Senville 36000 BTU Dual Zone Mini Split: amzn.to/3Pq5ClL Alternatives Units: C&H 2 Zone Mini Split: amzn.to/3Nyq9UC MrCool DIY 2 Zone: amzn.to/3pkcN6d 5/16" Female Quick Couplers x 1/4" Male: amzn.to/3nQE4aV Alternative Quick Coupler Installer Tool: amzn.to/31c40E3 My Choice! Yellow Jacket 60278 Flaring Tool: amzn.to/3dwHpae Screw Feed Tubing Cutter: amzn.to/3nQJ3Zb My Favorite Close Quarter Tube Cutter: amzn.to/3rpZxcg Vacuum Pump HVAC: amzn.to/318YEcC PVC Decorative Line Cover Kit (one for each head): amzn.to/350IfIu Outdoor Mounting Bracket: amzn.to/2Fw9vpq 2-1/2 Inch Bi-Metal Hole Saw: amzn.to/343BJS6 This A/C Unit Requires 3-1/2 Inch Bi-Metal Hole Saw: amzn.to/3lIcpqG If needed for your A/C Unit 30 Amp Fusible AC Disconnect: amzn.to/31aHN9c
Time will come these HVAC Mini Splits will be putting in a Microwave. I did mine ater they scared me with an over $5,000 for a 24,000 BTU. So I installed it myself but then having big extended family and rental properties; I bought all the professional tools to the tune of almost $3000. I did my first one in 2018. Today after 15 installs in our home, garage, my sons' and our rental properties, think of how much money we save. I am not intending to go into their HVAC business. We just take care of our own and nspired and helped others. My biggest help came from TH-camrs who were very special people. Thanks to them.
I’m a service tech that has gotten quite a few calls to DIY mini splits over the years. Most common issue I run into going back on home owner installed units is the factory flares tend to leak, always re do the flares if possible. The flares also have specific torquing for Each size line, over or under torquing can cause unit to leak over time. Pulling a good deep vacuum is very important for longevity of the unit, it’s best to vacuum down unit with a micron gauge to know how deep of a vacuum you have obtained. This will also let you know for sure if you have a leak and vacuum should be on unit no less then one hour giving it time to pull out all moister, moister in the system will cause leaks over time. The units do come pre charged with refrigerant but only up to a certain length of line set, make sure to use the calculations in the manual to know if you need to add or remove refrigerant. Also note that installing these systems yourself will void manufacture warranty most the time.
I sure appreciate you joining in here and the great comment, we appreciate all constructive advice to help each other, it means a lot to me that you would take the time to watch my video!
Actually as per my conversation with m/c. As long as you have your system checked by a professional before placing it in service, warranty is still in place.
I installed a Senville dual head unit myself about a year and a half ago in our cottage. It had electric baseboard (rural area with no natural gas) and was costing a small fortune to heat in winterI did the entire install myself with a bit of research and they run great! About to install a 3 head unit on our main house now for the same reason. Best decision we ever could have made.
I have a senville 3 zone ceiling cassette system, and am having trouble controlling the zones individually, the bedrooms get hotter than the living room, and they don’t turn off individually. Have you run into this issue? Do you run heat mode or auto into? Thanks in advance
@@zrpetersonn199 run them in auto mode. With ceiling cassettes it can be tricky to find a temperature balance point as they are sized for 12k even though they are used for 9k applications. Try adjusting the room temperature setting down more until you find a good temperature that they will maintain. Don’t trust the temperature settings to be accurate to actual room temperature. Are you using the wired controls or wireless remote?
@@zrpetersonn199 Hi Zack, I had this happen once. Be sure and double and triple check that the wires are hooked up correctly to each unit. if it still continues cut all power to outside unit and restart. Go to the coldest settings and on turbo fan for approximately 10 minutes and then switch off and try it normally on your heat settings. Hope this helps! if not contact Senville.
This video and comments are just what i needed. Contemplating for a cottage/lakehouse we use more and more and currently have baseboard heaters and window AC units.....at these kind of savings should pay for itself in no time.
One of the best DYI videos on installing a split ac system. I especially like the fact that you correctly sized the refrigerant lines. The tutorial on cutting and flaring was good too. You must have made hard lines with flare fittings before.
I did a Mr Cool 1800 BTU last summer and it works great and saved a ton of money over a contractor install. I need a 1200 for a bedroom and may try this one to save a bit more. Thanks for the video.
It never occurred to me before this video how easy this stuff is with the pre-charged units. I have been researching MrCool units because I thought it was the only thing a DIYer could handle. Heck no all I need are a few more inexpensive tools to get this job done and I’ll be rewarded with much higher efficiency and better cold weather performance.
I just installed the same Senville 2-head unit that you installed in your video, and your video was an incredible help! I could not find another video dealing with multi-head units, and yes I did buy and use the yellowjacket flaring tool. Thank you so much for your top notch work!
I've been watching quite a few of these videos on mini split systems, all offer something different to learn. I really appreciate yours because you took the time to explain the details I needed. Thanks for doing this video!
The explanation of the head unit being precharged with nitrogen just saved me a oh crap moment tomorrow. I've watched numerous videos and you are the first to mention that. thank you sir. :)
Wish I had researched these more before I replaced my central air unit. Spent ton having a HVAC company do it for code and what not. This would have been a better alternative and saved me a ton having a unit in my main rooms. Not to mention the power draw being so much lower.
Heard you say, AC outfit wanted to charge you 2000 dollars to charge up your old unit. You can buy a vacuum pump, gauges, hoses, etc amazon for 125 dollars. R-22 is still available at reasonable prices on the internet. AC tune up guy told me, my old Ruud central air system is bulletproof economical and probably better than new systems. And he repairs them and sells R-22? for somewhere between 100 and 200 dollars. Great AC guy. Has helped out several of my friends.
Thank you very much for your time and posting. I subscribed. I am 'hopefully' buying my first place soon. I will be putting in Mr. Cool DIY... Wait! I mean, I'm going to have a professional put it in. I could watch a dozen vids, but just won't do it. I"m retired but have zero background in handyman stuff. I will be buying either two 12K BTU units or one 2 zone unit, not sure yet. It's a mobile home w/ 845 sq. ft. Thank you again.
Welcome, Thanks for the sub David! Installing these is not for everyone. Just contact MrCool and they can give you suggestions on which unit may suite your situation best. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for sharing, this has to be the best step by step video on You-Tube Universtiy. I have been confused on how to evacuate, trim, and charge the lines and you explained it better than anyone I've seen. Great job and you made it seem like a real DYI project. Thanks again.
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Just had the local energy services come and quote me for 12,500$ for an install with 3 head units. Decided to do it myself and save a few dollars. Thanks for the video.
Question: I am thinking of getting a 4-zone mini-split but was thinking that I should go with two 2-zone mini-splits? Thanks for taking the time to make and share this video 👍
I have an 10’x12’ shed that I’m thinking of installing a mini-split in. The unit wouldn’t be nearly as big as yours. Move some air through the shed so it isn’t so stuffy, get rid of some of the humidity, get rid of the temperature extremes, and more pleasant to be in. I don’t have any experience in that Freon stuff, so that would be the challenge. Also our master bedroom that has west-facing exposure would be another possible install, tho bigger job than the shed - it’s up on the second floor. Thank you for your video - it is quite informative!
Hi Chuck, I just released a video on installing one on my new workshop, single air handler installation and easy to follow! Take a look and it may help your shop and house too. th-cam.com/video/07SB6aIJfPU/w-d-xo.html Thanks for watching I appreciate it!
I've had an 18k single zone Mr Cool DIY for about 2 years and just installed an 18k two zone Mr Cool DIY. Here is a PSA: CLEAN YOUR INSIDE UNIT FAN ANNUALLY. Mine got all caked up with gross goo and just about stopped airflow. It happened slowly over time so I didn't understand what was going on. Ended up taking the cover off, the main air deflector, the wire deflector grid and the horizontal deflectors, and carefully cleaned the fan. I also used foaming cleaner on the coil. The system works like new now. I feel a little silly because I had opened a warranty claim with Mr Cool to investigate performance issues and it was just a filthy fan. So there you go.
My husband n I bought the exact one you showed on your video. We watched a lot of videos and your was the best one we watched. 👍 Thank you. It gets hot as hell in So Ut. Have you tried the heat yet since it’s cooling off?
Hi and thank you so much for watching and the very kind comment. Yes I have tried the heating and really used it a lot even when I didn't need to as much but I wanted to see how much of a difference in cost and comfort. The heat worked very well and the cost from last year was cut by 52% Yeepee! Thanks again for watching I sure appreciate it.
I'm about half way installing a Senville 36K btu quad unit and you're video is invaluable! I watched it a couple of time before deciding on Senville and two more times since my I received the delivery of my equipment. The only big difference between my install and yours - all my head units are on interior walls, so the piping is going through the ceiling and attic then down an outside wall. Need to install condensate pumps since I can't gravity drain them - and that's a PITA...LOL But it's looking good, so far thanks to you for making this - great job! Thanks!!!
The Mitsubishi units are more expensive to purchase, but even more cheaper to operate! We had hundreds of split systems in Iraq on base. The Mitsubishi units were the most least prone to have issues. One point to make, the grounds on the outside unit are very important, the boards go back if you lose a ground! The biggest maintenance we had were the cleaning of the condenser coils, but we were in a desert! Lastly the proper pulling a vacuum and proper correct refrigerant is extremely important! This man also showed you proper level of both units is critical, this enables the function of evaporator drain of water, to back and outside of wall cassette. Even the wrapping of copper lines with insulation makes the entire system more energy efficient! Split systems are the way to go, as long as you buy a good manufacturer with compressor warranty , and available parts on hand. In Iraq parts were difficult to get in a timely manner. This man showed you the proper installation method from start to finish!
Enjoyed your home spun humor. Your instructions are great. They definitely help the lay person understand the technical set up for the cooling side of a heat pump mini split. I’ll be using this with my physics students. Not sure this tiny women can lift that unit, but after horrible heat with heat advisories, this northeast home is installing a mini split.
Excellent video! Thank you very much! Quick question: I have a 4 zone unit and currently only have 1 head unit attached; need to finish some construction before installing the others. I would vacuum only the connected port but still open the main valve at the top once confirming there are no leaks, correct? When completing the subsequent head unit installs in the future, I would vacuum each line set individually before cracking the valves?
Thank you this video helped. The instructions that came with the unit did not have a wiring diagram or the cardboard template. We were able to install the unit by watching. Thanks.
Thanks so much for this video, one of the best ones I’ve seen. We need to install a 4 zone system and I’m a little confused on the best route to run the lines, since they are not all on the same side of the house. Should we just run them down the exterior walls then under the crawl space, letting the drain lines end before it goes horizontal again?
Hi Juliet, If you can use the crawl space or attic would be great and the condensation line can run down outside the line set to where ever you want to drain it. Thanks for watching and let us know how it goes
@Carsyn Gilliland If you're installing on an exterior wall, the drain lines can just run out the wall and down the outside of the house (no pump needed). If you're installing on an interior wall, you might need a pump but not necessarily, but I'd be sure to use PVC as the drain line (rigid) so you can make sure it's draining at a downward slope to wherever it exits the house. Pumps are only needed if you can't slope the drain lines downwards from the inside unit... which happens sometimes with ceiling cassettes. We did wall units (not ceiling cassettes) and installed on exterior walls. As far as running the copper lines, we ran them inside the wall and up into the attic, and it was a huge headache. If we had to do it again, we would just go straight out the wall. They were really hard to maneuver in that tight space, and then it's hard to leak test connections, hard to make repairs, and the lines do form condensation on them so not great to have inside the walls. Lesson learned!
@Juliet Laney When you installed your 4 zone, did you have to add more refrigerant? The senville 4 zone I am looking at only has precharge up to 100ft. I calculated I will have much more (around 175' total) even running the lines through my attic...
have installed 2 splits so far, never vaccum ever regular units.. no problems so far...us MC cable to connect electric, works better than sealtitle..doesn't hold water..and cheaper. love your flaring tool. got husky brand, pretty good, takes more skill tho. didn't think of shoving line straight out...good job.
Thanks for posting! Very helpful. I've watched several approaches. I like yours. is it possible to use compression fittings as opposed to flare connections using a flare to compression adapter? the flares are very finicky in my opinion. and some install videos call for torqueing the flare connections with a torque wrench. Comment? thanks in advance.
I am sure you can but a compression fitting has always seem to loosen up with vibration and I have heard that from others, I like the flare myself. Yes you should use factory torque specs even though I did show it and I have been dealing with flared fittings for so long and never had a leak or split.
@@ILikeToBuildStuff thank you very much, upon further research, the flares are more stable, just a little harder and leaking refrigerant is more critical than other applications, I need to get a good eccentric flaring tool.. thanks again!
Thanks for this tutorial! So when looking at the rear of the air handler unit, the two copper lines are laid flat facing the right exit hole. If I wanted to have the pipes coming out the opposite direction, is it ok to just “turn” the pipes 180 degrees to the other direction? I noticed you at the least turned it to face upwards with a 90 degree “turn” for this example. Basically don’t know if I need to bend it or I can simply turn it our the other exit hole provided.
Something I wish I had known: The other consideration for which side to exit on the head unit is where the lineset connection will be. I initially wanted it to exit right (when looking at rear of head unit.) After I drilled the hole in the wall, I realized that that the connection in the lineset would be hidden between the wall and the head unit. I wanted to be able to monitor the joint for leaks etc, so made it made more sense to exit on the left as you did in the video. This makes connecting the lineset and testing for leaks way easier.
Hi Jim, All installed, no issue forming the bends in the pressure lines,. That yellow jacket flaring tool worked flawlessly, highly recommend that one. The evacuation procedure, following the included instructions-fool proof!! Had one glitch, my disconnect switch I bought was faulty so I just bypassed it. My Senville 9000 BTU 4 in 1 works perfectly and sooo quiet. Thanks for the inspiration and guidance!! Steve Probelski
Outstanding Steven, thanks for keeping us updated don't you just love when a plan comes together and thanks for the nice comments I appreciate it. Now go have a cool summer!
Nicely done video, clear concise and to the point. Just curious,what was your thought process regarding a dual head unit compared to 2 single head units?
Hi Ronald, thank you and I went with the dual because of the 220V outside unit, less operating cost overall since the inside heads are the same as used on the singles. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for the video. I'm nervous so I'm going to watch the video several more times. We purchased two 36K Senville compressors, each with three heads. Got a quote to install...$9K. The whole purchase from Senville was $5K so it doesn't seem that $9K to install is justified. It would be cheaper for me to fly you to NY and provide room and board. I'll be purchasing the items you recommended and say my prayers. Thanks again!
Oh My that's a bunch of money but take your time and plan it out and you will be fine. If your not comfortable with the doing the main electrical then that is something you should hire out. Thanks for joining in here and be sure to let us know how it goes and maybe send some images or video of your install. Thanks again for watching!
Good video, but i suggest you DONT use soapy water to check for leaks while under vaccum. Remember, you're under vaccum and would be introducing water into your line set. Moisture is the worst thing in a HVAC system. Soapy water only works under pressure and will bubble to show escaping gasses.Just a heads up. Cheers
Hi Andrew, I didn't use it on vacuum but on pressurized i was assuming which was my bad as to what I meant when I said I would use it after . But good catch and commenting on it as a couple others have. I understand how helpful this is to the community so keep me honest Andrew! Thanks for watching!
Wanted to take a minute and thank you so much for posting your vidposting your video it helped greatly to calm my nerves especially showing how the wiring was. Because it was driving me nuts that the colors don't match there inside wiring. Ocd. Lol
You should try using a soda bottle when bending soft copper. Fill your soda bottle with water, not carbonated soda because the carbonated soda will not let the plastic naturally bend. Water will. Where you want to place a bend place the soda bottle in the place where you want it and bend. 100 percent will not ever kink on you. P.S. don't tell the pros that I told you. LOL
We have one in our garage ❤ it, my brother in-law has his entire house cooled and heated by one. If or WHEN my furnace or AC goes out in my house I’ll be switching to one of these. An ac/furnace is over $15k and a Mini split for my 1200sqft home $2,200. Plus cheaper to run
Parts & Tools I Used Senville 36000 BTU Dual Zone Mini Split: amzn.to/3Pq5ClL Alternatives Units: C&H 2 Zone Mini Split: amzn.to/3Nyq9UC MrCool DIY 2 Zone: amzn.to/3pkcN6d 5/16" Female Quick Couplers x 1/4" Male: amzn.to/3nQE4aV Alternative Quick Coupler Installer Tool: amzn.to/3NXp6ha My Choice! Yellow Jacket 60278 Flaring Tool: amzn.to/3dwHpae Screw Feed Tubing Cutter: amzn.to/3nQJ3Zb My Favorite Close Quarter Tube Cutter: amzn.to/3rpZxcg Vacuum Pump HVAC: amzn.to/46Sv8rZ PVC Decorative Line Cover Kit (one for each head): amzn.to/350IfIu Outdoor Mounting Bracket: amzn.to/2Fw9vpq 2-1/2 Inch Bi-Metal Hole Saw: amzn.to/343BJS6 This A/C Unit Requires 3-1/2 Inch Bi-Metal Hole Saw: amzn.to/3lIcpqG If needed for your A/C Unit 30 Amp Fusible AC Disconnect: amzn.to/3NCUTCB
I subscribed! Thank you. Im goint to install my own someday. Just make sur eto remind others that when they install back that nut after cutting the tubing to insall it the correct way to screw it on and not reverse, I can see peope making that mistake causing them to have to cut off another piece of tubing that can throw off the installation.
I went to school to learn how to work on A/C units just to fix my own and family and friends units so they wouldn't get ripped off by these companies. I'm 63 now and I never had to call these guy's. I just fix it myself and I found out that automotive freon works just as well in these units despite what people say. Been doing it for 40 years.
@@ILikeToBuildStuff Your welcome and I really enjoyed it. My daughter and her husband have one of those sheds they turned into a home and after watching your video this might just be the prefect system for their tiny home. Thank You !
My tenant's heat pump is going out. A local company put in a hot start compressor repair that is unlikely to last more than a month or two and charged $630. Their estimate to replace and install the unit is $9000, which I don't have. In researching, I discovered the MrCool DIY mini split units and realized that for less than $9000 I could install a 4 zone unit 360000BTU in EACH of our houses. I have been making do with an 8K window AC in the living area of my home and a portable evap cooler in my bedroom. I am an 80 yo woman with a 70 yo handyman friend. It looks like we could together do the installs in both houses. my tenant would love the lowered costs, as would I, and I especially like the idea of individually controlled zones. Thank You for such a well shown and complete installation video. I think the actual DIY units with their quick connect feature might be even easier. I don't much like the idea of crawling under the homes (manufactured homes) due to the past presence of critters who brought in cactus spines in their nests. But how else to run lines to the great room, and the bedrooms at both ends of the houses? Attics not very accessible. running under the house would mean a bit of a rise going up to the heads on the condenser unit outside. Is that a problem?
It shouldn't be a problem at all and take your time, be sure to measure correctly for your linesets on a diy unit because you can roll up extra lines but you can't stretch them if they are to short. Thanks for watching and joining in here we sure appreciate it!
I wish I would had never went to college I learned a trade watching you in 40 min verses 3 yrs of a uses less degree lol great video I will save and subscribe to your channel. I will also attempt to put 2 of these units in the cost is just crazy with these air conditioning companys last guy told me 30 grand to install a attic duct system I'm like nope. Thanks keep making great videos
Great video. My question is can you get a unit for whole house to run everything? I think it would be better to get separate units with no more than 2 ports. If you have 2 ports, can you use one at a time? If you vacuum down a unit with 2 ports on only one, can you add the other one later and still have enough Freon to add another one later, the same procedure? Best video, I’ve seen so far
Hi Frank, thanks for the comment! I have no problem having more than one outside units it's just that if you get a multiple air handlers on one unit the cost is less then adding seperate units. so yes you can leave one port alone for a later date of install.
It was mentioned that the length of the line set determines whether or not you have to add refrigerant. Do you add up the length of all line sets and use the total? Great video, thank you.
Say the unit comes with 16 ft line set the pre-charge covers that amount of line, now if you need to add an additional 25 feet or so you would need to add enough to fill that additional 25 feet. They have calculators and sizing charts online if you need more on that
Thanks So much. Greta Video. Can you do me a favor and explain in a little more detail how running the line out of the other side of the indoor unit works. Will I loose a couple feet in length? Thanks again
You can run the lines out straight out the back or go left or right. Me I like to go straight out whenever possible as that gives the longest length in the lineset and it's much easier making the line connections outside instead of inside. Hope that helps
I've watched a couple videos on these and feel like it would be a way better option than a portable window ac which are common up here in alaska. The last few summers have gotten warm and my new house gets unbearably hot in the summer in the living room and we want to keep it cool for our new baby. Spending 350 on a portable one that has to sit in the corner doesn't seem as appealing as one of these! Hoping your video will give me the confidence to go for it! Saving it for the spring time DIY project. Thanks!
Is it absolutely needed to nitrogen charge it to test for a leak before vac and charge release? Can't a vacuum hold test be used? How many spots would be likely to leak upon most installations? Just the flared joint? If a line set is purchased with the correct length does that mean no flaring would need to be done?
I have seen many videos of split ac installation on TH-cam.. Most of them installed the outdoor unit on ground which can cause issues later. You installed it higher from the ground level which is the correct way.
Well you showed how to install one of them and I know the 2nd one is the same but there are some extra stuff. I would have liked to see how you managed to install the 2nd one with the first one that's why I wanted to watch this video was hoping it would show both and how you ran your line for your second unit and placement.
Hi and welcome, I did not show it because there was no extra stuff you need to do for a second handler it is exactly the same as the first one just in different rooms
To be clear, if this were a Mr. Cool installation, it would be fewer steps than shown in this video. Correct? In particular, you wouldn’t need to connect a gauge, or cut and flare the line set. In Mr. Cool installs, they just coil up the excess line set length, so I see the cutting and flaring to be necessary only of you want a neater-looking precision length. Is that about right? Also, are you able to run a line set around the corner of the house? Can you “chain” line sets together to create longer lengths? Thanks.
Only certain models of MrCool and yes most just coil up the excess. I believe with the MrCool sealed lines you cannot daisy chain them to make them longer and it would be a lot cheaper just buying the copper tubing to make your own length.
Very helpful video. One question I have is can I connect 3 mini-heads to a one-zone unit. I understand if this was possible all 3 heads would run at the same temperature. Thanks.
Hello sir respectfully I don’t think those have Freon anymore. Most likely is refrigerant possibly R134. On the same note I do thank you for doing this videos. I am going to follow your guidance to install one
Great video!!! One question regarding wire. I also understand completely why you didnt show the wiring side of things. This question is the type of wire. Since it is 220v do these systems require the standar 3 wire ( 2 hots and a ground) or a 4 wire cable ( black, white, red, and green)? Thanks again!
My apologies if I missed it someplace else in your video but to add to your dialog regarding a possible leak, (at the 32:36 time stamp), while it may sound elementary to more experienced techs, it's important for viewers just starting out to know, that if they suspect a leak they should never apply the soap and water, (or any leak detection fluid) to the joints if they have a vacuum pulled on the system, since that would pull moisture and contaminants into the lines, thereby shortening the life of the unit because of the acidic, corrosive mixture that would result from the compressor oil mixing with the moisture that was introduced into the lines. Any pressure testing should be done prior to evacuating the lines using an inert gas like industrial nitrogen. The same acidic mixture would also occur if they decided to forego the vacuum evacuation process to save $$ or time. As you stated, the best way to avoid a leak is to ensure you have a good flare on the tube end! I like your "Just go do it" attitude sir, there is no reason why any reasonably competent DIY'er can't do this themselves.
Hi Ranckie, Welcome and thanks for the input. Yes that was my bad, I miss spoke at the wrong time not meaning to spray when lines are under vacuum but after pressurized if needed. And yes I like constructive criticism as everyone knows and welcome it because I want our community to arm themselves with all information they can get and to help me with stuff too. Thanks for watching and chime in anytime we all appreciate it!
@@ILikeToBuildStuff Believe me, that was not criticism in any form. I know that you knew the difference and that you simply did what we've all done; let the words slip out before our thoughts are gathered up in the correct order, and I've done that many times. I just wanted to make sure that any newbies watching the video, didn't see that and take it literally. Thanks for the video.
Did a bit of digging and discovered that Senville is made by Midea who make a number of brands like Toshiba, Samsung, Kenmore, Trane, Lennox and LG. Read somewhere that someone said they looked a lot like Lennox. Senville confirmed to me that the Aura series that I purchased has a built in drain pan heater, which is important since I mostly bought it for heating my shop. Other thing is that mine came with the dongle that connects it to an app so I can control it remotely. Zero instructions on how to install or use it. Other thing that wasn’t in the manual is how to change display from F to C. Press both + and - on the remote at the same time.
Hello, I have followed your video and am ready to vacuum the lines on the two-zone Senville unit. The copper fit cover has a label that reads, “ Please vacuum only one port.” Before the final steps, I want to ensure I do it right. Do I need to vacuum ports A and B or just one port? I couldn’t have done it without your video because the installation instructions are worthless, and I want to thank you for posting your video on TH-cam.
I vacuum each line set if they do not come preloaded and assuming you have not opened the main valve on top yet that charge the lines. Thank you for the nice comments I appreciate it.
Looking at other DIY videos they simply show connecting the lines and release the gas via the allen wrench. So is it necessary to vacuum the system etc... looks like I will need to acquire the testing equipment as you have shown.
Great video thanks for posting. I have watched a few of your DIY videos and they are all very well explained and helpful. I do have a question on this though. At the start of video you discussed cost as being a reason for this install ( $85 to come out and inspect, up to $2000 if the unit in question needed a full charge, etc..) Everyone knows a recharge is never a full capacity charge so the odds of it coming even close to $2000 were slim at best. Looking at the links you provided it appears this would cost nearly $4000 to do what you did. My question is: Why go this route then if you already have a unit or a unit that can be serviced? If installing where no unit was yet I can see the advantages. Thanks again for sharing you really do make helpful videos. Mike
Hi Mike, Mostly for the savings after install check this video th-cam.com/video/W51_c8IuA_8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Ml4If39idOIW2wBb Being able to control each room separately is really nice too. The utility savings alone will pay off the install. Thanks for commenting and watching some videos I appreciate ya!
Hey great video. I’m going to install one of these in the spring. How do you know where to place the hole In the wall for the indoor head? Thanks in advance.
Hi Jose, they give you a template as I showed in the video that should help th-cam.com/video/z9elRDw3faM/w-d-xo.html Just be sure to take care when unpacking the box and not to throw it away.
Not at all, I had made a separate video on flaring and used part of that video for illustration. th-cam.com/video/EduFmk_7Lg4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=c4cvj4OLDyxSrv3m
very well made video but where did you get your main power supply!? Did you install that electical box next to the Unit? dont you need to run it from the main Circut breaker box?? im planning on getting one of these. But the electrical you just glossed over. im confused
Hi Ann, I glossed over the main electrical because I did another video and got sued because the viewer was shocked, not killed or anything but an unpleasant shock because they didn't watch the entire video and made a mistake. so that's why I didn't go into depth on it. If you are uncomfortable with running the electric maybe you know someone who can help with that area of the install. Thank you for watching and I hope you understand
$400 in tools seems comparably to what you would pay a AC tech to do the final hook up of the AC line sets for you. Have you considered renting the pump, gauges, and flaring tool from an auto store? Most stores like O'Reilly's have free rentals for similar AC equipment. I just didn't know if the equipment were equivalent...
Hi Eric, Thanks for bringing that up you are exactly right you can rent them for the day for sure. I purchased mine because I use them for many other projects like vehicle a/c and vacuum bag clamps etc. Thanks for watching and commenting I appreciate it!
Installing this now…great video. I don’t seem to have the 5/8 to 3/4 flare adapter in my shipment. Do you happen to recall what box it was in? One of the line set boxes? I think I’m going to have to try and find one and ship it here…
Good video, But could you comment on the use of nitrogen to test for leaks, also did your unit state the the condenser was charged with enough freon so as not to need to add more?
Hi Jeff, sure you can use nitrogen to test for leaks and is a good way to do it. Yes they did state it was pre charged and no need to add more unless you add length to the linesets then you would need to add for that. Thanks for watching Jeff I sure appreciate it!
I wanted to install a 5 zone in my home. Can't seem to find any video that does all 5. Question that i do have is can i still use the electrical box that i had for my 5 ton central air. Great video!
Hello and welcome, doing a 5 zone is the same as doing a dual zone, you are doing the same thing but in different rooms just be sure the condensation lines are flowing the correct way. As far as the same electrical as the 5 ton, as long as it matches or exceeds the recommendations that the mini split requires it would be fine.
Installed a 3zone mini split system by gree.. during summer my indoor unit works really well but this winter it’s not good because E1 keep popping up. What shall I do to fixed it.. thanks I love your video
Thanks for joining in, E1:This error code indicates the unit is experiencing high pressure. The most common causes of increased pressure in your Gree mini split air conditioner are dirty coils, failed fans, overcharging, or a faulty high-pressure switch. To resolve the E1 error code, check your coils and fans to see if they are functioning properly. If you have clean coils and a working fan, you’ll need a technician to come to inspect the unit’s high-pressure switch and check if the unit has been overcharged.
Awesome video! My mini split is currently on route, will definitely refer to this. Am wondering on the electrical side of things? What size breaker? Wire? Thanks.
Glad to hear it! depending on the unit if it's a 120 or 240 will choose what size breaker and wire size you will run from your house panel as a dedicated circuit to a a/c quick disconnect box. Also note that if your electrical run is over 75 ft you might go to the next thicker wire.
Senville 36000 BTU Dual Zone Mini Split: amzn.to/3Pq5ClL
Alternatives Units:
C&H 2 Zone Mini Split: amzn.to/3Nyq9UC
MrCool DIY 2 Zone: amzn.to/3pkcN6d
5/16" Female Quick Couplers x 1/4" Male: amzn.to/3nQE4aV
Alternative Quick Coupler Installer Tool: amzn.to/31c40E3 My Choice!
Yellow Jacket 60278 Flaring Tool: amzn.to/3dwHpae
Screw Feed Tubing Cutter: amzn.to/3nQJ3Zb
My Favorite Close Quarter Tube Cutter: amzn.to/3rpZxcg
Vacuum Pump HVAC: amzn.to/318YEcC
PVC Decorative Line Cover Kit (one for each head): amzn.to/350IfIu
Outdoor Mounting Bracket: amzn.to/2Fw9vpq
2-1/2 Inch Bi-Metal Hole Saw: amzn.to/343BJS6 This A/C Unit Requires
3-1/2 Inch Bi-Metal Hole Saw: amzn.to/3lIcpqG If needed for your A/C Unit
30 Amp Fusible AC Disconnect: amzn.to/31aHN9c
Time will come these HVAC Mini Splits will be putting in a Microwave. I did mine ater they scared me with an over $5,000 for a 24,000 BTU. So I installed it myself but then having big extended family and rental properties; I bought all the professional tools to the tune of almost $3000. I did my first one in 2018. Today after 15 installs in our home, garage, my sons' and our rental properties, think of how much money we save. I am not intending to go into their HVAC business. We just take care of our own and nspired and helped others. My biggest help came from TH-camrs who were very special people. Thanks to them.
I sure appreciate you joining in here and the great comment it means a lot to me that you would take the time to watch my video!
I’m in the same situation when I’m installing in my rentals
I’m a service tech that has gotten quite a few calls to DIY mini splits over the years. Most common issue I run into going back on home owner installed units is the factory flares tend to leak, always re do the flares if possible. The flares also have specific torquing for Each size line, over or under torquing can cause unit to leak over time. Pulling a good deep vacuum is very important for longevity of the unit, it’s best to vacuum down unit with a micron gauge to know how deep of a vacuum you have obtained. This will also let you know for sure if you have a leak and vacuum should be on unit no less then one hour giving it time to pull out all moister, moister in the system will cause leaks over time. The units do come pre charged with refrigerant but only up to a certain length of line set, make sure to use the calculations in the manual to know if you need to add or remove refrigerant. Also note that installing these systems yourself will void manufacture warranty most the time.
I sure appreciate you joining in here and the great comment, we appreciate all constructive advice to help each other, it means a lot to me that you would take the time to watch my video!
Nice video, thank you. Do you have to evaluate both line sets (A and B) separately?
Mr cool is diy
@@vickytrejo3848 Sorry but some are not and if you screw up on the DIY units good luck in finding a professional to correct.
Actually as per my conversation with m/c. As long as you have your system checked by a professional before placing it in service, warranty is still in place.
I installed a Senville dual head unit myself about a year and a half ago in our cottage. It had electric baseboard (rural area with no natural gas) and was costing a small fortune to heat in winterI did the entire install myself with a bit of research and they run great! About to install a 3 head unit on our main house now for the same reason. Best decision we ever could have made.
I couldn't agree more, They are very efficient and most of all you can barely hear them running, Thanks for watching, I appreciate it!
I have a senville 3 zone ceiling cassette system, and am having trouble controlling the zones individually, the bedrooms get hotter than the living room, and they don’t turn off individually. Have you run into this issue? Do you run heat mode or auto into? Thanks in advance
@@zrpetersonn199 run them in auto mode. With ceiling cassettes it can be tricky to find a temperature balance point as they are sized for 12k even though they are used for 9k applications. Try adjusting the room temperature setting down more until you find a good temperature that they will maintain. Don’t trust the temperature settings to be accurate to actual room temperature. Are you using the wired controls or wireless remote?
@@zrpetersonn199 Hi Zack, I had this happen once. Be sure and double and triple check that the wires are hooked up correctly to each unit. if it still continues cut all power to outside unit and restart. Go to the coldest settings and on turbo fan for approximately 10 minutes and then switch off and try it normally on your heat settings. Hope this helps! if not contact Senville.
This video and comments are just what i needed. Contemplating for a cottage/lakehouse we use more and more and currently have baseboard heaters and window AC units.....at these kind of savings should pay for itself in no time.
One of the best DYI videos on installing a split ac system.
I especially like the fact that you correctly sized the refrigerant lines. The tutorial on cutting and flaring was good too.
You must have made hard lines with flare fittings before.
Thanks for watching, it is very much appreciated! Yeah I have made many flared lines in my life.
I did a Mr Cool 1800 BTU last summer and it works great and saved a ton of money over a contractor install. I need a 1200 for a bedroom and may try this one to save a bit more. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching Mike!
Bs, Mr
Cool sucks.
You're missing an additional '0' in both of those numbers.
It never occurred to me before this video how easy this stuff is with the pre-charged units. I have been researching MrCool units because I thought it was the only thing a DIYer could handle. Heck no all I need are a few more inexpensive tools to get this job done and I’ll be rewarded with much higher efficiency and better cold weather performance.
I sure appreciate you joining in here and the great comment it means a lot to me that you would take the time to watch my video!
Best video I’ve seen on the topic, revisited multiple times this last week as I home install a 3 zone Senville. Big thanks 🎉
Great to hear! Thanks
I want to buy one, how is it work, and how much?
I just installed the same Senville 2-head unit that you installed in your video, and your video was an incredible help! I could not find another video dealing with multi-head units, and yes I did buy and use the yellowjacket flaring tool. Thank you so much for your top notch work!
Thanks for the follow up and letting us know your install went well, I sure appreciate the support.
I've been watching quite a few of these videos on mini split systems, all offer something different to learn. I really appreciate yours because you took the time to explain the details I needed. Thanks for doing this video!
Hi Al, I appreciate that and thanks for watching! Let us know how it goes.
Your explanation is thorough would like information where to buy the flare tool and leak tester
The explanation of the head unit being precharged with nitrogen just saved me a oh crap moment tomorrow. I've watched numerous videos and you are the first to mention that. thank you sir. :)
Thanks for watching I appreciate it!
Will do.
We had an incredibly hot and humid day yesterday, my wife
Worked in a comfy 66 degree office all day!!!
Steve
66 temperature is no good, that's why when people get older all end up on a medicine.
This is so much more complete than other videos... you addresses all points I was looking for... vacuum test, which port, release all lines... Props!
Thanks for watching I appreciate it!
Wish I had researched these more before I replaced my central air unit. Spent ton having a HVAC company do it for code and what not. This would have been a better alternative and saved me a ton having a unit in my main rooms. Not to mention the power draw being so much lower.
I have installed 3 minisplits. Guess I’ve been lucky. Factory flares have been ok.
99% of the time factory flares are just fine, I have only ran into maybe 10 that leaked because they were cracked or the bell was off.
Heard you say, AC outfit wanted to charge you 2000 dollars to charge up your old unit. You can buy a vacuum pump, gauges, hoses, etc amazon for 125 dollars. R-22 is still available at reasonable prices on the internet. AC tune up guy told me, my old Ruud central air system is bulletproof economical and probably better than new systems. And he repairs them and sells R-22? for somewhere between 100 and 200 dollars. Great AC guy. Has helped out several of my friends.
Thanks for giving the cost savings in the end that's amazing, I think I am going to give this a go. Thanks for the Video!
You are so welcome! I never expected that much reduction in cost
Thank you very much for your time and posting. I subscribed. I am 'hopefully' buying my first place soon. I will be putting in Mr. Cool DIY... Wait! I mean, I'm going to have a professional put it in. I could watch a dozen vids, but just won't do it. I"m retired but have zero background in handyman stuff. I will be buying either two 12K BTU units or one 2 zone unit, not sure yet. It's a mobile home w/ 845 sq. ft. Thank you again.
Welcome, Thanks for the sub David! Installing these is not for everyone. Just contact MrCool and they can give you suggestions on which unit may suite your situation best. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for sharing, this has to be the best step by step video on You-Tube Universtiy. I have been confused on how to evacuate, trim, and charge the lines and you explained it better than anyone I've seen. Great job and you made it seem like a real DYI project. Thanks again.
Glad it was helpful! D Man Thanks for watching I appreciate it!
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I'm a YT certified technician, & I totally agree with everything you said.
Just had the local energy services come and quote me for 12,500$ for an install with 3 head units. Decided to do it myself and save a few dollars. Thanks for the video.
That is awesome! be sure to let us know how it goes for you! Thanks for joining in and watching I sure appreciate it.
Question: I am thinking of getting a 4-zone mini-split but was thinking that I should go with two 2-zone mini-splits? Thanks for taking the time to make and share this video 👍
The good thing about going with two is a less electricity usage, a backup unit if one ever go down. not to mention shorter runs to the air handlers.
I have an 10’x12’ shed that I’m thinking of installing a mini-split in. The unit wouldn’t be nearly as big as yours. Move some air through the shed so it isn’t so stuffy, get rid of some of the humidity, get rid of the temperature extremes, and more pleasant to be in. I don’t have any experience in that Freon stuff, so that would be the challenge. Also our master bedroom that has west-facing exposure would be another possible install, tho bigger job than the shed - it’s up on the second floor.
Thank you for your video - it is quite informative!
Hi Chuck, I just released a video on installing one on my new workshop, single air handler installation and easy to follow! Take a look and it may help your shop and house too. th-cam.com/video/07SB6aIJfPU/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for watching I appreciate it!
You're the man dude ! You Really know how to explain every detail that's so great thanks bud
Hey Ray thanks for the comment I do appreciate it and thanks for watching!
I've had an 18k single zone Mr Cool DIY for about 2 years and just installed an 18k two zone Mr Cool DIY. Here is a PSA: CLEAN YOUR INSIDE UNIT FAN ANNUALLY. Mine got all caked up with gross goo and just about stopped airflow. It happened slowly over time so I didn't understand what was going on. Ended up taking the cover off, the main air deflector, the wire deflector grid and the horizontal deflectors, and carefully cleaned the fan. I also used foaming cleaner on the coil. The system works like new now. I feel a little silly because I had opened a warranty claim with Mr Cool to investigate performance issues and it was just a filthy fan. So there you go.
Hey Kevin thanks for jumping in here, we appreciate the heads up.
My husband n I bought the exact one you showed on your video. We watched a lot of videos and your was the best one we watched. 👍
Thank you. It gets hot as hell in So Ut. Have you tried the heat yet since it’s cooling off?
Hi and thank you so much for watching and the very kind comment. Yes I have tried the heating and really used it a lot even when I didn't need to as much but I wanted to see how much of a difference in cost and comfort. The heat worked very well and the cost from last year was cut by 52% Yeepee! Thanks again for watching I sure appreciate it.
I'm about half way installing a Senville 36K btu quad unit and you're video is invaluable! I watched it a couple of time before deciding on Senville and two more times since my I received the delivery of my equipment. The only big difference between my install and yours - all my head units are on interior walls, so the piping is going through the ceiling and attic then down an outside wall. Need to install condensate pumps since I can't gravity drain them - and that's a PITA...LOL But it's looking good, so far thanks to you for making this - great job! Thanks!!!
Glad it helped Rob! I sure appreciate you taking the time to comment and watch my videos.
Clear and concise. I may go this route for my home in New Orleans. Many thanks!
Thanks, I sure love mine and extremely happy with the savings. Thanks for watching, I appreciate it!
@do da I’m in nola too and thinking about getting one
The Mitsubishi units are more expensive to purchase, but even more cheaper to operate! We had hundreds of split systems in Iraq on base. The Mitsubishi units were the most least prone to have issues. One point to make, the grounds on the outside unit are very important, the boards go back if you lose a ground! The biggest maintenance we had were the cleaning of the condenser coils, but we were in a desert! Lastly the proper pulling a vacuum and proper correct refrigerant is extremely important! This man also showed you proper level of both units is critical, this enables the function of evaporator drain of water, to back and outside of wall cassette. Even the wrapping of copper lines with insulation makes the entire system more energy efficient! Split systems are the way to go, as long as you buy a good manufacturer with compressor warranty , and available parts on hand. In Iraq parts were difficult to get in a timely manner. This man showed you the proper installation method from start to finish!
First, Thank you brother for your service and thanks for taking the time for some great input here we all appreciate it!
Great video, I wanted to thank you for helping my husband and I on this.
Glad I could help!
thank you so much for this. my dad and i have been searching for a video to install our ac. the instructions are very vague!! we really appreciate it!
Thanks for watching I appreciate it!
Enjoyed your home spun humor. Your instructions are great. They definitely help the lay person understand the technical set up for the cooling side of a heat pump mini split. I’ll be using this with my physics students. Not sure this tiny women can lift that unit, but after horrible heat with heat advisories, this northeast home is installing a mini split.
You can do it! and thank you for the great comment and thank you for watching I sure do appreciate it.
The presentation was so great! I'm now ready to install my min split following your foot steps.
Glad it was helpful Amanuel! Thanks for watching
Excellent video! Thank you very much! Quick question: I have a 4 zone unit and currently only have 1 head unit attached; need to finish some construction before installing the others. I would vacuum only the connected port but still open the main valve at the top once confirming there are no leaks, correct? When completing the subsequent head unit installs in the future, I would vacuum each line set individually before cracking the valves?
Hi Chad, Welcome and Yes to your question I am told by the manufacture this can be done this way.
Thanks for watching I appreciate it!
I got a mrcool 12k diy, no need of vaccum lines. It works great and keeps house cold and. It also has heat pump.
Thanks for watching I appreciate it!
Wow !
Thanks so much for sharing this with us !
I'm starting my install as soon as the weather gets nice !
Thanks Steve, Be sure to share your experience with it and let us know how it goes! Thanks for watching I appreciate it.
I wouldn't. Steer clear of mini-splits dude.
Looking at installing 2 dual units to replace central unit on double wide renovation. Thanks for vote of confidence 11:54
I sure appreciate you joining in here and the great comment it means a lot to me that you would take the time to watch my video!
That's exactly what I needed, thank you and loved your pergola build too!
Glad I could help!
Thank you this video helped. The instructions that came with the unit did not have a wiring diagram or the cardboard template. We were able to install the unit by watching. Thanks.
Glad it helped Henry! Thanks for watching I appreciate it!
Isn't the condenser awfully close to the house for proper air flow.
Thanks so much for this video, one of the best ones I’ve seen. We need to install a 4 zone system and I’m a little confused on the best route to run the lines, since they are not all on the same side of the house. Should we just run them down the exterior walls then under the crawl space, letting the drain lines end before it goes horizontal again?
Hi Juliet, If you can use the crawl space or attic would be great and the condensation line can run down outside the line set to where ever you want to drain it.
Thanks for watching and let us know how it goes
@Carsyn Gilliland If you're installing on an exterior wall, the drain lines can just run out the wall and down the outside of the house (no pump needed). If you're installing on an interior wall, you might need a pump but not necessarily, but I'd be sure to use PVC as the drain line (rigid) so you can make sure it's draining at a downward slope to wherever it exits the house. Pumps are only needed if you can't slope the drain lines downwards from the inside unit... which happens sometimes with ceiling cassettes.
We did wall units (not ceiling cassettes) and installed on exterior walls.
As far as running the copper lines, we ran them inside the wall and up into the attic, and it was a huge headache. If we had to do it again, we would just go straight out the wall. They were really hard to maneuver in that tight space, and then it's hard to leak test connections, hard to make repairs, and the lines do form condensation on them so not great to have inside the walls. Lesson learned!
@Juliet Laney When you installed your 4 zone, did you have to add more refrigerant? The senville 4 zone I am looking at only has precharge up to 100ft. I calculated I will have much more (around 175' total) even running the lines through my attic...
have installed 2 splits so far, never vaccum ever regular units.. no problems so far...us MC cable to connect electric, works better than sealtitle..doesn't hold water..and cheaper. love your flaring tool. got husky brand, pretty good, takes more skill tho. didn't think of shoving line straight out...good job.
Thanks for watching I appreciate it!
Thanks for posting! Very helpful. I've watched several approaches. I like yours. is it possible to use compression fittings as opposed to flare connections using a flare to compression adapter? the flares are very finicky in my opinion. and some install videos call for torqueing the flare connections with a torque wrench. Comment? thanks in advance.
I am sure you can but a compression fitting has always seem to loosen up with vibration and I have heard that from others, I like the flare myself.
Yes you should use factory torque specs even though I did show it and I have been dealing with flared fittings for so long and never had a leak or split.
@@ILikeToBuildStuff thank you very much, upon further research, the flares are more stable, just a little harder and leaking refrigerant is more critical than other applications, I need to get a good eccentric flaring tool.. thanks again!
Great video. It's a refresher for me. I'm getting trady to install a new dual zone myself.
Thanks for watching Anthony, I appreciate it!
Thanks for this tutorial! So when looking at the rear of the air handler unit, the two copper lines are laid flat facing the right exit hole. If I wanted to have the pipes coming out the opposite direction, is it ok to just “turn” the pipes 180 degrees to the other direction? I noticed you at the least turned it to face upwards with a 90 degree “turn” for this example. Basically don’t know if I need to bend it or I can simply turn it our the other exit hole provided.
Sure you can just be easy with the bending of the line set and you should be fine.
Something I wish I had known: The other consideration for which side to exit on the head unit is where the lineset connection will be. I initially wanted it to exit right (when looking at rear of head unit.) After I drilled the hole in the wall, I realized that that the connection in the lineset would be hidden between the wall and the head unit. I wanted to be able to monitor the joint for leaks etc, so made it made more sense to exit on the left as you did in the video. This makes connecting the lineset and testing for leaks way easier.
Hi Jim,
All installed, no issue forming the bends in the pressure lines,. That yellow jacket flaring tool worked flawlessly, highly recommend that one. The evacuation procedure, following the included instructions-fool proof!!
Had one glitch, my disconnect switch I bought was faulty so I just bypassed it.
My Senville 9000 BTU 4 in 1 works perfectly and sooo quiet.
Thanks for the inspiration and guidance!!
Steve Probelski
Outstanding Steven, thanks for keeping us updated don't you just love when a plan comes together and thanks for the nice comments I appreciate it. Now go have a cool summer!
Nicely done video, clear concise and to the point. Just curious,what was your thought process regarding a dual head unit compared to 2 single head units?
Hi Ronald, thank you and I went with the dual because of the 220V outside unit, less operating cost overall since the inside heads are the same as used on the singles. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for the video. I'm nervous so I'm going to watch the video several more times. We purchased two 36K Senville compressors, each with three heads. Got a quote to install...$9K. The whole purchase from Senville was $5K so it doesn't seem that $9K to install is justified. It would be cheaper for me to fly you to NY and provide room and board. I'll be purchasing the items you recommended and say my prayers. Thanks again!
Oh My that's a bunch of money but take your time and plan it out and you will be fine. If your not comfortable with the doing the main electrical then that is something you should hire out. Thanks for joining in here and be sure to let us know how it goes and maybe send some images or video of your install.
Thanks again for watching!
Good video, but i suggest you DONT use soapy water to check for leaks while under vaccum. Remember, you're under vaccum and would be introducing water into your line set. Moisture is the worst thing in a HVAC system. Soapy water only works under pressure and will bubble to show escaping gasses.Just a heads up. Cheers
Hi Andrew, I didn't use it on vacuum but on pressurized i was assuming which was my bad as to what I meant when I said I would use it after . But good catch and commenting on it as a couple others have. I understand how helpful this is to the community so keep me honest Andrew!
Thanks for watching!
Im Terry from Philippines sir!thanks for sharing your DIY air-conditioning installation. You did a great job 👏 👍.
You are welcome
I have a home with a single pipe steam heat.
That is why I am thinking about the minisplit system. Thanks for great video.
Glad to help, I sure love this mini splits!
Wow. I had one of those. It is like an art to keep those going. Heating contractors have very little knowledge. I think u are making the right move.
Wanted to take a minute and thank you so much for posting your vidposting your video it helped greatly to calm my nerves especially showing how the wiring was. Because it was driving me nuts that the colors don't match there inside wiring. Ocd. Lol
Thank you Brian, glad to help. Thanks for watching I appreciate it!
You should try using a soda bottle when bending soft copper. Fill your soda bottle with water, not carbonated soda because the carbonated soda will not let the plastic naturally bend. Water will. Where you want to place a bend place the soda bottle in the place where you want it and bend. 100 percent will not ever kink on you. P.S. don't tell the pros that I told you. LOL
Nice Anson, very good tip. I love this community!!
We have one in our garage ❤ it, my brother in-law has his entire house cooled and heated by one. If or WHEN my furnace or AC goes out in my house I’ll be switching to one of these. An ac/furnace is over $15k and a Mini split for my 1200sqft home $2,200. Plus cheaper to run
Thanks for sharing Crystal, I appreciate you watching too. Yeah I really like them a lot.
Parts & Tools I Used
Senville 36000 BTU Dual Zone Mini Split: amzn.to/3Pq5ClL
Alternatives Units:
C&H 2 Zone Mini Split: amzn.to/3Nyq9UC
MrCool DIY 2 Zone: amzn.to/3pkcN6d
5/16" Female Quick Couplers x 1/4" Male: amzn.to/3nQE4aV
Alternative Quick Coupler Installer Tool: amzn.to/3NXp6ha My Choice!
Yellow Jacket 60278 Flaring Tool: amzn.to/3dwHpae
Screw Feed Tubing Cutter: amzn.to/3nQJ3Zb
My Favorite Close Quarter Tube Cutter: amzn.to/3rpZxcg
Vacuum Pump HVAC: amzn.to/46Sv8rZ
PVC Decorative Line Cover Kit (one for each head): amzn.to/350IfIu
Outdoor Mounting Bracket: amzn.to/2Fw9vpq
2-1/2 Inch Bi-Metal Hole Saw: amzn.to/343BJS6 This A/C Unit Requires
3-1/2 Inch Bi-Metal Hole Saw: amzn.to/3lIcpqG If needed for your A/C Unit
30 Amp Fusible AC Disconnect: amzn.to/3NCUTCB
I subscribed! Thank you. Im goint to install my own someday. Just make sur eto remind others that when they install back that nut after cutting the tubing to insall it the correct way to screw it on and not reverse, I can see peope making that mistake causing them to have to cut off another piece of tubing that can throw off the installation.
The best DYI video ever. You saved me tons of money 💰 and gave me the incentive that I was looking for. Thank you so much! Regards from Brazil 🇧🇷
You are so welcome Rick! I sure appreciate you watching and joining in here.
I went to school to learn how to work on A/C units just to fix my own and family and friends units so they wouldn't get ripped off by these companies. I'm 63 now and I never had to call these guy's. I just fix it myself and I found out that automotive freon works just as well in these units despite what people say. Been doing it for 40 years.
I sure appreciate you joining in here and the great comment it means a lot to me that you would take the time to watch my video!
@@ILikeToBuildStuff Your welcome and I really enjoyed it. My daughter and her husband have one of those sheds they turned into a home and after watching your video this might just be the prefect system for their tiny home. Thank You !
Really great video! thanks for taking the time to share this with everyone! Been contemplating getting one myself so im looking around at options.
Glad it was helpful! I love mine. Thanks for watching I appreciate it!
My tenant's heat pump is going out. A local company put in a hot start compressor repair that is unlikely to last more than a month or two and charged $630. Their estimate to replace and install the unit is $9000, which I don't have. In researching, I discovered the MrCool DIY mini split units and realized that for less than $9000 I could install a 4 zone unit 360000BTU in EACH of our houses. I have been making do with an 8K window AC in the living area of my home and a portable evap cooler in my bedroom. I am an 80 yo woman with a 70 yo handyman friend. It looks like we could together do the installs in both houses. my tenant would love the lowered costs, as would I, and I especially like the idea of individually controlled zones. Thank You for such a well shown and complete installation video. I think the actual DIY units with their quick connect feature might be even easier. I don't much like the idea of crawling under the homes (manufactured homes) due to the past presence of critters who brought in cactus spines in their nests. But how else to run lines to the great room, and the bedrooms at both ends of the houses? Attics not very accessible. running under the house would mean a bit of a rise going up to the heads on the condenser unit outside. Is that a problem?
It shouldn't be a problem at all and take your time, be sure to measure correctly for your linesets on a diy unit because you can roll up extra lines but you can't stretch them if they are to short.
Thanks for watching and joining in here we sure appreciate it!
Lol Quality & dignity over everything. Homeowners are too funny 😂
Thanks for watching I appreciate it!
I know the video is old but it still gives a lot of ideas I'm thinking about putting one in my school bus
I sure appreciate you joining in here Jerome and the nice comments it means a lot to me that you would take the time to watch my video!
You chose wisely with that drain tube . As it will need to be cleaned on a regular basis if used almost constantly.
Thank you for the input I do appreciate you joining in and watching ! 👍
I wish I would had never went to college I learned a trade watching you in 40 min verses 3 yrs of a uses less degree lol great video I will save and subscribe to your channel. I will also attempt to put 2 of these units in the cost is just crazy with these air conditioning companys last guy told me 30 grand to install a attic duct system I'm like nope. Thanks keep making great videos
Hey Thanks Carlos I appreciate the support! Yeah it can get very expensive to hire. Please stop back and let us know how it goes for you!
Ordered the vacuum pump kit and the drill bit from your affiliate links. That’s the least I could. Thanks for the video.
Awesome! Thank you for supporting the channel!
Great video. My question is can you get a unit for whole house to run everything? I think it would be better to get separate units with no more than 2 ports. If you have 2 ports, can you use one at a time? If you vacuum down a unit with 2 ports on only one, can you add the other one later and still have enough Freon to add another one later, the same procedure? Best video, I’ve seen so far
Hi Frank, thanks for the comment! I have no problem having more than one outside units it's just that if you get a multiple air handlers on one unit the cost is less then adding seperate units. so yes you can leave one port alone for a later date of install.
It was mentioned that the length of the line set determines whether or not you have to add refrigerant. Do you add up the length of all line sets and use the total? Great video, thank you.
Say the unit comes with 16 ft line set the pre-charge covers that amount of line, now if you need to add an additional 25 feet or so you would need to add enough to fill that additional 25 feet. They have calculators and sizing charts online if you need more on that
Thanks So much. Greta Video. Can you do me a favor and explain in a little more detail how running the line out of the other side of the indoor unit works. Will I loose a couple feet in length? Thanks again
You can run the lines out straight out the back or go left or right. Me I like to go straight out whenever possible as that gives the longest length in the lineset and it's much easier making the line connections outside instead of inside. Hope that helps
I watched a lot of videos on installation but this was the best, I feel comfortable doing the install myself. Thanks for your video.
Glad it helped Thanks for watching Rick I appreciate it!
I've watched a couple videos on these and feel like it would be a way better option than a portable window ac which are common up here in alaska. The last few summers have gotten warm and my new house gets unbearably hot in the summer in the living room and we want to keep it cool for our new baby. Spending 350 on a portable one that has to sit in the corner doesn't seem as appealing as one of these! Hoping your video will give me the confidence to go for it! Saving it for the spring time DIY project. Thanks!
I agree, much more efficient just more involved installing then a window unit
Is it absolutely needed to nitrogen charge it to test for a leak before vac and charge release? Can't a vacuum hold test be used? How many spots would be likely to leak upon most installations? Just the flared joint?
If a line set is purchased with the correct length does that mean no flaring would need to be done?
And you’d get some efficient heat from one of these units for at least part of the cooler seasons.
I have seen many videos of split ac installation on TH-cam.. Most of them installed the outdoor unit on ground which can cause issues later. You installed it higher from the ground level which is the correct way.
Thanks Tinu, I appreciate you watching and joining in!
Well you showed how to install one of them and I know the 2nd one is the same but there are some extra stuff. I would have liked to see how you managed to install the 2nd one with the first one that's why I wanted to watch this video was hoping it would show both and how you ran your line for your second unit and placement.
Hi and welcome, I did not show it because there was no extra stuff you need to do for a second handler it is exactly the same as the first one just in different rooms
Going to install one in a semi truck and in my house if regular ac breaks down! Thanks for the vid
Thanks for watching Leon I appreciate it!
To be clear, if this were a Mr. Cool installation, it would be fewer steps than shown in this video. Correct? In particular, you wouldn’t need to connect a gauge, or cut and flare the line set. In Mr. Cool installs, they just coil up the excess line set length, so I see the cutting and flaring to be necessary only of you want a neater-looking precision length. Is that about right? Also, are you able to run a line set around the corner of the house? Can you “chain” line sets together to create longer lengths? Thanks.
Only certain models of MrCool and yes most just coil up the excess. I believe with the MrCool sealed lines you cannot daisy chain them to make them longer and it would be a lot cheaper just buying the copper tubing to make your own length.
Very helpful video. One question I have is can I connect 3 mini-heads to a one-zone unit. I understand if this was possible all 3 heads would run at the same temperature. Thanks.
Unfortunately not from what I have been told
I LOVE my Senville mini split. Had it about 6 years now.
Hi Jill, thanks for joining in and watching my video I sure appreciate it.
Thanks for the video. I am total electric house. Just trying to make the decision. Thanks
You can do it Mike! Thanks for watching I appreciate it!
Hello sir respectfully I don’t think those have Freon anymore. Most likely is refrigerant possibly R134. On the same note I do thank you for doing this videos. I am going to follow your guidance to install one
You are correct, I just say that because most associate with it. Thanks for the comment it does help all of us and let us know how your install goes!
Great video!!! One question regarding wire. I also understand completely why you didnt show the wiring side of things. This question is the type of wire. Since it is 220v do these systems require the standar 3 wire ( 2 hots and a ground) or a 4 wire cable ( black, white, red, and green)? Thanks again!
Hi Ben, This unit has the L1,L2 and Ground so yes 2 hots and a ground but be sure to size the wire correctly for the unit and length of run.
My apologies if I missed it someplace else in your video but to add to your dialog regarding a possible leak, (at the 32:36 time stamp), while it may sound elementary to more experienced techs, it's important for viewers just starting out to know, that if they suspect a leak they should never apply the soap and water, (or any leak detection fluid) to the joints if they have a vacuum pulled on the system, since that would pull moisture and contaminants into the lines, thereby shortening the life of the unit because of the acidic, corrosive mixture that would result from the compressor oil mixing with the moisture that was introduced into the lines. Any pressure testing should be done prior to evacuating the lines using an inert gas like industrial nitrogen. The same acidic mixture would also occur if they decided to forego the vacuum evacuation process to save $$ or time. As you stated, the best way to avoid a leak is to ensure you have a good flare on the tube end! I like your "Just go do it" attitude sir, there is no reason why any reasonably competent DIY'er can't do this themselves.
Hi Ranckie, Welcome and thanks for the input. Yes that was my bad, I miss spoke at the wrong time not meaning to spray when lines are under vacuum but after pressurized if needed. And yes I like constructive criticism as everyone knows and welcome it because I want our community to arm themselves with all information they can get and to help me with stuff too.
Thanks for watching and chime in anytime we all appreciate it!
@@ILikeToBuildStuff Believe me, that was not criticism in any form. I know that you knew the difference and that you simply did what we've all done; let the words slip out before our thoughts are gathered up in the correct order, and I've done that many times. I just wanted to make sure that any newbies watching the video, didn't see that and take it literally. Thanks for the video.
@@ranckie5055 No Worries and thanks again!
Great video, but we don't know how to get the cover off to get the wiring harness connected
One small screw holds the cover on th-cam.com/video/z9elRDw3faM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=g4zV_Nn43reIZdBz&t=518
Did a bit of digging and discovered that Senville is made by Midea who make a number of brands like Toshiba, Samsung, Kenmore, Trane, Lennox and LG. Read somewhere that someone said they looked a lot like Lennox. Senville confirmed to me that the Aura series that I purchased has a built in drain pan heater, which is important since I mostly bought it for heating my shop. Other thing is that mine came with the dongle that connects it to an app so I can control it remotely. Zero instructions on how to install or use it. Other thing that wasn’t in the manual is how to change display from F to C. Press both + and - on the remote at the same time.
Just bumping Rick's post again
I can tell right off that this video is going to be invaluable for my install of a Senville 24K unit..Thanks!!!
Glad it helped
Thanks for showing the electric bill that's so awesome. Great job
Thanks for watching! I sure appreciate it.
I just got quoted 14,000 dollars for a 5 ton whole house system. I am seriously considering going this route.
Same here from 3 contractors.
Hello, I have followed your video and am ready to vacuum the lines on the two-zone Senville unit. The copper fit cover has a label that reads, “ Please vacuum only one port.” Before the final steps, I want to ensure I do it right. Do I need to vacuum ports A and B or just one port?
I couldn’t have done it without your video because the installation instructions are worthless, and I want to thank you for posting your video on TH-cam.
I vacuum each line set if they do not come preloaded and assuming you have not opened the main valve on top yet that charge the lines. Thank you for the nice comments I appreciate it.
Looking at other DIY videos they simply show connecting the lines and release the gas via the allen wrench. So is it necessary to vacuum the system etc... looks like I will need to acquire the testing equipment as you have shown.
I just released another video on installing a workshop split which I detail that more take a look at th-cam.com/video/07SB6aIJfPU/w-d-xo.html
Great video, I bought this unit, I was confused as to why the pipe didn't fit, I never received any adapter.
They don't usually miss sending those with it, I imagine that threw you for a minute.
Great video thanks for posting. I have watched a few of your DIY videos and they are all very well explained and helpful. I do have a question on this though. At the start of video you discussed cost as being a reason for this install ( $85 to come out and inspect, up to $2000 if the unit in question needed a full charge, etc..) Everyone knows a recharge is never a full capacity charge so the odds of it coming even close to $2000 were slim at best. Looking at the links you provided it appears this would cost nearly $4000 to do what you did. My question is: Why go this route then if you already have a unit or a unit that can be serviced? If installing where no unit was yet I can see the advantages.
Thanks again for sharing you really do make helpful videos.
Mike
Hi Mike, Mostly for the savings after install check this video th-cam.com/video/W51_c8IuA_8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Ml4If39idOIW2wBb Being able to control each room separately is really nice too. The utility savings alone will pay off the install. Thanks for commenting and watching some videos I appreciate ya!
You should make a video showing the electrical connection out from the brake panel would be awesome to see the whole process.
Thanks for the idea! Thanks for watching Hector I appreciate it!
Excellent great video. One of the few I've found that covers multi zones. From what you showed me the top valves are only Freon
Glad it helped
thank you sir! senville is kinda light on the instructions. nowhere in the book does it say to open top valves
Great point! Hey thanks for watching!
Hey great video. I’m going to install one of these in the spring. How do you know where to place the hole In the wall for the indoor head? Thanks in advance.
Hi Jose, they give you a template as I showed in the video that should help th-cam.com/video/z9elRDw3faM/w-d-xo.html Just be sure to take care when unpacking the box and not to throw it away.
Thank you sir... extremely helpful. Senville should use to video officially.
So nice of you to say, Thanks for watching I sure appreciate it!
Thank you for your video. I noticed your flare demo was not at the unit itself. Was there a problem when you did that?
Not at all, I had made a separate video on flaring and used part of that video for illustration. th-cam.com/video/EduFmk_7Lg4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=c4cvj4OLDyxSrv3m
very well made video but where did you get your main power supply!? Did you install that electical box next to the Unit? dont you need to run it from the main Circut breaker box?? im planning on getting one of these. But the electrical you just glossed over. im confused
Hi Ann, I glossed over the main electrical because I did another video and got sued because the viewer was shocked, not killed or anything but an unpleasant shock because they didn't watch the entire video and made a mistake. so that's why I didn't go into depth on it. If you are uncomfortable with running the electric maybe you know someone who can help with that area of the install. Thank you for watching and I hope you understand
$400 in tools seems comparably to what you would pay a AC tech to do the final hook up of the AC line sets for you. Have you considered renting the pump, gauges, and flaring tool from an auto store? Most stores like O'Reilly's have free rentals for similar AC equipment. I just didn't know if the equipment were equivalent...
Hi Eric, Thanks for bringing that up you are exactly right you can rent them for the day for sure. I purchased mine because I use them for many other projects like vehicle a/c and vacuum bag clamps etc. Thanks for watching and commenting I appreciate it!
Installing this now…great video. I don’t seem to have the 5/8 to 3/4 flare adapter in my shipment. Do you happen to recall what box it was in? One of the line set boxes? I think I’m going to have to try and find one and ship it here…
the adapter does not come with the unit, You will need to get one on your own I have links in the description or you can get on at ACE or home depot
Good video, But could you comment on the use of nitrogen to test for leaks, also did your unit state the the condenser was charged with enough freon so as not to need to add more?
Hi Jeff, sure you can use nitrogen to test for leaks and is a good way to do it. Yes they did state it was pre charged and no need to add more unless you add length to the linesets then you would need to add for that. Thanks for watching Jeff I sure appreciate it!
Thanks you for sharing
I would like to know why my use to much energy
Good question!
I wanted to install a 5 zone in my home. Can't seem to find any video that does all 5. Question that i do have is can i still use the electrical box that i had for my 5 ton central air. Great video!
Hello and welcome, doing a 5 zone is the same as doing a dual zone, you are doing the same thing but in different rooms just be sure the condensation lines are flowing the correct way. As far as the same electrical as the 5 ton, as long as it matches or exceeds the recommendations that the mini split requires it would be fine.
Installed a 3zone mini split system by gree.. during summer my indoor unit works really well but this winter it’s not good because E1 keep popping up. What shall I do to fixed it.. thanks I love your video
Thanks for joining in,
E1:This error code indicates the unit is experiencing high pressure. The most common causes of increased pressure in your Gree mini split air conditioner are dirty coils, failed fans, overcharging, or a faulty high-pressure switch.
To resolve the E1 error code, check your coils and fans to see if they are functioning properly. If you have clean coils and a working fan, you’ll need a technician to come to inspect the unit’s high-pressure switch and check if the unit has been overcharged.
Awesome video! My mini split is currently on route, will definitely refer to this. Am wondering on the electrical side of things? What size breaker? Wire? Thanks.
Glad to hear it! depending on the unit if it's a 120 or 240 will choose what size breaker and wire size you will run from your house panel as a dedicated circuit to a a/c quick disconnect box. Also note that if your electrical run is over 75 ft you might go to the next thicker wire.