I Saved $7000 by DIY Mini Split AC/Heat pump install
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- Опубліковано 4 лип 2020
- Got two estimates for a mini split for my workshop. The prices blew me away so DIY here I come. It was easy. Here is how.
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And on top of saving an incredible amount of money on the project, you most likely did a better job than paying someone to do it for you. Nobody cares more about your stuff than you no matter how much they charge to do the job. Just my personal experience. Anyhow, nice job with the install Steve!!! 👍👍👍
Right because nobody will do as good of a job as you
I have a mini split in my bedroom. It is a incredibly fantastic option. Bravo for doing it yourself and filming it. Great job
Excellent video! You always make things look so simple. Step by step and patience, you are the best!
Wow!! Fantastic!! I've often thought about trying a similar install myself. You rocked it!!
You have one of the best videos on how to install a mini split. I will be trying this. I have done Over 6 rooftop unit replacements complete with curb adapters and electrical. I will try this for my house where I installed a portable ac but it’s really loud and not very efficient
Another high quality video Steve can't wait for the next one.
You are an amazingly versatile guy, not "just a regular guy". Fantastic job!
Great job! Even here in Minnesota I sometimes wish I had A/C in my garage. I think about it all summer and then the weather cools down. It never hurts to dream, does it. Your dream resulted in a DIY project that will ultimately pay for itself. Pretty cool. Ooooh, bad -sorry.
AWESOME video, Steve ..... Very informative, as well as motivational, (as I have been playing with the idea for 2 mini split units for my home.... I presently have a much older, inefficient 1970s Carrier unit ... that I "should" upgrade . Price was always the factor .... ) But I may just DIY "Thank you" for the posting, sir !!!
Great video Steve! I'm doing mine next weekend your video came just in time, what a coincidence!
Good video Steve very informative you absolutely made up my mind I am installing one in my shop Thx
You are definitely not “just a regular guy”! All DIYs look so easy when you do it 👍. I learned a lot from your videos and I thank you for that!
That is because it was done wrong.
Glad to see you back, Steve.
Great vid. Very logical and Smart thing to do for your garage/workshop, especially in your climate, which is HOT!
I'd be, like you are, out there all day....
Wow!! Such a great video! I've thought about doing this very thing to cool down my garage for my dog! Thank you for sharing!
Great savings with doing the work yourself. Looks great and I'm sure feels even better.
Another meticulous job! You're one handy gentleman! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Well done Steve! Great video...
Retirement must be a busy time for Xplorer, "I'm just a regular guy with a garage full of tools" Steve.
he's a regular guy with big time skills
I need this! Steve can you come over and install it for me? LOL.
Another great DIY video and nice to see first thing in the morning, Thanks!
I feel inspired! Thank you for posting... ❤️
Very nice, Steve! I concur with the DIY attitude. The most frustrating (and costly) portions of the Serenity project have been things I have had others do.
Just fixed the starter on my 4runner. $17. Don't ask what the shop was charging.
Great job I enjoy all your video’s
Nice job. Looks like a nice install.
Great job, looks like a very good product
Impressive DIY Steve.
Great video. One thought on unit sizing which is not so much of a concern in Las Vegas. For areas which actually have humidity, to achieve best dehumidification, it is best to have a unit that is correctly over sized. We tend to think bigger is better, but that is not always the case. A properly sized unit will run longer and remove more humidity from the air creating a more comfortable environment. Short cycling of an over sized unit can create a cool damp environment which is not comfortable.
Those units are the best in aircon out there, in 10 years time it will still be going strong.
Being from Texas, can't say I've ever seen "16% Humidity" in my entire life!! LOL. Congrats on the self installation.
Home Depot and my Electric company gave me quotes of $15,300 and $9,500 for a two head unit install in my living room and bed room 4 years ago. I bought two separate mini-splits and bought the tools myself and installed them, the living room is a 18,000 btu 220v mini-split (220v already there for a hot tub I had and got rid of) and the bed room is a 9000 btu 110v. 4 years later and no problems with either of them.
The HVAC industry is nothing but a con. I will never let them in my house again.
Do you live in a hot climate also? Man, here in Vegas, you don't want your AC to break down in the summer. They will gouge you. You did good sir.
Xplorer Steve DIY I am in the inland Empire. That's in Southern California right by Temecula. And it gets over 100° here in the summer for a couple months. these mini splits are fantastic, HVAC people hate them because they are so dependable and they can't come over to your house to rip you off like saying your ducts are leaking and need cleaning.
@@XplorerSteveDIY Here in South Carolina I have a two separate units as well. Redundancy is the key to staying in your home when one of those systems fails. It is definitely worth the investment in panel circuitry, especially in our lowcountry humidity, flooding and hurricane zone!
Even shortening the lines & reflaring is easy. That was the part that I feared most.
DIY is addicting, once you start, you can't stop.
Great video and info!
excellent job!
Great job. I would like your attention to detail. Is there anything you can't do?
That’s amazing!
Great job! Can you tell me if you used 12/3 or 10/3 wire from the 20amp breaker?
good job
$5k for an 18k BTU system isn't bad. I WISH someone would quote me that..lol. Seriously though, all the quotes I have been getting have been around $8k for a 18k BTU mini split.
So now just like you, I will be installing a Daikin LV series 18k BTU mini split in my smaller two car garage. I'm about ready to pull the trigger here in a day or so. The hardest part for me is going to be being in the attic and running the line set up there since it's so freaking hot now 100+ degrees.... Then I think the next hardest part is going to be drilling a 3" hole in the side of the house/vinyl siding. The rest of everything else if I'm honest doesn't look hard at all to me.
Nice video thanks
Nice job. Update results after summer Vegas weather.
Nice
Thanks! Will do!
Taking on new things how I have added to my tools lol still cheaper then paying someone
indoor humidity 16%....look over at my gauge 72%. Got to love Alabama summers, and that's indoor.
I guess that is what the condensation hose is for. Not a drop from mine yet.
Your garage is a perfect place -for mancave stuff other than parking the Xplorer. Fitness equipment and music system would be a priority for me
I had fitness equipment when the kids were small. Changed with the times.
Well done looks straight as forward enough as i thought. Basic electric, vacuum only difference that i seen is usual here is the first fill the tubes with carbon dioxide or something then vacuum it.
Holly hell that pricing for installation makes the swedish install sound cheap, even with requirement of cold certificate to install.
Ty for the share
I wish i could, but fun with new laws i Europe past the 3? years, now only certified cold person allowed to install even required to register who is going to install before you buy it😅 = price rose 1000-2500 dollars quickly, Ac unit prices has droped to 500-1000 last 10 years.
People who diy and get caught get fined about 2k. Solar cells simular solar cert
Well we are allowed to handle contained units mono system, the gas is contained in the outside unit.just split systems thats big nono now.
Hi Steve, since part of the lines are inside your garage ( between the wall and wall unit) do you have any condensation issues inside, i.e. leaking ...etc???
Every Diy minisplit install I go to start up or diagnose has at least one refrigerant leak lol or look like crap
Nice, now you can be in your shop all year long.
Steve, have you been to Boulder Beach Campground, by Lake Mead lately? There are cement slabs at all the campsites now, it’s really nice. We’ll go camping there once we get cooler weather
Not yet!
You are amazing!
First off, you're NOT just a regular guy, Steve!
I m sure you can start your own install companie ,., .
Retirement seems to suit you very well, Xplorer Steve!
Just curious why would you use a “thread” sealant on the copper pipe but not the threads…?
It's great to diy. I just put in a cheaper 'made in china' one ton unit and it works great! I think the majority of the units or components are made there.
Where I live I bought a 24000btu mini split for 800 usd with installation
Great video! I’m thinking of doing this myself. Do you know if the warranty was voided by installing the unit yourself? That’s one thing I’ve heard that could hold me back.
Mine came with a warranty for parts. Labor is another thing. The seller offers tech support to help you out. I think that is what you are paying installers all that money for. I have no regrets.
You were over quoted by miles.
With customer supplied unit I'd do all the rest for about US$600 includes electrical and certified.
Or unit supply and install about $1700.
US folk are used to monstrous pricing from old school AC installs I guess?
I know, right?
Are you also in the Las Vegas area Nathan?
time to turn on the A/C: *sets to 76*
that would be so warm and uncomfortable for me. Friggin Vegas is wack! I turn on the A/C here in Canada to 66f.
Good example of what I try to teach youngsters of the value of money. Work a little harder. I often ask them if you drop $100 in the toilet would you pick it up or would you take the easy route of taking the $20 sitting on the counter if you had the choice.
Could someone talk about the Schrader valve? Ive heard some adapters don't open it some do what's this all about?
The valve removal tools aid in high speed evacuation and recovery.
Nice job how's it working for you after a couple years
Works great. Even removed my pellet stove from the shop because that heat pump function heats faster.
Bravo 4Bro
Nice video. What is the size of your shop? I have a 20x40 unit with 15 foot ceilings and was wondering if the 24,000 BTU would be enough.
Check out the follow up video for how I sized it. It's a few vids ahead.
Somewhat of a challenge... is dealing with city building inspectors that CAN insist on certified HVAC tech doing an install.... and the building inspectors RUN THE SHOW. I KNOW alot of people install stuff without getting permits, BUT that's not an option in a TINY town in AZ... Besides, they're now using drive around vehicles for code enforcement and even DRONES and satellite images to see if new work has been done on homes........... even in a "small town" .. I STILL WANT to do it..... not afraid of all the tasks... done alot of things with permits & building inspectors approve/pass my work so .......... so far so good... We'll see if they allow me to install my new 30,000 BTU 220v ductless mini split system... Looking forward to using IT vs my central air (which is crazy expensive in AZ summers) THANKS for sharing your experience... VERY HELPFUL
Did you do it?
The HVAC installer business model is 35% for equipment cost and 65% for mark up and labor. That is why for installing 1500$ of hardware they charge north of 5500$. To make that install for a pro is likely less than 8 hours work and they make 4 grands.
People are putting these in their RVs as well. Way more efficient and you can run a smaller generator.
awesomw!
The companies who in install the a/c have a very large overhead. I do all my own work and save a ton of money , but now I have more money then I can spend, I guess my daughters will inherit it. But it’s still fun to learn new things.
i just installed a 12k daikin myself. i had no idea they charge so much to install one of these. those a/c techs have rock star wages. this is a less than a one day job for a pro. i was thinking around 2k tops for labor. i'm in hawaii so it must be even more expensive than your estimates. Only problem with installing it yourself is you are the warranty
I was just quoted $6300 USD in SC for a Mitsubishi 12K floor mounted mini split heat pump, a $2800 USD unit. No complicated install, replacing an existing unit in the same place. No electrical to run, no permit required…. 2-3 hours work for an experienced HVAC tech. Ridiculous price…. I will be installing the new unit myself. Thanks for the video!
Great job, any reason you did not use mr Cool and would not need the vacuum pump? The lines are pre-charged
I looked at that and it was tempting. The pro's here in the desert of Las Vegas seem to like Daikin. Daikin has a good worldwide reputation. The price was comparable to Mr. Cool. I went for what I feel is quality. The vacuum thing was a bit intimidating but turned out to be simple. The whole vacuum unit and manifold was less than $150.
Daiken is considered a premium brand and has a far better warranty. Also, with precharged lines you have to make the length of the line work which is never exact.
Question need a lil help I have Bouth that same system you have and I’m gng to installed myself so that flexible conduit is a 10/2 wire .so condensor says wire black is Hot mean power to L1 and that white to L2 is Hot power and green to GR means is ground.. run that wire to that 30am disconnect switch black wire to load and white wire to load mean both Hot ..
Don't know your situation. I just followed the directions and did the electrical per NV code.
On your conderser shows L1 L2 GR switch wire you connected color wire you connected to
I like the way that you dressed everything on the exterior wall.
Bending the copper lines in a sharp right angle looks risky to me.
Even a conduit bender will not give that sharp a bend.
How did you do that?
I slit the insulation open in the area of the bend so that I could see the tubes and just proceeded with great care. I applied bending pressure at different points in the turn to form a gradual bend. Any bend will distort tube from perfectly round. The goal being, to not restrict the free flow of gases and or liquid. I just don’t want to create a flat by kicking the hose or pipe as one might accidentally do with a garden hose. Although even a slight kink can be worked out with a pair of channel locks and a thin strip of leather to protect the pipe.
You formed that bend with only your hands?
Nice work!
I can install one in my house? o I need permission from the city and a person with a license, I can work with electricity but I do not have a license
There are some RVer's that have installed them in their RV's .Are you going to install one in your van next ?
Steve disregard store for you two next! above . I didn't type it some thing goofy happening
I was thinking of DIY install until I noticed that if I do it, I won't have a warranty....from any of the manufactures. To get their 5 to 10 year warranty you have to have an HVAC tech touch/work on it.
Hi Steve, would you recommend this for a small house. The house is 1500Sq ft. and has windows units.
if the house has a few rooms, there are models with multiple air handlers so the air gets to each room. This one I have is meant for this one room work shop.
Good video 👍👍👍👍🇧🇪
Did you have to buy an adapter to hook the gauge up to the unit?
The vacuum unit came with one that fit.
just realized that's a large garage to house your RV. how tall is your garage door?
12' or so.
Were those quotes INCLUDING the AC or just installation? Just curious.
The installed unit.
Both blue knob(suction side) & red knob(liquid side) need to be opened while vacuuming the system! if it is a R-410A system, a vacuuming of 2 hours is required.
I just follow the manufacturers excellent instructions and say a prayer. Not always in that order. Ha. It's working great. Thanks for your concern though.
No red hose needed here. Liquid side has no port.
30 min is usually fine. Most of the vac happens in 15 min.
A proper vac gauge is even better.
@@XplorerSteveDIY He's right. The blue side needs to be open otherwise you're just vacuuming the vacuum hose and not the system. I think it was just a slip in your words because after vacuuming you said "now we close the valve" but you had said before vacuuming that you closed the valve. Again I think it was a slip in words but the blue valve does need to be open in order to vacuum the system properly
I’m just a normal guy; says the guy with a talking mannequin head, lol
RV Curious De Warren , that talking mannequin head has a name, he is Cosmo, show some respect sir!😂😂😂🇺🇸✌🏻️
how did you bend line set?
It's copper so is easily bent. I did it by hand. You have to be careful not to kink it. Alternatively you can get a small bender. I cut the foam in the area of the bend to see what I was doing with the idea being to make a wide sweeping bend to the largest radius within the confines of the protective cover.
Hello, what is your daikin’s model #?
in the description.
Does it make heat too for the winter time?
Yes. Heat pump.
good question
I wish I had the balls to attempt that project..LOL
Not gonna lie. I was worried and very careful on releasing the refrigerant. Wan't that difficult. Just followed the instructions to the T. It was worth it. Try small projects and build up confidence over time. Collect and learn to use your tools. In time you will tackle tougher and tougher projects. Take care.
@@XplorerSteveDIY great idea
Does self install void the warranty with Daikin?
That's what I was told.
As I understand it, it only voids the longer (10 year) warranty of the compressor. The 1 year still holds for factory defects.
Here in Turkey, if you buy a new unit like this, the brand owner company provide the instalment free of charge. And you don’t have to sell your kidney to buy one. 8000 usd, that’s a very high price to ask 😯
Turkey is so beautiful! It is one of my favorite places…. Just wanted to throw that out there and spread the love. Look forward to visiting again when C-19 allows. 😎
Let me tell you this mr. xplorer Steve, you are no regular guy.
What's a vacuum pump
Suggestion put something over the outside unit so the sun doesn't shine on it .
It is meant to be outside, I think.
Not really necessary on the larger outdoor condensers. The fins and tubing are all shaded inside the case anyway.
I have one it broke after 2years
$7000 outrageous number In phoenix they do it for $300 or less
Even I wouldn't do it for that. I think one is paying for the 10 warranty in advance with these companies.
Who would waste their time to do such install for 300$? I think you're getting something confused.
You are so talented. Now can you help me fix my Ebike that just died?
Is it safe
being your own handy man
Woudn't know where to begin. Hopefully there is a video on how to troubleshoot somewhere. Good luck sir and thanks for your support all these years.
How is that unit running today
Good as ever. Best thing I ever did to the workshop. Too many hundred degree days in a row the last couple summers and the heat pump works very efficiently.
I’m getting ready to install two Mitsubishi’s , gonna save over 6000
There is no way on this planet they could charge 8500 usd (11200 aud) for a 7kw (24000btu) split. I’d love to see that quote hahaha.
I install these in australia for around 3200-4000 AUD (2400-3000 usd)
That’s highway robbery!
Yeah I could just install one a week for 11200 aud
MrCool would be DIY.
looked at those and it does seem easier with the pre-vac lines and the EZ connects. Daikin seems to be what the pro's install here in Vegas, the desert. Price difference is negligible. And, I DIY'd it so it's DIY.
The problem with doing these installs on your own is that most mini split companies won't activate or honor any warranty(s) on the unit unless you have a licensed HVAC company sign off on the warranty registration paperwork saying they did the install. Plenty of people can do this with good success as long as they follow the proper procedures especially when it comes to the evacuation process of the line sets after everything is hooked up. Key words here is proper procedure(s) which some people do but a lot of people don't. So you really can't blame a mini split company for not activating a warranty on something that may or may not have been installed properly without some sort of documentation stating it was in fact installed by a licensed HVAC company. This is why I have a couple of the Mr Cool DIY series mini splits in my 2000 sqft home. The line sets are pre-vacuumed and they have special types of connections that literally make the installation process just about idiot proof. Best part is they come standard with a 7 year parts warranty. All this without paying an HVAC to come and do the install.
I looked at Mr. Cool. Easy, yes. The pro's here in Vegas seem to be sold on Daikin. To me, that says a lot. Quality can trump a stated warranty. Just like you, it is true that I am pretty much on my own on repairs. The company I ordered from offers the parts warranty and free customer technical support. ( to help you through repairs) Licensed is good but they quoted $8500.00 I can buy 5 units for that and have money left over. Each person must evaluate their skill set and ability to follow the directions of the manufacturer. In the end. The install was not rocket science. If the 20 year old kid they sent out to do the estimate can do it, I can.... and did. $1500 including a vacuum set and hole saw and a few hours of my time. Thanks for your concern though.
@Ozzie Alarcon
You’re giving too much importance to ‘the warranty’. You’re assuming that if something goes wrong it will be covered, it may not. You’re assuming that an incident will happen within the specified warranty period, it may not.
Steve’s system was purchased for under 2k and installed for $0. It just cost me over $250 to have a tech come out and diagnose my system. The requisite repair parts and labor were more than purchasing an entirely new condenser. It is best to learn how to work on these units properly than to rely on HVAC techs that overcharge for diagnosis and installation. Just replace the units yourself, as utilities rather than worrying about the uncertainty of long term coverage and dishonest professionals.
Mr. Cool seems fine for cooling but the reviews I read mentioned that it struggled with heating below 40 degrees F. I need a unit to do both. I would definitely install a Mr. Cool unit if they remediate this issue. I love where Mr. Cool is headed and would have plopped my money down on the table if heating wasn’t a consistently mentioned issue in owner’s online reviews.
@@ericafors6039 True. Also Mister Cool hardware is not as good as Daikin. Daikin gives 10-12 years warranty vs 7 years from Mr. Cool for a reason.
I get they have to make some money but man those prices seem high
I suspect the consumer is being "pre-charged" for the 10 yr warranty that the licensed installer has to back. Here, "I" am the installer and although I still get the parts warranty portion, it will be "me" doing the work.
I likey
Crazy...$8500 för something that might cost $1300...damn crooks. I have a 24,000 installed in my 410 sq foot garage with only 8 foot ceilings. Installed a MrCoolDiy unit. Paid $1675 and maybe took 4 hours. 100’f outside and 68’f in here. I think I got quoted $6800 to install a 5 ton central ac unit for my house so $8500 is crazy for one room. Maybe it was a Mitsubishi for $8500 😆
Excellent. But remember for every successful system install there will be about 50 who will call the experts and the first question will be is “ any spare parts left over?” . Then when they come out with a handful of parts then that’s where it gets expensive 😁
How much were the estimates? Sorry but I have a seriously hard time believing THAT installation would have cost more than 2500.
Estimates are in the video for the unit plus install.