DIY Installation and Startup of a Mini Split System

Installing and starting up a mini split system yourself is not a difficult task for most people with a technical background, provided they have the necessary equipment and tools. This article presents an illustrated step-by-step guide based on a successful DIY installation and startup of a mini split system for a room in a single-family home. The article includes links to the required materials for purchase.

The following tools are used in the described work (Fig. 1):

Kozyvacu Vacuum Pump Hex Key Kozyvacu Manifold Gauge Set Testo 552 Digital Vacuum Gauge w Bluetooth Gloves Set of Kozyvacu Vacuum Hoses for Gauge Set Aluminum Foil Tape Box Cutter Adjustable Pipe Wrench Vacuum oil AM-1060 Multimeter with temperature attachment Screw drivers Infrared Thermometer Gun Pliers LED Headlamp

Fig. 1. Tools used for Costway FP10404US mini split system installation

Work Sequence for Installing the Costway FP10404US Mini-Split System

1. Unpacking, Inspection, and Preparation for Installation of Outdoor and Indoor Units

The Costway FP10404US mini-split system is delivered in two separate boxes.

The smaller box (shown at the top in Fig. 1.1) contains:

The indoor unit

The wall mounting panel for the indoor unit (see Fig. 1.2)

Fig. 1.1 Packed in 2 boxes

Fig. 1.2 Contains of a smaller box

On the back side of the indoor unit, under white thermal insulation, are:

Refrigerant inlet and outlet pipes (see Fig. 1.3)

Fig 1.3 Refrigerant pipes

The larger box (shown at the bottom in Fig. 1.1) contains:

The outdoor unit, pre-charged with R 32 refrigerant

Two copper refrigerant lines (see Fig. 1.4)

Fig. 1.4 Outside system

2. Preparing the Installation Sites for the Outdoor and Indoor Units of the Mini Split System

The outdoor unit can be mounted on a wall or on a pre-poured concrete pad. In the described example, the installation was done on the wall for the following reasons: the house is located in a flood zone area and the wall is made of stone (concrete blocks).

To mount the unit, special brackets of the … type can be used.

In this case, previously installed brackets were used (Fig. 2.1).

Fig 2.1 Previously installed mounting brackets

The installation site for the indoor unit also requires preparation. First of all, it is necessary to ensure proper space for air circulation, as specified in the documentation for the indoor unit (Figs. 2.2 and 2.3).

Fig. 2.2 Indoor Unit Space Requirements