Indoor lineset cover for mini-splits

[branimal]

I've been running lineset inside the wall cavities (2x4) for my install. I drill the holes from the unfinished space below. One of my wall cavities was framed with 1 5/8" deep metal studs.

I've got 2 options.... (A or B)

A. Drill 3 holes - one for each of the following. (I'll have to separate vapor and liquid line)

1. insulated vapor line
2. insulated liquid line
3. condensate and communication wire.

Join the lines in the unfinished space and continue business as usual.

B. Surface mount the lineset/comms wire, etc on the finished space drywall and use a lineset cover. Everything I've seen online so far looks ugly.

What do you guys think?

 

[Hank11]

I think a chase made from the same materials as the wall is in order. If can't be matched then a nice smooth 2x4 and drywall chase mounted on the wall.

 

[pcmeiners]

Just finished up (5) minisplits with the linesets inside the walls. Look better but much more work. If you can live with running outside the wall (or joists) cavities it will be so, so, so much easier...I could not, as surface mount looks like sh** to me. Toughest parts, bending, dust, wall repair, drilling, bit damage from nails, keeping the piping level.
If you do inside cavity installation in metal studs best to have a metal punch set like electrician use.
If you do inside cavity installation in wood stud wall best to have a powerful right angle drill (Milwaukee), proper bits, and a good Sawzall.
Also I would add insulation to cavity area near lineset and behind inside unit , to cut down on possible noise/frequencies. Leave extra lineset/wire in wall just in case you screw up or for latter use.

Personally I think the industry needs to redesign wall and lower wall mounts to look better and lower sound level and objectionable frequencies.

"1 5/8" deep metal studs."

Not much space! Use metal covered 4 wire, if you worried about legality of control wire due to possible screw penetration issues

Southwire EZ-IN 14/4C Shielded Mini-Split THHN PVC-Coated Aluminum Armor /25ft | eBay

Made in the USA. See specs below. This cable is UL Listed and suitable for outdoor/direct burial usage as well as cable tray use. Pictures containing reel labels are representative only to show cable specifications.

www.ebay.com