DIY Ideal Air heat pumps?

[tankd0g]

While researching mini splits I came across Ideal Air which have pre-vacuumed head units and DIY quick connects. Does anyone own one of these units? The cost of getting someone in to install a Fujitsu is really turning me off them, no one will just come in and charge it for cheap, they all insist on doing the entire install or nothing. Anyone know of any other DIY brands?

 

[jad3675]

While researching mini splits I came across Ideal Air which have pre-vacuumed head units and DIY quick connects. Does anyone own one of these units? The cost of getting someone in to install a Fujitsu is really turning me off them, no one will just come in and charge it for cheap, they all insist on doing the entire install or nothing. Anyone know of any other DIY brands?

You can install a Fujitsu yourself. They come pre-charged with R410A, and are one of the most forgiving when it come to minimum/maximum lineset length. Two hundred bucks in HVAC tools and you're set.

John

 

[anthonyc12]

24,000 BTU - 15 SEER could be the right one for you
have a look at the following points

Can be used with the optional programmable thermostat with up to 4 temperature settings each day. (see related products)
Flexible stainless steel pre-charged 23' line set with quick connect fittings allows for easy Do It Yourself installation. No technician required.
High energy efficiency performance: 15 SEER using advanced DC inverter compressor.
Mini-Split inverter technology offers up to 30% savings.
Auto restart after power failure.
Ambient air temperature and individual room conditions will affect performance.
Must have a dedicated power circuit.
One year manufacturer warranty.

 

[tankd0g]

You can install a Fujitsu yourself. They come pre-charged with R410A, and are one of the most forgiving when it come to minimum/maximum lineset length. Twi hundred bucks in HVAC tools and you're set.

John

I haven't been able to find any videos on installing one of those yet, is it as simple as pulling a vacuum on the lines and opening a service valve on the outdoor unit?

 

[tankd0g]

24,000 BTU - 15 SEER could be the right one for you
have a look at the following points

Can be used with the optional programmable thermostat with up to 4 temperature settings each day. (see related products)
Flexible stainless steel pre-charged 23' line set with quick connect fittings allows for easy Do It Yourself installation. No technician required.
High energy efficiency performance: 15 SEER using advanced DC inverter compressor.
Mini-Split inverter technology offers up to 30% savings.
Auto restart after power failure.
Ambient air temperature and individual room conditions will affect performance.
Must have a dedicated power circuit.
One year manufacturer warranty.

If I can find a retailer in Canada I'll probably buy one, sure like the idea of a flexible line rather that screwing around with copper.

 

[jad3675]

I haven't been able to find any videos on installing one of those yet, is it as simple as pulling a vacuum on the lines and opening a service valve on the outdoor unit?

Yes.

Pressure test line set with Nitrogen (or any noble gas) to 450psi. Let sit overnight, verify there is no leakage. Vacuum to 500 microns and release the freon.

When you're dealing with something as complicated as a mini-split, I'd rather go with a name brand unit than one of those internet special. I checked out Ideal's web page - they appear to have a lot of warranty exclusions.

Here's a great thread on a mini-split self install:
http://ecorenovator.org/forum/geothermal-heat-pumps/683-sanyo-24khs72-ac-hp-diy-install-project.html

John

 

[tankd0g]

Yes.

Pressure test line set with Nitrogen (or any noble gas) to 450psi. Let sit overnight, verify there is no leakage. Vacuum to 500 microns and release the freon.

When you're dealing with something as complicated as a mini-split, I'd rather go with a name brand unit than one of those internet special. I checked out Ideal's web page - they appear to have a lot of warranty exclusions.

Here's a great thread on a mini-split self install:
http://ecorenovator.org/forum/geothermal-heat-pumps/683-sanyo-24khs72-ac-hp-diy-install-project.html

John

Thanks, I can always use some new tools

 

[jad3675]

Thanks, I can always use some new tools

Northways (http://www.northwaysmachinery.com/) has pretty good prices on manifold gauges and other HVAC tools. They have an ebay store too, with good pricing.

John

 

[JakeKohl]

Yes.

Pressure test line set with Nitrogen (or any noble gas) to 450psi. Let sit overnight, verify there is no leakage. Vacuum to 500 microns and release the freon.

When you're dealing with something as complicated as a mini-split, I'd rather go with a name brand unit than one of those internet special. I checked out Ideal's web page - they appear to have a lot of warranty exclusions.

Here's a great thread on a mini-split self install:
http://ecorenovator.org/forum/geothermal-heat-pumps/683-sanyo-24khs72-ac-hp-diy-install-project.html

John

Holy cow...if that's one of those coated flexible gas lines laying on the ground behind his unit that he has installed to run a gas line into an area of his house, I'm not sure I would trust much of anything he says. For starters, that stuff is not for outdoors (added to which I see a joint where water can get into the vinyl coating), and for second, suppose it springs a leak behind the outdoor mini-split and the motor fires up with a little spark inside the contacts?

His pad looks like it could start sliding/moving with just a little water flow erosion, and the drain line from the indoor unit is perfectly long enough (and unsecured) that it could droop down to the ground and clog.

 

[jad3675]

Holy cow...if that's one of those coated flexible gas lines laying on the ground behind his unit that he has installed to run a gas line into an area of his house, I'm not sure I would trust much of anything he says. For starters, that stuff is not for outdoors (added to which I see a joint where water can get into the vinyl coating), and for second, suppose it springs a leak behind the outdoor mini-split and the motor fires up with a little spark inside the contacts?

His pad looks like it could start sliding/moving with just a little water flow erosion, and the drain line from the indoor unit is perfectly long enough (and unsecured) that it could droop down to the ground and clog.

I don't believe he has natural gas at his house; he is in MA and has hearing oil. Hence the mini for some supplemental heat.

He did his install 3 years ago - so far I don't think the pass has moved.

I not saying it's the end all thread on installs. He has some good info in there, though.

John