How to Install Mini Split Systems

Place the evaporator unit on the exterior of the home. If you live in a condo or apartment, check with your maintenance person to see if you have an air-conditioning deck on the exterior or roof of your building. Secure the evaporator unit to the air conditioning deck or roof by drilling pilot holes into the support holes on the bottom of the evaporator unit. Insert screws that are slightly larger than the pilot holes and then drill them into the supporting holes. For metal or concrete surfaces, a carbide-tip drill bit is recommended.

Drill a 3-inch hole through the exterior wall of your building using a power drill and carbide-tip drill bit with a 3-inch diameter. This hole is called the exterior connection hole.

Insert a hose to the air-output hole of the evaporator unit. Tape the end of the hose to the air-output hole using Teflon tape to secure the connection. This hose blows the cold air into the home. Connect the electrical cable to the air-output hose. Bring the hose and electrical cable through the exterior connection hole into your home.

Connect the end of the air-output hose to the air-input hole in your mini-split air conditioner. Tape the end of the hose to the air-input hole using Teflon tape to secure the connection. Plug the electrical cable into the electrical outlet in the mini-split air conditioner.

Connect a new hose to the condensation-leakage hole that is located on the mini-split air conditioner. Tape the end of the hose to the air-input hole using Teflon tape to secure the connection. Place the opposite end of the hose through the exterior connection hole. When the cold air is pushed out of the mini-split air conditioner, moisture forms inside the unit. The condensation-leakage hose draws the liquid outside the home.

Place an electric stud finder on the wall to find wood planks. Mark the wood planks with a vertical line. Drill pilot holes in the wood planks. Insert plastic wall anchors into the pilot holes. Insert screws that are larger than the pilot holes and turn them by hand. If you have a concrete wall, you do not need to find wall studs; simply place the mini-split unit on the wall. Secure the wall unit on the screw mounts.

Wrap the air-output hose, electric cable and condensation-leakage hose together using Teflon tape. (The electrical cable is pre-coated to prevent damage if the hose leaks.) Fill the exterior connection hole with expandable foam to prevent a draft and then secure the hole.