Introduction
I demonstrate how to install the MrCool Universal central heat pump split system. Well, I show how I installed the air conditioner in a Do It Yourself style for the most part.
AC Systems and Tools:
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Adjustable Torque Wrench = amzn.to/35pXhvp
Disclosure: The above are Amazon links. "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases."
I was able to install the whole house air conditioner system however the project did require assistance from profession HVAC technicians. The DIY project required some basic tools including wrenches and power tools and also some specialized HAVC components. The ac and heat system is working great now and I learned a lot during the installation process. I am excited for the efficiency performance of the MrCool Universal and look forward to my utility bill savings.
Content
So in this video, how I installed this heat pump system for both air conditioning and heating needs in this house by myself.
Now, if you watch the manufacturing marketing materials, it looks pretty simple to install these systems.
Basically, you put the condenser where it needs to go.
You put the air handler where it needs to go.
You run the pre-charged line set hook them up turn it on you're good to go.
And essentially that is what you do.
But it is a little bit more involved in that.
So I wanted to take the time in this video to show you what the process was in my situation, I'm, not an hvac professional by any means.
And so take this video lightly.
This is just how I got it done.
But I was able to install it myself kind of first thing to point out here is when I opened up the manual for these products, one of the very first things that says unit must be installed by a professional.
So consider that when you install air conditioning systems, a lot of times, you need special permits.
You need to do electrical.
You need to do duct work.
So there's a lot involved in it.
So I'm going to show you how I did it all, and you can decide whether or not you think it's a diy project or not now to start.
I went ahead, and I cut an access hole in the attic ceiling, because I was going to need to run a new line set from the air handler to the outside condenser.
So I cut a hole in the soffit for the outside as well.
So we can run the new lines through the attic.
So one of the first things I need to do before.
I even think about installing.
The new system is, I got to get rid of the old system.
Now it's, not just as simple as just ripping it out, because you actually have refrigerant in the system, and that needs to be discarded off properly.
So in this case, I am calling on a professional to help me, get rid of the old refrigerant in this system.
Then I can take all this out before we start the installation of the new ac system.
Now when I was deciding on what system I wanted, I was actually leaning on going towards like a mini split system, because I thought that would be the most efficient and I'll probably talk in a future video on why I chose this unit.
But for the sake of this video, this seems like a highly efficient unit, and it seemed like I'd be able to do the installation myself.
Okay.
So we have the old handler out.
We just took it out now it's time to put the new one in and it's, very similar dimensions for the most part it's a little bit taller than the last unit, and that actually causes some complications because I have to go from this and attach it to the new air handler and it's gonna require some custom metal work.
Some custom duct work, not my expertise, but it's, something I'm just gonna have to do.
I think the base plenum box is gonna work.
Okay, but I have to build up the top.
So I gotta figure that out now.
And unfortunately, I think that means that we will not have ac for at least another day or two.
And hopefully the weather is mild this thing's, super heavy.
And I don't think I can handle it by myself, and I think it would just be better if it is light as it can be.
So when I go to make an adjustment or anything, I can handle that so I'm trying to do now is just disassemble.
The majority of the air handler I'm going to take this bar out and I'm going to see if I can at least take out the coil assembly, all right that should lighten things up for us.
So this is what they call the coil inside the air handler, basically air from the blower gets sucked through a hole under here out through these vents and then distributed throughout the house.
So this is where the heat exchange happens to cool and or warm the house, pretty critical piece.
So this is still pretty heavy.
I wouldn't recommend doing by yourself.
I called every neighbor.
I could try no one was around.
So, and I just gotta slide it in place.
So now that this in place, the next thing I do is seal it in with the metal tape.
And one little trick is that this metal is cold, this stuff doesn't stick.
Well so it's a good idea to heat it up first and here's.
A look at my duck, transition it's, a little messy, but it should get the job done.
So the way I have this set up is I have these aluminum blocks down here to mount it to I have a piece a neoprene, which I just use some old like gym floor mat, cut a piece of that off, and then I'm bolting through using some bolt head around the house, they're stainless steel.
I think they'll work.
Okay for this situation.
But essentially what I want to do is I'll put some washes in a nut on the bottom I'll go through I'll, put this little rubber part here on top of the metal of the condenser unit here.
And then this little rubbery thing here will separate the stainless steel from the regular steel.
So I think that should work well and hold it down, nice and snug next.
I was ready to run the pre-charged line sets through the attic.
And while I was doing this, I added some thermostat cable to go from the air handler to the new condenser.
Now since I'm, just replacing the oil handler, it makes it easy to reuse, the power that's already there.
So I just stick it in the machine.
And then I have to attach it to the load inputs on the air handler.
So in this case, I want to attach the copper wire to the ground, screw snug that down, and then I'm only running a 15 amp circuit here because I'm not running an auxiliary heater.
So in this case, my white and my black wires are my load lines, and they go to the load screws now before attaching the line sets I have to attach these.
I think they're check valves, and I torqued them down to what the instructions said in the manual.
And I believe the smaller one was a little bit less torque and the larger one was closer to 70 newton meters.
And then I did the same thing outside as well.
I just hand, threaded them at first, and then I torqued them down, and I try to be careful here, not to put too much strain on the air condenser itself.
So not to bend anything and then make for sure the pipes fit.
I went ahead and cut some insulation off to have easier access to maneuvering the pipes here, put this on and thread it to start tighten it to 45 meters, then we're going to do the same thing on the larger line set just scrank it down.
And then again, I believe this stunningness here is 45 newton meters.
Then we connect the line set at the handler as well.
And again, these connections are scoped at 45 newton meters.
I believe once I remove these caps, I can get in with an allen key to open the valves to connect the line set refrigerant to the refrigerant and the air handler.
So do the same thing on the big line down below open it up.
And now we've connected the refrigerant inside these lines to the handler as well.
And then I move on to the outside air.
Condenser do the same thing use a little soap water spray around make sure there's, no bubbles and we're good to go.
And then at this point, I just cover up my exposed copper with some insulation.
Now we need to connect the power to the condenser.
And this is just like inside I'm just going to screw the lines into the terminals.
And in this case, the black and white are my hots, and the copper is the ground.
Then I just secured things to the zip tie here to snug it down wiring.
The thermostat cables are similar.
We just made little loops in the line, and then screwed them down to these terminals made sure it's, nice and snug.
So basically here I have the thermostat cable coming from the actual thermostat, and then the cable going out to the air condenser.
Oops, I almost forgot.
We've got a safety switch I'm going to run that wire through there as well wiring.
The thermostat wires is similar to wiring up the power wires both in here.
And in the condenser just take these screws out, and then put these wires in there.
So, in this case, this is supposed to be my white wire.
I wouldn't necessarily trust.
My wire coloring each situation might be different.
You know what I also installed the kill switch, and I wired that into the red wire, which is here.
So if that float switch were to trip, it should turn the whole system off nice and snug.
I still have the b wire, which is going to be my orange.
I think and my yellow wire right here, boom.
So I finally have everything wired up both here in the air handler and outside at the air condenser.
At this point, I've hit another major speed bump.
There is a leak in the coil.
So I can't fire the ac up until I figure out how we're going to fix that if I'm going to replace him or whatever go ahead and test the blower see how the duct work holds up so I'm going to do that.
Now, I flip the breaker now I'm going to try to turn it on at the thermostat, very stoked, the fan fired up.
And it appears that my duckwork is holding very cool.
Now to deal with the messy line set, so I had some pressure treated wood around.
I went ahead and mounted a mount board to the bricks and then built a box and screwed that to the mountboard.
It looks okay.
And then to install the float switch.
I was able to reuse the existing drain plumbing from the existing handler.
So that was pretty simple to do and secured it with pvc cement.
So at this point everything's, hooked up condenser is set up here.
Air handlers inside line, sets are run.
But our problem is, we lost a lot of refrigerant because the air handler scent had a coil that had a leak in it.
So we went ahead and we patched that leak, but we are low on refrigerant because of what was lost so I'm in a problematic situation here because I'm trying to find someone come out and actually add refrigerator to the system.
So today I have another hvac technician coming out.
He implies he is familiar with the system I'm, hoping he is.
And this will be my third hvac technician visit for this diy project.
So hopefully this will operate smoothly from here on out it's, actually turning on now.
And you can actually see that it's, surprisingly, quiet and that's.
One of the reasons I like this unit here.
So outside is super cold inside.
It is nice and toasty I'm able to work here in comfort because everything is working, and I am pretty stoked.
So the takeaway is this a diy system in my situation.
It took three visits from an hvac tech to get this project done.
So I guess technically, I can't say, it was complete diy project having said that I am glad I went through it.
I learned a lot.
I do like the system so far.
And I look forward to the efficiencies from it and I'll provide a link to where you can get the same unit down below.
My only question is is that we added refrigerant to the system I'm guessing, there was some air in the lines.
And I'd like to ask the pros out there is that okay, just to top off a system with new refrigerant when it's a little bit low, or is there some other way that this should be dealt with thanks for watching.
FAQs
Whole House Air Conditioner and Heating System Installation. MrCool Universal, Is it a DIY Project? ›
Is MRCOOL a trusted and reliable HVAC appliance brand? Yes, absolutely! MRCOOL is routinely one of the best-reviewed and most popular HVAC brands on the market. Hundreds of thousands of consumers have installed a MRCOOL unit in their homes without needing to have a technician come out.
How good are MRCOOL HVAC systems? ›Is MRCOOL a trusted and reliable HVAC appliance brand? Yes, absolutely! MRCOOL is routinely one of the best-reviewed and most popular HVAC brands on the market. Hundreds of thousands of consumers have installed a MRCOOL unit in their homes without needing to have a technician come out.
What size MRCOOL DIY do I need? ›Basic Sizing based on Square Footage alone: 12k BTU = up to 500 square feet. 18k BTU = 450 to 750 square feet. 24k BTU = 700 to 1000 square feet.
How efficient is MRCOOL DIY? ›This unit is a 25 SEER which is super efficient and will draw as little as 288 watts to a max of 1,480 watts an hour.
How long to install mr cool diy? ›Time needed: 2 days. Installing a mini split 100% on your own can be done with the new DIY system from MR COOL.
What tools do you need for MRCOOL installation? ›You only need basic tools like a stud finder, drill, level, 3.5-inch hole saw, and wrenches. Our easy-to-read installation manual will guide you through the entire process, step by step. Should you ever get stuck or have a problem, you can call us at 270-366-0457 to speak with Tech Support.
What brand compressor does MRCOOL use? ›MR Cool > Our Products > Compressors. MR COOL invites you to discover the advantages of TECUMSEH's broad range of energy efficient and reliable reciprocating compressors for household air conditioning and commercial refrigeration.
How long will MRCOOL last? ›How long will your MRCOOL DIY mini-split last? On average, mini-split heat pump systems have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. However, the actual lifespan of your system will depend on a number of factors, including the frequency of maintenance and the local climate in which it is used.
What size breaker for mr cool universal? ›| 4 Ton 18 SEER MRCOOL Universal Series Heat Pump System | |
|---|---|
| Electrical | 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz |
| Max Breaker Size | Indoor Unit: 15A | Outdoor Unit: 45A |
| Min. Breaker Size | Indoor Unit: 4A | Outdoor Unit: 35A |
| Tonnage | 4 Ton |
With a capacity of 36,000 BTU and a SEER of 21.5, both 18,000 BTU air handlers will heat or cool an area of up to 750 sq. ft. In addition, you'll be able to install this unit on your own without any help from an HVAC professional.
Does MRCOOL have a thermostat? ›
Overview. The MRCOOL mini stat WiFi thermostat converts your MRCOOL ductless mini split air conditioner to a smart AC, enabling you to control it from anywhere. Forget to turn the air down after you have already left for vacation?
Is MRCOOL made in the USA? ›All MRCOOL products, including Mini Splits, Air Conditioners, Heat Pumps and Furnaces, are designed, created and manufactured by MRCOOL. Proudly an American company, MRCOOL plans, designs and ships from Kentucky, USA - where both the Headquarters and Warehouse are located.
Does MRCOOL come with electrical wiring? ›Like all mini-split kits, the electrical is not included and needs to be bought separately. Every electrical setup will be different since the location of the unit and power always changes. If you have no idea how to wire the unit, be sure to call a professional. Mr.
What is the difference between Mr Cool DIY Gen 3 and 4? ›The higher the SEER rating, the more efficiently the unit operates. MRCOOL's new 4th GEN DIY single zone offers increased SEER ratings over their 3rd generation counterparts. MRCOOL's 12K single zone unit boasts a 22 SEER rating. The 12K, 18K, and 24K units come with an Energy Star certification.
What is the lowest temperature for Mr Cool DIY? ›For example, the lowest temperature setting on the MrCool DIY is 62 degrees. Most mini splits are not going to let you set the temperature down to 50 degrees. But if you're going to be out of the house for a few weeks in the winter, setting the temperature down to a lower temperature is a good idea.
How much clearance does a MRCOOL indoor unit need? ›The indoor unit should be installed on the wall at a height of 2.3m/7.55ft or more from the floor. The indoor unit should be installed allowing a minimum clearance of 15cm/5.9in from the ceiling. Any variations in pipe length will/may require adjustment to refrigerant charge. There should not be any direct sunlight.
What thermostat works with MRCOOL? ›MRCOOL MiniStat IR WiFi Thermostat for Ductless Mini Split
The MRCOOL WiFi thermostat is compatible with MRCOOL DIY, Advantage, Olympus ES, Hyper Heat, and all MRCOOL Multi-Zone Series mini split air conditioners.
| Air direction/circulation | 4-way | 34.39 |
|---|---|---|
| Amperage (amps) | 45 A | 36000 BTU |
| BTU Heat Rating | 36000 BTU | White |
| Color/Finish | White | 187.83 |
| Coverage Area (sq. ft.) | 375 | 65 dBA |
For the smaller 3-zone outdoor MrCool DIY unit (DIY-MULTI3-18HP230), you will need a 35A maximum breaker. For the bigger 4-zone outdoor unit (DIY-MULTI4-27HP230), you will need a 45A maximum breaker. In short, all Mr Cool DIY Multi-Zone indoor units require a 15A breaker.
How many BTUs do I need to cool 800 square feet? ›Is Goodman better than MRCOOL? ›
SEER Ratings:
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings measure the efficiency of a cooling system. Both Goodman and MRCOOL offer mini-split systems with high SEER ratings, but MRCOOL's units tend to have higher ratings overall.
| Room Type | Room Size | Recommended BTU |
|---|---|---|
| 12 x 12 room | 144 sq ft | 5,000 BTU |
| 12 x 24 room | 576 sq ft | 12,000 BTU |
| 13 x 13 room | 169 sq ft | 6,000 BTU |
| 14 x 16 room | 224 sq ft | 6,000 BTU |
The primary disadvantage of mini splits is their cost. They are generally priced around traditional AC systems. Correct sizing of the system is important. Over-sized or incorrectly installed equipment often result in short-cycling; wasting energy and unable to properly control the temperature or humidity.
What is the life expectancy of a mini split AC system? ›So, How Long Do Mini Split Systems Last? The question “how long do mini split systems last” does not have a definitive answer. However, we do have enough experience to confidently state you can expect 10 – 15 years of efficient, reliable use when you purchase a quality system from a reputable manufacturer.
Are MRCOOL mini splits good in cold climates? ›The MRCOOL DIY cold weather performance is pretty impressive. In fact, most mini split models can effectively heat homes at temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit. This type of performance makes it suitable for most climates and conditions throughout the United States.
What is the #1 HVAC brand? ›| Brand | Superlative | SEER Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier | Best Performance | Up to 26 |
| Lennox | Best Energy Efficiency | Up to 28 |
| Trane | Best Warranty | Up to 22 |
| Amana | Best Comfort Control | Up to 25 |
- Window Unit AC — 10 years.
- Residential single whole-home unit — 15 years.
- Heat pumps — 15 years (and up to 20–25 years if well-maintained and in a well-insulated home)
- Steam boilers — 15 to 35 years depending on the type of boiler.
- American Standard.
- Amana.
- Lennox.
- Frigidaire.
- Rheem.
- Coleman.
- Heil.
- Trane.
Choose MRCOOL for Reliable Heating and Cooling. Heat pumps are practical, energy-efficient and high-performing heating and cooling solutions for residential homes.
What size breaker for MrCool DIY 36k? ›| MRCOOL DIY 36,000 BTU 16 SEER Ductless Mini Split AC and Heat Pump with Wireless-Enabled Smart Controller | |
|---|---|
| Suction Line | 5/8" |
| Electrical | 208/230V 1 Phase 60 Hz |
| Max Breaker Size | 40 Amps |
| Min. Breaker Size | 25 Amps |
What voltage does Mrcool use? ›
115v - MRCOOL - Heat Pump - Mini Split Air Conditioners - Heating, Venting & Cooling - The Home Depot.
How many sq ft will a 3 ton AC cool? ›Is a 3-ton air conditioner enough for my house? Apart from the capacity of the air conditioner, you also need to account for things like your climate, house size, and existing insulation. In general, a 3-ton air conditioner will work well in an area of around 1,200 square feet.
What SEER rating do I need? ›Since January 2006, all residential air conditioners sold in the United States must have a SEER of at least 13. ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioners must have a SEER of at least 14. By upgrading from SEER 9 to SEER 14, you can reduce your energy consumption by more than 35%.
Can you replace just the outside AC unit? ›If your AC is newer, you may be able to replace just the outdoor unit. In many cases, this could lead to decreased energy efficiency or early AC failure. Installing a new AC costs between $3,800 to $7,500. Replacing just the outdoor unit can sometimes void the warranty.
How many square feet will a 24000 mini split cool? ›A 24,000 BTU system will generally heat and cool a space that is around 1,500 sq. ft. However, this number will vary based on a few other factors.
Where are MRCOOL products manufactured? ›MRCOOL is designed, warehoused and processed in Hickory, Kentucky. The company, MRCOOL, has been a leader in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) products since 2014.
What is the SEER rating for MRCOOL 4th generation? ›The MRCOOL 4th Generation DIY 18K BTU, 22 SEER Ductless Heat Pump system offers a complete solution to your home's heating and cooling needs. This system can heat and cool an area up to 750 sq. ft. and is capable of an Energy Star certified, 22 SEER efficiency rating.
Is MRCOOL HVAC any good? ›Is MRCOOL a trusted and reliable HVAC appliance brand? Yes, absolutely! MRCOOL is routinely one of the best-reviewed and most popular HVAC brands on the market. Hundreds of thousands of consumers have installed a MRCOOL unit in their homes without needing to have a technician come out.
Where do you put the MRCOOL thermostat? ›You should install your thermostat in a central spot with plenty of air circulation for the best readings. This location should also be easy to access since you'll want to adjust your thermostat without inconveniencing yourself.
What size MRCOOL do I need? ›12k BTU = up to 500 square feet. 18k BTU = 450 to 750 square feet. 24k BTU = 700 to 1000 square feet. 36k BTU = 950 to 1500 square feet.
Does every room need a mini split? ›
Do I Need a Ductless Unit in Every Room of the House? No. While you won't need a single indoor unit for every room in the home, the outdoor unit does attach to multiple indoor wall-mounted units. In most homes, this typically means having indoor units in main living areas.
How many BTU do I need for a 1000 square foot mini split? ›| Mini Split AC Sizing Chart | |
|---|---|
| Square Footage of Your Space | BTUs Needed (per hour) |
| 550 to 700 sq. ft. | 14,000 BTUs |
| 700 to 1,000 sq. ft. | 18,000 BTUs |
| 1,000 to 1,200 sq. ft. | 21,000 BTUs |
You only need basic tools like a stud finder, drill, level, 3.5-inch hole saw, and wrenches. Our easy-to-read installation manual will guide you through the entire process, step by step. Should you ever get stuck or have a problem, you can call us at 270-366-0457 to speak with Tech Support.
Are MrCool mini split lines pre charged? ›This easy-to-use line set greatly simplifies the installation process. It is pre-charged from the factory for the precise amount of refrigerant necessary for both the 2-3 ton & 4-5 ton MrCool Universal heat pump split system. Which means that this line set requires no charging in the field and no vacuuming.
What is the easiest mini split to install yourself? ›MrCool is the #1 brand in the DIY mini split industry. They were the first ones to introduce ductless mini split systems an average Joe can install himself. These units are the easiest to install and have the best specs; they are the go-to choice for most homeowners looking for a DIY mini split unit.
What tools do I need for MrCool DIY mini split? ›- Stud finder.
- Level.
- Drill.
- 3 1/2-inch hole saw.
- Adjustable wrench.
In general, ductless mini-split systems are fairly easy to install, especially in the case of a single unit mounted to an exterior wall. It becomes slightly more complicated as more units are added or if units are placed on interior walls, as you'll need to work piping through the drywall to the exterior of the house.
Do mini splits work for whole house? ›A Ductless mini-split air conditioner is capable of cooling and heating a whole house with the right system and proper care. Multiple units can be connected to a network that efficiently provides air across the entirety of the home. Most homes required multiple mini-split air conditioning units to cool them.
Can you use mini split AC for entire house? ›A mini split can cool one room, an entire house, or any size area in between. Generally, one air handler can heat and cool a single room with no obstructions. After that, you can add up to eight indoor units to a heat pump.
What are the disadvantages of mini split systems installation? ›The primary disadvantage of mini splits is their cost. They are generally priced around traditional AC systems. Correct sizing of the system is important. Over-sized or incorrectly installed equipment often result in short-cycling; wasting energy and unable to properly control the temperature or humidity.
What size breaker for MRCOOL universal? ›
| 4 Ton 18 SEER MRCOOL Universal Series Heat Pump System | |
|---|---|
| Electrical | 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz |
| Max Breaker Size | Indoor Unit: 15A | Outdoor Unit: 45A |
| Min. Breaker Size | Indoor Unit: 4A | Outdoor Unit: 35A |
| Tonnage | 4 Ton |
| Air direction/circulation | 4-way | 34.39 |
|---|---|---|
| Amperage (amps) | 45 A | 36000 BTU |
| BTU Heat Rating | 36000 BTU | White |
| Color/Finish | White | 187.83 |
| Coverage Area (sq. ft.) | 375 | 65 dBA |
| MRCOOL DIY 36,000 BTU 16 SEER Ductless Mini Split AC and Heat Pump with Wireless-Enabled Smart Controller | |
|---|---|
| Suction Line | 5/8" |
| Electrical | 208/230V 1 Phase 60 Hz |
| Max Breaker Size | 40 Amps |
| Min. Breaker Size | 25 Amps |
According to the National Electrical Code, major appliances including ductless mini splits should have their own dedicated circuit. A dedicated circuit is one that has its own circuit breaker. This prevents it from overloading and tripping other circuit breakers in the electrical box.
Do you have to pull a vacuum on a MRCOOL mini split? ›Because the lines for the system are pre-charged and don't require any vacuuming, mini split units can be installed without the need for a professional.
Does MRCOOL mini split have a thermostat? ›One Thermostat to one Air Handler gives you independent controls for multiple areas all from a single smartphone app.
How many hours does it take to install a mini split? ›Your ductless mini-split system installation usually takes about 4-6 hours, but really depends on how many indoor units you have. A system with just one room will of course take far less time than a system with several rooms involved. Here's a quick guide to determine if you'll need a mini-split unit in every room.
What is the average labor cost to install a mini split? ›Labor Costs
A basic installation takes five to 10 hours, and HVAC technicians usually charge between $75 and $150 per hour. That's $375 to $1,500 for a straightforward install.
| Space Capacity | BTU Level |
|---|---|
| 350 square feet | 9,000 BTU |
| 500 square feet | 12,000 BTU |
| 750 square feet | 18,000 BTU |
| 1000 square feet | 24,000 BTU |