are not safe with your procedures. Not will.

    • @CharlesGillies
      @CharlesGillies Рік тому +2

      You did an excellent job, and I definitely like your thorough run-through. Please send me a link to your knives I can only imagine how well they are put together or built

    • @CharlesGillies
      @CharlesGillies Рік тому +5

      And I am an electrician...

  • @austinmarius850
    @austinmarius850 Рік тому +24

    Dude I love how you put some of the pitfalls you had. Example: you mentioned new skills you’ve gained, new tools instead of hiring out, never complaining and looking at each issue as an opportunity. I feel the same way and hope that others see that every issue is an opportunity to learn something new.

  • @PaulLemelin
    @PaulLemelin 2 роки тому +146

    I own a duplex and wanted mini-splits installed. I received an estimate from the local big box store for $27k. So I did like you bought everything I needed for both apartments and did it myself. Between the two systems there are two outdoor units and five indoor units. I installed it for about $7k including an electrician and HVAC guy to charge the system. Best money I've ever spent.

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  2 роки тому +10

      Very good Paul! And you learned some great skills I bet!

    • @deanburke3041
      @deanburke3041 Рік тому +2

      That's more sensible than the last duphiss.

    • @jackydo9307
      @jackydo9307 Рік тому +4

      27k holy shet

    • @theloneviking9145
      @theloneviking9145 Рік тому +16

      Great job… And a lot of people wonder why people are forced to do DIY…. with prices like that $27,000 who the hell can afford that? Not me!! good job my friend

    • @LincolnLog
      @LincolnLog Рік тому +4

      @@theloneviking9145 i got quoted $100k for 3-5zone. Will literally buy the diy and do it myself for $33k

  • @tonyw9429
    @tonyw9429 6 місяців тому +10

    I’ve been a maintenance engineer specializing in everything from plumbing, electrical to HVAC for over 30 years, I ran across your video because I’m looking into getting one of these Della systems. Just wanted to say you did an exceptional job with your install, explanations and this video in general. Well done sir.
    I’ll offer 2 bonus tips for your viewers.
    1) Amazon pushes the “Nylog Blue” stuff, most professional HVAC and Refrigeration system techs actually use a product called “Leak Lock” instead. It works much better and runs about half the cost.
    2) No need to buy gauges and a vacuum pump, just about any auto parts store will loan you both for no charge, just pay a deposit, get all your deposit money back when you return the equipment. You may need to buy a small adapter to connect your gauges to some AC systems.

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  6 місяців тому

      Thank you Tony!
      1.) Nice to know!
      2.) Also nice to know!
      Cheers!

    • @nickwilliams9271
      @nickwilliams9271 3 місяці тому

      Will they have the crows feet and torque wrench too?

    • @ramontrejo2008
      @ramontrejo2008 2 місяці тому

      Nice job that was a great video
      Thank for sharing !!!

  • @theloneviking9145
    @theloneviking9145 Рік тому +12

    You explain things in a clear, concise, no time wasted manner… Great job!

  • @foggymtnbreakdown
    @foggymtnbreakdown Рік тому +26

    There are a number of criticisms from electricians and wanna-be-electricians about the electrical work you did. These are the same guys who go home and do plumbing with no training. We all do stuff that may not be perfect, but which works just as well. I like your video. Keep up the good work.

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  Рік тому +1

      Thank you for the comment sir!

    • @CharlesGillies
      @CharlesGillies Рік тому

      Absolutely correct, and spot on from an electrician.

    • @KC-nd7nt
      @KC-nd7nt Рік тому +1

      Will fail inspection and then void the warranty, then home insurance won't cover losses and neighbor will civil suit you and take your home .
      Do not listen to youtubers

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  Рік тому +7

      @@KC-nd7nt I hope you have a great weekend sir.

  • @bamasubvet2272
    @bamasubvet2272 Рік тому +6

    Your attention to detail and perseverance to perfect each step before proceeding are lessons our younger generation sorely need. Thanks for setting a model for work ethic!

  • @seanplace8192
    @seanplace8192 Рік тому +65

    Looks like a pretty good install. Though one issue, NM wire (AKA Romex) isn't supposed to be used in wet locations, even if it's in conduit. You will need to use THHN or UF.

  • @Stevenowski
    @Stevenowski Рік тому +16

    As a retired HVAC/R mechanic (35+years), I think you did an outstanding job. Good eye on the cracked flare nut! 12,000 btu's may not be enough for the garage, especially if you have a high ceiling. However, that depends on YOUR comfort level! 👍👍

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  Рік тому +5

      Thank you greatly sir! Means a lot coming from a pro! I will say that I probably should have upsized the unit, but it's very livable for me working in the shop.

    • @oscarhenriquez5452
      @oscarhenriquez5452 Рік тому

      Sheesh I just got a 12k unit for my 120 Sq ft.. Yup it'll be fine then 😂😅 I do plan on watching the video again to complete my install.

    • @Stevenowski
      @Stevenowski Рік тому +1

      @oscarhenriquez5452
      12,000 btu for a 120 sq. ft. shop?
      Unless you have a huge heatload, that unit will (should) short-cycle.

    • @austech360
      @austech360 7 місяців тому +1

      @@Stevenowskican someone correct me if I am wrong here? This unit has an inverter driven pump, meaning it can speed up and slow down to meet load. Though there usually is a minimum speed.

  • @mlp8860
    @mlp8860 Рік тому +8

    I watched the guys (HVAC pros} install my two mini split units and was glad I did. Not really a do it yourself Saturday afternoon project for me, but hats off to you guys for doing it yourself. If I did it myself there would have been a lot of parts and bad words flying around the back yard.

  • @gub0ne182
    @gub0ne182 3 місяці тому +1

    I loved the reasoning and quote about buying tools and adding to the arsenal. I'm a DIY guy raised by a father who refused to pay someone to do something he could... or couldn't do. It's usually cheaper to buy the tools and do it 2 times and come away with experience and knowledge, than pay someone else

  • @michaelsohocki1573
    @michaelsohocki1573 Рік тому +3

    Thank you for a simple, straightforward instructional video for installing air conditioning. Makes the subject not scary, approachable for regular people.

  • @krehbein
    @krehbein Рік тому +1

    Excellent, a mini split video that actually shows things that can go wrong and how to remedy them. Thanks for sharing.

  • @jankmiecik12
    @jankmiecik12 Рік тому +6

    Simple, clear, concise instructions. To prove it was "real" you even had genuine DIYers' Luck!
    Good job, well done. I'm getting closer to doing my own, thanks to your video.

  • @xiowolf3
    @xiowolf3 22 дні тому

    I've watched dozens of these videos on different models and your video is the most in depth. At least it answers 90% of my questions. Thank you for including every step you could.

  • @penguins9645
    @penguins9645 Рік тому +13

    Very well done. I really loved how you covered the problems you encountered, your clear logical troubleshooting, and working through the issues to delivery a nice clean install. Nice work!

  • @davidbabcock5172
    @davidbabcock5172 Рік тому +2

    I put in a MRCOOL unit in my shop. No real problems with doing it and it cools my 30X24 foot shop. One thing I did was the drain line for the inside unit is a flexible line like a vacuum cleaner hose. I had seen an article about one guy who expanding foam partly pinched the drain causing water to back up inside occasionally. I ran the hose through 3X4 pvc. It looks good and real protects the drain.

  • @billmongiello4885
    @billmongiello4885 Рік тому +9

    great, clear and easy to follow install and the fact that you included all the glitches and fixes is commendable

  • @micahtron5000
    @micahtron5000 5 місяців тому +1

    I'm on day 2 of after work installation. I got the hole made with pvc and caulking, both units mounted, communication cable connected, breaker installed, and wasp nest removed. Tomorrow ill finish the disconnect box, copper connectors, leak checking, cover kit, and hopefully turn the thing on. There are a lot of steps which are all different from one another. Thank you for breaking down the work into party size chunks!

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  5 місяців тому

      Good luck with the rest of your install! Glad the video helped!

  • @BeckTools
    @BeckTools 2 роки тому +33

    wow that's a very clean install. Good job. You also got some new tools, increased the value of your shop, and some learned some new skills along the way. I say that is a massive win that's for sure worth all your cost.

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  2 роки тому +2

      Thanks man... always good to get some new tools in the shop! LOL - Have a good weekend in your shop

  • @robertgarrett7007
    @robertgarrett7007 Рік тому

    I enjoyed watching your video. I’m 62 and have been doing construction work my whole adult life. I wish more of these so called “professional refrigeration mechanics” would slow down and do a quality job like you did. I’ve done a good bit of AC work myself. I also build knives. I was trained by a professional knife maker by the name of Dan Harrison. I’m located in East Texas near Tyler.

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  Рік тому

      Very cool Robert! Glad you enjoyed the video. If it's not worth doing right; it's not worth doing!

  • @IanKautzman
    @IanKautzman Рік тому +8

    I installed my Della 12k btu last summer before this video was created. This tutorial would have been amazing to have and is spot on. Well done!

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  Рік тому +2

      Thank you Ian!

    • @victorgutierrez5826
      @victorgutierrez5826 Рік тому

      I try to install mind , but after I saw this video the only part I doubt it is with the GAUGES...I have to do ..that step?

  • @leetcodeking4859
    @leetcodeking4859 9 місяців тому +1

    I am Jewish living in Israel, I used your video to install my new MiniSplit from China. Thanks.

  • @ehudgavron9086
    @ehudgavron9086 Рік тому +7

    Good detail. Subscribed. Engineer here. Why did I subscribe? You described WHY you did things. When the pressure hold falled you described HOW you figured out where it was and WHY you fixed it that way.
    Videos that show successful install of things are a dollar a dozen. Real people solving real probelms and showing how and why they did what they did... that's golden, bruv.

  • @MichaelKuchar
    @MichaelKuchar Рік тому

    Back in 2000 I needed one of these for my bi=level home. AC companies never heard of these meanwhile they are everywhere in Mexico. Good stuff! Thanks for the video.

  • @matej.m.rejsek8537
    @matej.m.rejsek8537 Рік тому +4

    Nicely done. Thanks for doing this and taking the time to show each step - assumptions, mistakes, redos and all. Real life.

  • @aaronalbert7386
    @aaronalbert7386 Місяць тому

    I installed this exact mini split on my toy hauler with a slide out for the outdoor unit for increased breathability. What a project that was to secure it for going down the road

  • @wd8557
    @wd8557 Рік тому +17

    You want to seat the flare to the fitting and hold it thier. Then slide the nut down and tighten as far as you can, this insures 100% that the flare is on properly. Grabing it by the nut and screwing it on is a 50/50 chance you might have a leak in the future. Other than that great job.

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  Рік тому +3

      Thank you for the tip WD!

    • @lo1234-w9r
      @lo1234-w9r Рік тому

      If you need to worry about that, then you didn't make the flare wide enough.

  • @TheThurmanMurman
    @TheThurmanMurman Рік тому +1

    Finally simplified vacuum pump instructions. Thanks

  • @barbadolid5170
    @barbadolid5170 Рік тому +5

    Outstandingly explained. Back in the Old Continent it is extremely disencouraged to DIY an air conditioning system, but I'm committed to do it as soon as my bucket list allows. Thanks for the explanation and for showing that it is indeed very doable. You got yourself a new subscriber

  • @callidawkins85
    @callidawkins85 Місяць тому +1

    damn, guy is smart as hell. even speaking so concisely

  • @gguezille
    @gguezille Рік тому +4

    Very informative! Just a note: when torquing with a crowfoot wrench it needs to be at 90 degrees and not straight up. I am looking at installing 2 units in two different structures, so your video is very helpful. Thank you!

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  Рік тому

      Awesome! Thank you for the tip!

    • @dennislyon5412
      @dennislyon5412 Рік тому

      Either way - it’s the same. It’s a twisting force onto the crows foot wrench, and the length of the wrench doesn’t change (straight or 90 degrees), so the torque applied - which is really applied to the point where the crows foot wrench attaches to the torque wrench - doesn’t change.

    • @deanb949
      @deanb949 2 місяці тому

      @@dennislyon5412 nah, the centerline of the square drive is where the calibration hits. Going out the front adds length to the equation.

  • @jamminjimmy3848
    @jamminjimmy3848 Рік тому +1

    Oh brother from 90 plus in there to 78???
    You are livin' LARGE!!
    I just bought one. Living off grid in an RV while I build my house and in June my stock RV a/c can't get it below 84. I'll be tickled to death if I can pull it to 78,!!
    Great install and you saved a ton of money doing it yourself!! Great video!!
    Stay cool!!!!

  • @Reedith
    @Reedith Рік тому +3

    I really appreciate that your install didn't go as smoothly as some of the others featured here it's good to know how to solve the common problems that may come up you may be over torquing the fittings though? If I remember correctly you're supposed to use the attachment at a right angle so you're not adding leverage there for more torque

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  Рік тому

      Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. And from what I gather you're spot on; good tip

  • @uzer_zero
    @uzer_zero Рік тому

    Switched to mini-split last year and love it. Only problem was routing hoses. Our installer described installation for the quote, but then routed completely different. Had to have them re-do one section outside (which they'd inexplicably wrapped AROUND our electric utility meter!!??). The line they ran UNDER the deck - which is now inaccessible - was supposed to go into the foundation and route through the basement, where it could have been easily serviced if there's ever a problem. Finally, had to have them DETACH the unit from the outside wall and mount it on a stand off the ground, as it vibrated the living sh!t out of the back of our house. Operation and power savings are both excellent. Just keep an eye on your installer, if you decide to go that route.

  • @_BLANK_BLANK
    @_BLANK_BLANK 2 роки тому +6

    That's gotta be nice. I know it's been rough working outside here in houston. Since all my tools are basically under the carport in the driveway, I've been sweating it out for the past few month. Let's just say, I can't wait for it to start cooling down soon.

  • @mattsanchez4893
    @mattsanchez4893 Рік тому +1

    Kudos to you for taking this project on on your own. I can't tell you how much I've learned watching videos lkie yours on UA-cam and it's given me the courage to do projects on my own and has saved me a lot of money. Thanks so much!!

  • @jasonvliet-odonataknifeworks
    @jasonvliet-odonataknifeworks 2 роки тому +23

    Looks good! If you hadn’t done the vacuum yourself, the tech would have charged you for troubleshooting and repair on the leak also. Much better to DIY if you have the ability!

  • @carrie5471
    @carrie5471 Рік тому +1

    I absolutely love mini-splits. I have allergies to traditional air conditioners and their venting systems. Will be putting these in my home…..

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  Рік тому

      Good luck!

    • @mikeslater6246
      @mikeslater6246 Рік тому +1

      Your allergies to the traditional air conditioning unit is likely the dust and dirt that collect inside the ductwork and on the inside coil and filter. That same dust and dirt can collect in the mini-split but not as much as in the traditional long-run ductwork. Proper cleaning can usually take care of any allergy issues and both system types.

  • @RytisBaltakys
    @RytisBaltakys Рік тому +3

    Sometimes you can replace the fat single pole breakers with thin ones that take up half the space, to make room for another 240v double pole breaker in your panel

  • @ironmanstan
    @ironmanstan Рік тому

    Thanks for you doing this video. I have done AC work before but with a friend of mine who died a few years ago. Having his input on things is greatly missed in my life but your video was like him explaining to me what to do. You have a great teaching style and I wish you the best on your channel. I am an old broken bodied mechanic who can do just about anything mentally but physically...not so much! I hope that my son in law and I can do as great a job as you did. I will be mounting the outside unit on the ground to minimize noise in the garage. Thanks again!

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  Рік тому

      Good luck with your install sir, take care of your self! Cheers

  • @nitronduck1677
    @nitronduck1677 Рік тому +5

    Compliments on the install, looks pretty good. The good about these install videos is it helps people thinking of tackling a project like this to think twice. There were some important steps missed, but for the most part, it was done right and your costs reflect that. However, you are dollars away from having a professional install the system. The key element is an HVAC contractor would have used a brand-name unit and warranty the installation. God help you if the system stops working. Ductless mini splits are a bear to work on, troubleshoot, and get parts. The biggest suggestion I would make for someone tackling this project is to spend a few extra dollars and get a micron gauge and buy a small tube of leak lock for the flare fittings. Lubricating flare fittings is essential to get the proper torque values in an air conditioning system.

    • @stevesolt4036
      @stevesolt4036 Рік тому +2

      He said he used nylog. What does the micron gauge do?

    • @kwastek
      @kwastek Рік тому

      ​​​@@stevesolt4036 im guessing measuring the vacuum precisely. There is a whole scale for just one bar there, not for 35 bars

    • @thelawnlifeTLL
      @thelawnlifeTLL Рік тому +1

      Micron gauge and nitrogen pressure test. Nitrogen will take care of any moisture in the lines.

    • @bikermike
      @bikermike Рік тому

      I Agree did a great instal however I would've saved myself a lot of $$ and got a good window ac unit for a fraction of the hassle and cost. Not too mention a simple swap out if it fails 6-10 years down the road. Make a sleeve for it. 10,000 btu LG for 350$ easily cool that area.

    • @jimrooney1
      @jimrooney1 Рік тому

      and what Mr. @intonduck1677 do you think my 8 year warranty is on the "no name" unit I put in. That's right. 8 year parts and 8 year compressor. So why did you say people needed to get a brand name mini-split? And I'm a Christian so God will help me anyway! 🙂

  • @samhajian811
    @samhajian811 Рік тому +1

    Here in Armenia a 12,000 btu a/c which also works as a heater in the winter costs about $400 installed. We had 2 Electrolux units installed recently. One in our bedroom and the other in the kitchen.

  • @doug.ritson
    @doug.ritson Рік тому +3

    Been thinking of getting a mini-split for 2-3 years and the other UA-cam vids made it look too easy to install. What I liked about your vid is that you encountered problems and how to fix them. Great install and appreciate you sharing. Q: How did the heat pump work in the winter?

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  Рік тому

      Glad I could help! It actually worked pretty good. Kept it livable in there.

    • @bmay8818
      @bmay8818 Рік тому

      I installed a Mr. Cool DIY last year, and recommend it. It's more expensive than others, but it comes with a warranty for self-installs, which is why I went that route (a non-Mr Cool unit gets extremely expensive if it fails since there's no warranty). It's pretty straightforward to install.

  • @petersherrouse33
    @petersherrouse33 Місяць тому

    Great vid. A couple of recommendations 1) When attempting to use mechanical gauges wait a few days when vac leak checking (tap the gauge to see if it's going down). better, do a pressure test and soap bubble test first ( you might even be able to use air but only DRY air- co2 or Nitrogen better) . - even better get a micron (very low pressure gauge) 2) When you charge, open the high pressure first and wait a few before opening the low press ( Large line) this will reduce the liquid Freon when you pull your gauge lines, 3) When you remove the lines, push in on the fitting as you unscrew the nut to hold the pressure until the nut is very loose or fully off. That way you loose less and it doesn't freeze your fingers. 4) I recommend buying a better fairing tool, the kind with the roller. 5) you can rent/borrow a vac pump from an auto parts store.

  • @J904-v6j
    @J904-v6j Рік тому +3

    Awesome job, and great video style - straight to the point. I just installed an 18k mr Cool system w/ ceiling cassette and couldn’t be happier. I ordered a 16’ foot line set in addition to the 25’ line set that came with the kit, because like you - I wanted a cleaner looking install without all the extra line set looped behind the condenser. One small point, and not a criticism.. by code, NM (brand name romex) should not be inside conduit. THNN inside conduit to your disconnect is required.
    Also, impressed with your tenacity to chase down the leak and your job flaring the lines. Well done.

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  Рік тому

      Thanks for the tip on the electrical; I tried my best to do it "right" but fell a little short from what I understand. Seems to all be working well, so I don't plan on taking it apart. I had an electrician come and look it over a few weeks after this and he seemed to think everything was fine. Cheers sir; glad your install went well!

    • @georgsondermann9671
      @georgsondermann9671 Рік тому

      Or use UF rated wire.

  • @iBleedStarsAndBars
    @iBleedStarsAndBars 9 місяців тому +1

    Great tutorial. Appreciate all the tips and tricks

  • @REKKnives
    @REKKnives Рік тому +4

    Dude you're set of skills never ceases to amaze me!! Thanks for sharing this... I wouldn't call it seem easy though lol😂

  • @bladecppro26
    @bladecppro26 Рік тому

    Give ya credit for doing diligence on the leak check as a auto mechanic I know that’s frustrating but it separates the strong from the weak

  • @dougb8207
    @dougb8207 Рік тому +4

    Excellent tutorial! There were a number of helpful techniques demonstrated. Performance seems reasonable to me; it's tough to cool a garage down when it's in the 90s outside. I hope your insulation, including above the ceiling, is in good shape.

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  Рік тому +2

      Thanks Doug! It does a pretty darn good job for my garage. The garage is fairly well insulated.

  • @celsoruiz4339
    @celsoruiz4339 Рік тому +2

    Great video. I installed one in my bonus room, it works great and easy to install. I rented the vacuum pump from O'Reilly auto parts.

  • @Sevalecan
    @Sevalecan Рік тому +4

    Not a big deal as long as it sealed, but when you use a crow's foot on a torque wrench, it should be angled 90 degrees from the length of the torque wrench, not straight out in front. At 90 degrees, it will match the torque setting. Straightening it out extends your lever and will result in a higher torque than set on the wrench. For instance if you set it to 50 ft-lbs and the crows foot straight out extends the wrench by an inch, you've actually torqued it to 54.2 ft-lbs. After performing this math, I have determined that the difference is small enough and I no longer give any fucks. Have a nice day.
    P.S. these factory flares are notorious for leaking on the mini split systems, I recommend getting an eccentric flare tool, redoing the flares and adding some copper flare washers, in addition to the Nylog. Ask me how I know. That said, my mini split has been a dream and a half. I love it.

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  Рік тому

      Thanks for the tips!

    • @TheBvirgilio86
      @TheBvirgilio86 Рік тому +1

      You are correct. Nice catch. I was looking over the comments to see if anyone else noticed the torque issue before giving my input.

  • @ryanreedgibson
    @ryanreedgibson Рік тому

    Same system I installed in my 10x10 server room. Although 20a service was already there I ran another from my mains.

  • @adamwilson8559
    @adamwilson8559 3 місяці тому

    Nice work; thanks! As others have said, I love how you included some of the installation hiccups and how you worked around them.
    My only note (in addition to the wire type already covered) is that you could have skipped the safety cutoff box on the outside. Code requires it, to be sure, but installing it directly behind the unit violates code anyway, and putting a locking nut on it makes it useless anyway. That thing only exists to let someone quickly kill the power if there's an electrical fire at the unit (so, no point in having it locked and located immediately behind the theoretical fire!). At the end of the day what you did is safe by any reasonable standards, since your interior breaker is so easily accessible. Just make sure (as I'm sure you did) that the interior breaker is clearly labeled for the next homeowner or the neighbor/firefighter who shows up to take care of any fire that might happen while you're gone.
    Again; nice work!

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  3 місяці тому

      Thanks for the info there! I've taken the lock nut off. It's just the bolt acting as a pin now. Good notes.

  • @raindogs451
    @raindogs451 Рік тому +3

    Nice job. I would always put white electrical tape around a red wire that was actually neutral at the connections, and green tape on a non green wire that was ground. Also, it's not negative 30 psi; it's 30 inches w.c., and using compound gages to measure vacuum is kind of like doing surgery with a butter knife. You're much better off with a micron gage on the other port.. 410a hates moisture, so only a micron gage tells you the depth of your vacuum. (I'd also have painted that plywood but I'm anal that way.)

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  Рік тому +1

      Thanks for the tips and suggestions!

    • @raindogs451
      @raindogs451 Рік тому +3

      For those curious, 28 inches is one PSI; so 30 (its not 30, it just looks like that) is about 1 psi. That's about 20,000 microns. (29 inches w.c.) That's not too hard. 410 wants 500 microns, so you need a finer measurement. To go from 29 in wc, to 29.9 in wc, is going from 20,000 to 150. That's doable but harder. But you need a finer measuring tool to see that depth: a micron gage.

    • @raindogs451
      @raindogs451 Рік тому

      @@redbeardengineered Here is something that I noticed at the outset, and should have mentioned: HVAC tech or not, that installation is as good as any HVAC guy; as good as I would do easily. I might have a more critical eye around the edges as an HVAC guy, but that work is absolutely top shelf work; work you should be proud of. From even an HVAC guy.

    • @mikeslater6246
      @mikeslater6246 Рік тому

      ​@@raindogs451you might want to double-check your terminology. Vacuum is not measured in PSI. It is measured in inches of mercury (HG" or inHG). Water column (wc) can be used but the reference on the low pressure gauge of the manifold set is 29.92 HG" (inches of Mercury) and just rounded to 30. The equivalent water column would be approximately 33 feet.

  • @kyleboedeker1
    @kyleboedeker1 5 місяців тому

    First mini split DIY video i've seen where you had to troubleshoot it not holding a vacuum. Thank you for that! Getting ready to install one of these and want to know what to do if it doesn't go as perfectly as it does on UA-cam. Because we all know it never goes as smoothly as it we'd like.

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  5 місяців тому

      Glad it helped! Guess I was the unlucky one! Unit is still going strong

  • @lklpalka
    @lklpalka Рік тому +2

    Yours is the best tutorial I've seen yet. I've purchased my unit already as well as the vac pump and gauges so perfect timing. I'm a bit hesitant but your including the inevitable backsteps in any project boosts my confidence. I'm pretty good at diy and enjoy it too so here goes. You did a nice job there, video as well. Thanks, subbed :)

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  Рік тому

      Awesome, thank you! Glad you got something out of it. Good luck!

    • @seane6616
      @seane6616 Рік тому

      Goodluck!!

    • @newfie8
      @newfie8 Рік тому

      How did it turn out?

    • @lklpalka
      @lklpalka Рік тому

      @@newfie8 waiting on a couple fittings. Will update. Getting everything in order hopefully

  • @kolsen6330
    @kolsen6330 Рік тому

    Its almost 100 here in S Oregon. Got the mini split turned way down and its almost too cold in my little house. It is a replacement for the 12000 watt electric furnace that was previously used. I have 2 air handlers to cool the entire house. Best money I ever spent.

  • @lihihongan5289
    @lihihongan5289 Рік тому +193

    Thank you for convince me NOT to do it myself…

  • @FishHuntDive
    @FishHuntDive Рік тому +1

    Best video for an install on this unit out there. Thank you for taking the time to do this. Going to install mine after the drywall is completed in the shed I turned into a photo studio for my wife. It’s 200sq ft and r-19 insulation throughout so this should work perfect

  • @willhansen6922
    @willhansen6922 Рік тому +5

    Electrical not done correctly. Romex cannot be run outside in conduit as it is a damp/wet location and romex is rated for dry location. The flexible conduit does not have the correct fittings... the disconnect cannot be mounted above the unit... must maintain front and side clearances. The code also requires a GFCI service receptacle within 25ft of the disconnect.

  • @wintercoder6687
    @wintercoder6687 Рік тому

    Great video. Personally, I melt and my brain shuts down if I have to work in a shop over 70F. To fulfill a contract requirement, I spent a month in Dallas in August one year. The temp at 5am was 97F. Forget that crap. I couldn't handle it. Good for you for having a cooler shop to work in.

  • @vet137
    @vet137 10 місяців тому

    I put in a DELLA and have learned the filters must be cleaned now and then, you do NOT want crap getting into the fins if possible. I love my Della which is really made by Pioneer.

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  10 місяців тому

      Good to know! I haven't changed mine yet... Also good to know who the parent company is

  • @cinetic81
    @cinetic81 Рік тому +1

    Wow, very thorough video! I have a 5 zone mitsu minisplit system and I've found its most efficient when I set it and forget it. Big temp swings take the system hours to equalize and deifnitely consume more energy.

  • @gzpz2088
    @gzpz2088 4 місяці тому

    I just bought this unit, and I have always wanted a vacuume pump. so Win Win. Thanks for the video.

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  4 місяці тому

      Good luck with you install! Mine is still running strong

  • @kcg795
    @kcg795 Рік тому

    Pretty happy with my 12,000 BTU 240volt Della unit so far. I have my installation on my channel. I went with 240volt because I happened to have a 240volt line conveniently under the house going to my baseboard heater. Well, it looks like I won't need to run my baseboard heater, but it's still connected just in case. Plus, my portable A/C unit was running on 120 volts and was overloading the circuit.

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  Рік тому

      very nice; I think I probably should of tried harder to install the 220 version... but it's getting the job done!

  • @randywhite7001
    @randywhite7001 Рік тому

    Smart Guy made it look easy but didn't hide his complications . The best part of these videos are the small mistakes that are shared .

  • @jamesshank7918
    @jamesshank7918 Рік тому +1

    Very nicely done, clearly explained and quality shot video. However, if you read the fine print on the Mini-Split warranty, you are likely to find that if it wasn't installed by a licensed HVAC installer the warranty is void. We had the first one in MY woodshop installed by a HVAC tech and were going to buy the GREE until for the wife's She Shed from Home Depot and do it ourselves, but I caught that blurb in the warranty. So, we didn't go that route. I am happy to say the company that does all our HVAC inspections and PMs came out when the GREE started making funny noise in the spring and found the bearings were going in the fan motor. GREE replaced the motor under warranty. We paid labor only, less than $100.

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  Рік тому

      Thanks for the comment James, cheers sir

    • @mikafoxx2717
      @mikafoxx2717 4 місяці тому

      Labour often costs more for an install than a whole new unit, so it's up to you. Plus you can buy parts as must of these are fairly generic midea parts.

  • @chrisanthony579
    @chrisanthony579 3 місяці тому

    I really appreciate your attention to the details.

  • @jimbeem54
    @jimbeem54 5 місяців тому

    Thank you for thurough demonstration. Im hlad i found your video. I purchased a Della about a month ago. Your video encouraged me to get off my arse & do it. Im vacuuming the unit right now. Fingures crossed.. thamks also for extra detail with flaring lines.

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  4 місяці тому

      Glad the vid was helpful! Good luck with your install!

  • @jlemay537
    @jlemay537 Рік тому

    I wish i would have saw this video before installing my mini split. It would have saved me a bunch of frustration. thank you for sharing this. I need to add the flaring kit to my collection,

  • @pokenukem
    @pokenukem Рік тому +1

    Very good installation and explanations, it turned out very well for what you needed. Can I add something?: I am picky about noise and vibrations, so I would put a base of rubber/rubber strips between the wall and the universal bracket of the external compressor unit, so that at some point they would be generated, there would be no discomfort from vibrations being transmitted inwards. Otherwise everything looks great!

  • @ssnydess6787
    @ssnydess6787 Рік тому

    Great job!
    I am going to install one of those rigs in my garage in the new house. You saved me some mistakes! And time!
    Thank you!

  • @michaelcompton9089
    @michaelcompton9089 Рік тому

    This was a great tutorial. Saved me anywhere from $1500-3000 based on a few estimates I received. Thanks for putting this together!

  • @OldManBadly
    @OldManBadly Рік тому +1

    For what it's worth, you may find that adding a small circulating fan to move the air around the shop will help to even things out.

  • @egomezmx65
    @egomezmx65 Рік тому

    Thanks for taking the time to do this video, it was very helpful !

  • @DADDY-boyFatherson
    @DADDY-boyFatherson 5 місяців тому

    Thank you for showing so much detail! This really helped me finish the refrigerant lines on my system! WOOF!

  • @markandsuriyonphanasonkath8768

    SENSATIONAL video, thank you!
    I have done 100+ of these units, you are "spot on"!
    Hi from Phuket - Thailand 🙂
    Best regards, Mark

  • @pauljewel6988
    @pauljewel6988 Рік тому

    5:18 I would dare say to put the unit to the very end for more distance from the wall for better air circulation, now if the unit will not level properly you might have to put some 4 self tapers in the bracket while lifting

  • @geogambino
    @geogambino Рік тому +1

    I wonder about how far from the wall should the outside unit be. For airflow purposes. Great job, thanks for the education.

  • @charlesmaroon8819
    @charlesmaroon8819 Рік тому

    This is an articulate video. You speak without oh or ahh's. As for the install steps, very well done - good attention to detail. I would refer to your video if I were installing a split-system. Suggestion - some mention of a remote thermostat placement. A small fan near the evaporator will help distribute cooled air around your shop.

  • @dannyp3024
    @dannyp3024 2 місяці тому

    Thanks for this video! I'm about to install one of these for the first time, so I appreciate it!!

  • @JDsms
    @JDsms Рік тому

    10 seconds into the video, and immediately thumbs upped because he's from Texas!

  • @flatlander523
    @flatlander523 Рік тому

    I am in the process of installing a Pioneer MS in my shop. Your video gave me several points to look for. Good job on the outside bracket. Mine does not have a crossbar and I need to add some special fasteners to hold the unit. My unit weighs 135# it is a 24,000btu. Good luck and thanks for the info. Ken

  • @MrTexasSteve
    @MrTexasSteve 7 місяців тому

    I'm glad to see you didn't put the sealant on the threads - only on the face of your connections. You would have had to adjust torque settings down about 25% to account for the lessened friction if you had. You do need to have that crowfoot at a 90-degree angle to the torque wrench so the distance from the socket to the handle doesn't change. You did over torque those a bit with the adapter in line with the wrench, but it doesn't seem to have caused an issue. Nice job!

  • @cattigereyes1
    @cattigereyes1 Рік тому +1

    Great installation video! A second 24,000 BTU unit might cool the whole space efficiently?

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  Рік тому

      I'd imagine so. This one unit is getting the job done for my needs, but if you wanted it truly cold in there it would need to be larger.

  • @hoopla2671
    @hoopla2671 Рік тому +1

    Yooo your blue handle knife looks awesome! Thanks for the mini split tutorial!

  • @Eaglebird8853
    @Eaglebird8853 Рік тому

    Done like an expert , and the tools used too impressive ..

  • @st8kout961
    @st8kout961 Рік тому

    Nice video. I looked into mini-splits as I'm using a Bluetti solar generator system to eventually make the whole house as much off grid as possible. After looking at the cost and installation though, you just can't beat a plain jane window or wall A/C, especially the new inverter models. But of course then you wouldn't have a video to make. An 8000 and a 5000 btu got me through this summer in Vegas, all on battery/solar power 24/7. Yours does have the advantage of a heat pump though.😛

  • @raymondfeleppa8418
    @raymondfeleppa8418 Рік тому

    Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I could not have done this without this FANTASTIC instructional video. Did I mention Thank you!

  • @rcisneros8567
    @rcisneros8567 Рік тому

    Thanks. I was deciding on a split system and a window unit. It would have been a much bigger project than I thought.

  • @LawrenceRhodes
    @LawrenceRhodes Рік тому

    Thanks. Nice explanation. Looking to install a heat pump for cooling and heating. San Francisco only gets to 100° briefly in Summer and in Winter it only freezes briefly. Getting by with space heaters but a permanent solution is what my wife wants. Heat pump is more efficient.

  • @jjmonty8090
    @jjmonty8090 5 місяців тому

    Amazing vid. Very descriptive. Only suggestion is to have crows foot at a 90 degree vs straight on to get an accurate torque reading. Straight on makes the whole wrench a little longer which messes with settings unless you do the math.

  • @GlueTubber
    @GlueTubber Рік тому

    slick install. Glad to see someone else has the same philosophy i do: if I can buy the tools and save money over paying someone else, do it!

  • @jma3586
    @jma3586 5 місяців тому

    Thanks for information since the Della instructions leave something to be desired. I’ve just started my installation and I’m sure I’ll be referencing this video several times. Great job 👏

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  5 місяців тому

      Glad to help!

    • @jma3586
      @jma3586 5 місяців тому

      I did the same thing, buy my own vacuum pump. I calculate I’m saving myself $3000 by doing it myself!

  • @trvman1
    @trvman1 Рік тому

    I am looking at having a 4 car garage with a 3 bedroom living quarters above it built. Was thinking about these also. Then I got looking at PTAC units and thinking that even though these are more expensive, when you think about all the labor you save, then they can be a good "value". Have the house wired for these units when being built. Plus no worries about drainage and leaks and pipes, ect. Also see these are now very energy efficient and you could have got one that would have easily cooled/heated your whole garage. So if people are thinking about splits for a garage, workshop, ect, I suggest people look into PTAC units. Far less work involved.

    • @redbeardengineered
      @redbeardengineered  Рік тому

      Interesting, I haven't seen those before, thanks

    • @trvman1
      @trvman1 Рік тому

      @@redbeardengineered They are the same units that hotels use. Probably should have put that in my post. Thru the wall.

  • @Taichungman
    @Taichungman Рік тому

    Thank you, Red Beard, for the detailed video.

  • @vineettyagi7973
    @vineettyagi7973 Рік тому

    That was some professional work there.

  • @fsoileau
    @fsoileau Рік тому +1

    Your delivery of video content is very good. I say Lucky you had a leak because the proper line length does a much cleaner job. I subscribed because of the good content and who can resist the channel name.

  • @mroberts566
    @mroberts566 Рік тому

    Great video. Keep making high quality videos like this and you’ll have a major following in no time.