This video documents the DIY installation of a Mr. Cool mini-split air conditioning system in a personal garage, purchased from Lowe's. The presenter, a non-HVAC professional, walks through the entire process, emphasizing the system's DIY-friendly design, primarily due to its pre-charged refrigerant lines which eliminate the need for specialized HVAC tools. The installation involves mounting the indoor head unit, drilling a 3.5-inch hole through the exterior wall (angled for drainage), passing the line set, drain hose, and communication cable, and then installing and leveling the outdoor condenser unit on a bracket. Additional steps include installing an aesthetic and protective line set cover kit, carefully connecting the pre-charged lines, checking for leaks using soapy water, insulating connections, sealing the wall penetration with provided clay, and completing the electrical hookup for both power and control. The video concludes with a successful power-up and test of the newly installed mini-split, highlighting its ease of installation for a typical DIYer.
Mr. Cool DIY Mini-Split: Garage Installation Guide
0:00:01 Project Introduction: The video details the installation of a Mr. Cool DIY mini-split unit in a garage to provide cooling and humidity control, sponsored by Lowe's.
0:00:30 Indoor Unit Preparation: The process begins with unboxing the indoor head unit and using the provided wall plate template for mounting. The area was prepped by removing an old heater.
0:01:36 Locating Studs & Mounting Bracket: The wall plate for the indoor unit is positioned to hit wall studs for secure mounting.
0:04:24 Drilling the Line Set Hole: A 3.5-inch hole is drilled through the garage wall for the refrigerant lines, drain hose, and communication cable using a Mr. Cool branded hole saw.
Key Takeaway: It's crucial to drill this hole at a slight downward angle towards the outside (0:05:01) to allow any moisture to drain away from the interior.
0:07:32 Pre-Charged Line Set: The kit includes a 25ft pre-charged copper line set, a key feature making the installation DIY-friendly as it doesn't require specialized HVAC vacuuming and charging tools.
0:08:08 Installing Wall Sleeve: A plastic sleeve is inserted into the drilled hole to protect the lines and provide a cleaner penetration. This is sealed on the outside (0:09:29).
0:10:46 Preparing and Bundling Lines: The refrigerant lines, drain hose (positioned at the bottom of the bundle), and communication cable are wrapped together with vinyl tape for protection and easier handling.
0:12:36 Mounting the Indoor Unit: The bundled lines are fed through the wall sleeve, and the indoor unit is hung on its previously installed wall bracket.
0:13:25 Outdoor Condenser Unit Setup: The mounting bracket for the outdoor condenser is assembled and securely attached to the exterior wall. The condenser is then placed on the bracket and leveled using its adjustable feet (0:14:42).
0:17:39 Line Set Cover Kit Installation: An optional line set cover kit is installed for improved aesthetics and to protect the lines from UV damage, weather, and pests. The base tracks are mounted first.
0:21:29 Routing and Connecting Lines: The pre-charged line set is carefully uncoiled (only as much as needed, 0:23:32) and routed to the outdoor unit. Connections are hand-tightened first, then secured using two wrenches (0:25:27) to prevent twisting the pipes. Torque specs are mentioned but "feel" is used.
0:26:00 Opening Valves and Leak Check: Protective caps are removed from the service valves on the condenser, and the valves are opened (top one first) to release refrigerant into the system. Connections are then sprayed with soapy water (0:26:57) to check for leaks (none found).
0:27:47 Insulating and Taping Connections: Special insulating tape is wrapped around the line set connections at the condenser. The entire exposed line set is then wrapped with vinyl tape, starting from the bottom and overlapping like shingles (0:29:56) for water run-off.
0:33:37 Sealing Wall Penetration: The gap around the lines in the wall penetration is sealed using the provided sealing clay, with some Rockwool insulation used as a backer from the inside.
0:35:27 Completing Line Set Cover: The remaining pieces of the line set cover are snapped into place over the lines.
0:38:32 Electrical Wiring: Power is supplied to the outdoor unit, and the communication cable from the indoor unit is connected.
Important Detail: The presenter notes using black wire for ground due to availability but labels it with green tape for proper identification (0:40:42). Standard L1, L2, Ground, and numbered control wires are connected as per unit labels (0:44:21).
Key Takeaway: Always follow local electrical codes and hire a certified electrician if unsure or required.
0:48:03 Powering Up and Testing: Fuses are installed in the disconnect box, the breaker is turned on, and the indoor unit is powered up using the remote control. Temperature, fan speed, and swing functions are tested (0:48:53).
0:50:32 Successful DIY Installation: The installation is deemed successful and relatively easy, taking less than a full day. The presenter emphasizes the convenience of purchasing the unit from lowes.com.