HVAC split system - whos the AC guy

[FAKKY]

Looking to put a HVAC split ductless system into a 600sqft loft.
Probably an 18k BTU.

It seems these systems come precharged from factory. Thinking of installing myself once the power circuit is run as it looks simple enough.

1) Seems like its a 45 degree flare. Exactly what type of flare ? I have an auto flaring tool that will do 37 and 45. Can this be used.

2) How about AC recharge if I need to do it. Have vacuumed and recharged AC on my truck years ago with proper manifold high/low gauges. Can these be used on HVAC spli systmes - eg fitttings and pressures etc.

3) Other ?

thanks !

[mongocanfly]

ive got a Mitsubishi mr slim split in my 550 sq ft....it came precharged but if you used over a certain amount of cooper tube footage you had to ad Freon to it...all fittings I flared with a reg 45 tube flare tool....that thing works great...it will freeze you to death ... I had to ad Freon to mine so I got a guy come do it...he used a weight scale to charge it up

[Willie Makeit]

I have a Fujitsu Halcyon mini-split on my upstairs room above my garage. It has done a great job with both heating and cooling the 900 square ft room. I chose the Fujitsu over the Mitsubishi only because at the time the Fujitsu had a better SEER rating.

it too came pre-charged and was very simple to install & no flaring was required using the pre-made lineset. Basically run a 220VAC feed and drill one hold for the lineset & control wire to connect the compressor unit to the condensor unit.

[FAKKY]

Thanks guys.

So a 45 degree double flare - same as a brake line ?

Was thinking of this or similar. Its overkill a little - but for the extra $150 ... seems worth it.

https://www.amazon.com/PIONEER-Air-C..._&dpSrc=detail

I can vacuum down the lines but not sure if the fittings are SAE etc or different. Like these


https://www.amazon.com/Ductless-char...TTBG9EDP2SB3A4





I doubt I would have to run the lines very far as everything is open and accessible.
Its a new house we are purchasing.

Not sure on power yet - will go back to property this weekend and look. Didnt pay attention on first go around.

[mongocanfly]

mines not a double flare...just a single flare like for any copper tube flared fittings....don't forget you'll also need a drain line....

[FAKKY]

thanks !

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Current 134A auto manifold guages are different the old school R12 systems.

When you flare the 45* use refrigerant or vacuum pump oil to prevent the copper from splitting, and use a product like leak lock to prevent the flare from backing off. Which is a fairly common issue due to vibrations.

Most mini splits have a enough refrigerant for 25 foot line sets.

18K on 600sq foot is a good size if you have insulated walls like your house, but can be a bit small if it is your uninsulated garage. Which I would go with the next size up or a 24K especially if it's a garage facing the sun. Going big on quality mini splits is not a big deal like traditional units. As they have a good form of capacity control on every unit.

Lastly if this is for your garage be careful of the filter. They are thinner then you can imagine, and will need regular cleaning. Along with the air handler coil due to excessive dust.

[FAKKY]

Originally Posted by Ziegelsteinfaust

Current 134A auto manifold guages are different the old school R12 systems.

When you flare the 45* use refrigerant or vacuum pump oil to prevent the copper from splitting, and use a product like leak lock to prevent the flare from backing off. Which is a fairly common issue due to vibrations.

Most mini splits have a enough refrigerant for 25 foot line sets.

18K on 600sq foot is a good size if you have insulated walls like your house, but can be a bit small if it is your uninsulated garage. Which I would go with the next size up or a 24K especially if it's a garage facing the sun. Going big on quality mini splits is not a big deal like traditional units. As they have a good form of capacity control on every unit.

Lastly if this is for your garage be careful of the filter. They are thinner then you can imagine, and will need regular cleaning. Along with the air handler coil due to excessive dust.

Thanks !!

I Do I have this flare tool ...... if I needed can it be used on HVAC lines also ..... just dont know if the depth is the same .... etc

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/8088...BoC8MMQAvD_BwE


The garage is currently not insulated but I will probably run some basic insulation from home depot.

I'll check into the 24k BTU units. Since Im installing myself - saving money anyway.

thanks !

[truckdude239]

I installed a 9000 btu heat pump in the master bed room was way easy i know an ac guy that helped we cut the lines down and reflared to 45 dergees single flare and vacumned it out for 45 mins and then let the charge go most units are presharged for 25 ft of line my will freeze u out of the masters

[mongocanfly]

I used a flare tool like this....I think the parts stores have them in their loan a tool program if you don't want to buy....
as long as yours will do a 45 single flare it should be ok.....like stated you can get a ac man to pull vacuum on it to see if you've got leaks

[FAKKY]

Thanks.
I have a vacuum for the R134a fittings on auto.

Guessing it should work with the fittings on the compressor unit ...... maybe with an adapter like this or similar

https://www.amazon.com/Ductless-char...TTBG9EDP2SB3A4


I'll keep you posted !! Thanks for the ideas.

[flashed]

Where do you buy a split system and what is the price range ?

[Bigdav160]

The OP link to a mini split ductless system. I assume that is what he is installing. I installed a Sanyo mini split in my master bedroom 10 years ago. It still works excellent.

A traditional split system has ductwork.

These systems can be purchased many vendors including craiglist. Some manufactures keep tighter control of their product by only selling to licensed contractors. (Trane, Carrier, Lennox etc)

I'll add that I cracked the flare on my mini split. I swage and solder all my connections now.

[FAKKY]

Yes really anywhere as its a DIY install there is no warranty.

But at $1k-$1200 versus $3500-$3800 from a HVAC company ..... rather just do it myself.
Especially for a 'games' room loft.

Amazon/Ebay/Craiglist and the lowes/home depot etc

Another pone IM looking at.

https://www.pioneerminisplit.com/col...nt=35772923856

[mongocanfly]

I got mine at ac wholesalers....https://www.acwholesalers.com/index.jsp....

[rusty76]

I’d go with Mitsubishi. Been around long time and good quality. Drain lines are usually the biggest problems to encounter. My suggestion is to mount the indoor unit on an outside wall where you can run the Freon lines and drain line straight out. Then run the drain line down the wall with 3/4 PVC. Don’t forget the wiring as well. You’ll need at the very least a disconnect outside. The filters on these things leave a lot to be desired as mentioned earlier. They can get dirty quick and are washable. Use leak lock on the flare fittings and check for leaks before using a vacuum pump. Don’t go gorilla nuts with tightening the fittings especially on the small tubing.

Some places sell complete kits to install the unit you are buying. You will get the line set. Wiring and a pad. A cover is available to cover the line set and drain line. They’re worth the money and go quickly together.

Last advice is if you have any doubts about what you are doing contact a local HVAC company to help and assist. But be aware you may not get the full warranty on the system because it wasn’t installed by a professional company. It’s very doable from a do it yourself kind of person. Make sure to grab an extra set of hands and read the directions.

Last thing the controllers/thermostat/remotes can be a pain to understand and use. Be ready to sit down and read about them.

[truckdude239]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/9000-BTU-Du...IAAOSwDKtY2Tba

this is the one i installed only thing it didnt have was the wires from the outside to inside unit