How to Install a Mini Split
When the time comes to install or replace your mini split air conditioner, you’ll want to know which to choose, where to put it and how to set it up. With our help, you can learn how to install a mini split AC, how to maintain a mini split unit and get things cooled down quickly.
Steps to Installing a Mini Split AC
There are two main parts of the mini split unit. Learn how to install a mini split, indoor and outdoor, below:
Installing the Indoor Unit
- Step 1. Choose a wall that leads to the outside – You want to choose a space on a wall that won’t be obstructed by furniture, shelving or light fixtures. Make sure to avoid installing the unit in direct sunlight or near a heat source.
- Step 2. Locate the studs – It’s important to mount the plate into the studs. You’ll need a hole about 3 inches through the wall to the other side, though, so be sure to account for space in the wall beside the studs to drill this hole.
- Step 3. Level the bracket – Use a level to make sure the bracket is straight and mark the holes with a pencil.
- Step 4. Drill the holes – Drill the holes where you marked the wall and install the bracket.
- Step 5. Drill a hole for the hoses and lines – Refer to the manual to see where the refrigerant lines, drain tubing and control lines are, then mark out where the holes in the wall need to go.
- Step 6. Drill a hole the size of the hole saw’s pilot bit leading outside – Drill a 3 inch hole, angling it downward for better drainage.
- Step 7. Connect the control wire – You may have to remove the back plate to complete this step. Check the installation manual for your unit to see how this is done.
- Step 8. Unfold the refrigerant pipe – Unfold the pipe so it will fit through the hole you’ve made and use electric tape to keep the refrigerant pipe, control wire and drainage tubing together.
- Step 9. Install the unit on the mount – Secure the indoor unit on the wall mount using the hardware provided and put the bundled pipes, wiring and tubing through the hole.
Installing the Outdoor Unit
- Step 10. Choose the location – You can either place the outdoor portion on the ground or on an outside wall using mounting hardware. If placing it on the ground, make sure you have a pad of concrete to secure it to.
- Step 11. Connect the pipes and tubing – Connect the pipes and tubing from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.
- Step 12. Secure the wires and tubing – Attach the wires and tubing to the exterior wall and use a cover to keep them protected.
- Step 13. Connect the pipe joint to the line set – On the back of the unit, connect the pipe joint, then connect the multi-conductor wiring that runs from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.