Everything You'll Wish You Knew About DIY Ductless Mini Split

When it comes to HVAC, you've got so many options available to you. Something that's becoming more popular in recent years is the ductless mini split system. These have lots of benefits to the homeowner, and they'll keep you at the right temperature all year round. Now, many are choosing to go the DIY route and install it themselves. Does that sound good to you? Here's everything other DIY-ers have wished they'd known before they started.

What Is A DIY Mini-Split?

First of all, you need to know what this system is before you install it in your home. Like most HVAC systems, the ductless mini split has indoor and outdoor components. The indoor vents are connected to an outdoor condenser via a refrigerant line, rather than ducts. These make the system much simpler to install, and more aesthetically pleasing in your home. The joy of the ductless mini split is that you can control the temperature difference, in different areas of your home. You can turn off the AC in the rooms you're not using, or have it at a cooler temperature in rooms where you need it cooler, such as the bedrooms at night. It gives you a lot more control over the AC in your home.

You'll Need To Keep An Eye Out For DIY Mini Split Systems

If you've decided to install your own system, you'll first of all need to buy the right model. Not all mini split ductless systems can be installed by a confident DIY-er. When you're looking at models online, make sure they're marked as DIY friendly. If it's not, it's something you're going to need an expert to come in and install for you.

Are You Able To Install This Yourself?

Before installing anything, you'll need to be honest with yourself. Is your level of knowledge enough to install your DIY mini split? Many people can happily get on with installing their systems, but if you're a true newcomer to DIY, then you may want to give this one a miss. You may not need to call in an HVAC company, though. If you have friends or family who is experienced, they can always come in and help you.

You'll Need To Decide On The Type Of Indoor Unit

There are several different indoor units you can use with your mini split system, so you'll need to think about what works best for you. For example, there are wall mounted units that sit high on the wall. There are ceiling based units, that, as the name suggests, sit in the ceiling. There are also floor mounted units, which sit on the wall near the floor and are easy to maintain. Pick the style that makes the most sense for you and your home.

Think About Your Outdoor Placement, Too

The outdoor unit will also need a home that's just right, in order to work correctly. They can get quite heavy, so you're going to need to ensure that it won't shift once you have it installed. A good way of doing this is to pour a concrete pad in the spot it's going to go, so it has a solid base to stand on. You'll also want to anchor the condenser to the concrete, to ensure that it stays put.

Consider Your Airflow

Airflow is important, both inside and out. The outside condenser is going to need decent airflow, in order to be able to bring the right temperature air into your home. When you pick a location for it, ensure that you're not placing it anywhere where it'll be exposed to extreme temperatures, such as next to chimney stacks or steam vents. Check the minimum clearance requirements for your model, and always use them when installing your unit. Consider your indoor units too. You'll want to ensure that there's no furniture or anything else standing in front of them. If they are, then you're not going to be able to distribute air around your home evenly. It's simple to install a DIY ductless mini split in your home if you need one. Keep these points in mind, and you'll be able to install it flawlessly.  
August 24, 2018

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