Home Garden

DIY: Ductless Mini-Splits

Many homeowners find that the warm summer months are just too unbearable without an air-conditioning unit for cooling the interior. Unfortunately, some homes do not have the ducting, or passageways, needed for a typical central forced air conditioner. Luckily, air-conditioning units are available that do not require ducting, called mini-splits. A mini-split system uses indoor and outdoor components for generating cool air for one specific room, such as a living room. Installing a ductless mini-split can be a do-it-yourself project, negating the need to pay a professional costly time and labor.

Things You'll Need

  • Stud finder
  • Marker
  • Level
  • Mini-split system
  • Binding belt
  • Screwdriver
  • Screws
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a location for the indoor unit. The unit should be located on a wall approximately 8 feet above the floor. There should be enough space surrounding the unit to allow adequate ventilation.

    • 2

      Locate the wall's studs, or wood supports, with a stud finder. Mark the stud locations with a marker.

    • 3

      Install the supplied wall-mounted plate in the chosen location by securing the assembly with screws and a screwdriver. Use a level to make sure the supporting plate is horizontally straight.

    • 4

      Affix the indoor unit onto the wall plate, securing it with the supplied locks on the plate.

    • 5

      Attach the drain hose and refrigerant pipe to the indoor unit's rear. Drill a hole in the wall large enough to feed the hose through it. Verify that the refrigerant pipe attaches above the drain hose for proper functioning.

    • 6

      Bind the drain hose and refrigerant pipe together with a binding belt. Snake the hose and pipe configuration through the wall until it reaches the intended outside location for the outdoor component.

    • 7

      Confirm that the outdoor unit is placed in its permanent location, typically on a concrete block. The area immediately surrounding the outdoor unit should be large enough for ventilation and future servicing access.

    • 8

      Attach the drain and refrigerant pipes to the outdoor unit. Make sure they are securely attached to prevent leaks.

    • 9

      Plug the indoor and outdoor units into electrical power outlets. Test the system with the supplied remote.