Mr Cool DIY mini split

[streetdaddy]

Just bought one of these diy mini splits. Was going to get a window shaker but for less than $200 more i found this. Video makes it look so easy!

 

[Capt Chrysler]

Looks simple. keep us posted on how it works.

But does the air / moisture in the wall unit effect the charge / performance of the system?

Capt. Chrysler

 

[theoldwizard1]

The biggest issues are getting the BIG hole cleanly through the wall for the line set, electrical and drain. It looks like they might have "sleeved" the hole with a piece of PVC (provided?). You probably should pack that hole with some kind of removable insulation. It would be best if the other screws were on studs. Check the instructions and see if toggle bolts are sufficient (likely yes, but you might need 4 instead of just 2)

Be extra careful bending the copper tubes. You don't want any kinks. Make sure all connections are tight (2 wrenches, like they said).

Unless you run into something unforeseen, it is as easy as the video.

 

[streetdaddy]

Thanks guys! I am excited. $1077 shipped/no tax. Compared to $929 for through the wall+sleeve+Screen. More btu's, more efficient. Really a no brainer.

I will have the block up where i will be hanging inside unit to make sure it is secure. I will hang the outside unit on the wall. On the north side of the house, so should stay shaded.

 

[ewang]

Good luck on the install. Please keep us posted.

 

[fabjunkie]

Did you get this installed yet? What size did you buy? How big of a space? How's it working?

 

[monkeyspanners]

With the indoor wall bracket, there should be one screw hole centrally at the top, hang the bracket on this first and use a level to make sure the bracket is level, then mark out where you want to put the fixings. If you just go off the ceiling with the cardboard template its possible the ceiling is out and the thing won't drain.
You need to put fixings near where the hooks are on the top and bottom of the bracket, the unit doesn't weigh much dry but if there is a fault and it freezes up it will be very heavy, the fixings need to take this into account.
Hole through the wall need to be pitched downwards. Don't put it too near the ceiling or the cover will be impossible to remove later on when needed.

 

[JCSWFL]

I just purchased one of these DIY units. It'll be delivered tomorrow. I'm replacing a noisy-ish 10,000 BTU wall A/C unit. Current unit has about a 59db rating when the fan is on low (per my iPhone app). Too loud to carry a decent phone conversation and hear the other person on the other end. Looking forward to a quieter A/C unit for sure.

Can't really complain for $1,000...hopefully everything goes smoothly and I can have it installed in a couple of hours.

 

[Heel2toe]

Im starting to look into how Im going to heat my detached garage and being a hands on kinda guy like Im sure most others on this forum are, the DIY aspect of the Mr Cool mini splits is what intrigued me.

With that being said, Im starting my research on the best way to go about heating my garage. I understand that everything in life has compromises so Im not sure there is a "best" heater but moreso Im looking at what is best for me given my needs and my budget.

Im having a couple HVAC guys over to get some estimates on a unit but it seems Im going to be in the neighborhood of ~$5000 with a nice Mitsubishi mini split which is far more than Im looking to spend.

I have not done the load calculations yet so Im not sure what I need from a BTU perspective but it seems they have units ranging from 13000-30000 so Im sure something in the middle will be sufficient.

However, the one thing I am having a tough time gathering is how well one of these Mr Cool min splits will work in low temperature situations. I live in Massachusetts so temps can dip down below 0. Now I don't anticipate working out in the garage with temps that low but it would be nice to know if needbe that I could crank the heat and go out to work. Does anyone have any info on this and/or real world experience with a properly sized Mr Cool mini split to confirm that using a mini split heat pump would be suitable as my only heat source in the garage during low temps? Thanks in advance!

 

[Jim Dawson]

I just installed a Mitsubishi mini-split for less than half the $5000 you were quoted. I did everything myself except hook up the refrigeration lines, pump it down and start it. My total cost was around $2200.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=309258

 

[AZpilot]

I wish people would come back and tell us how it all went.

 

[AZpilot]

Looking at a 18K Mr. Cool mini split. Any input?

 

[Spdstr280Z]

I wish people would come back and tell us how it all went.

Agreed, these "Mr. Cool" units seem almost too good to be true. Would love some feedback. I'm sure they are generic China units, but considering my local company wants $4K for a Chinese rebrand with a "Trane" sticker on it, these are very interesting.

Jason

 

[rebelranger]

All the Mr. Cool folks always have really low post counts. I think are bots.

 

[Bigbandguy]

Like many I would like a good answer to this. My little quart jar shop currently has a a portable unit and I know that isn't going to cut it in the Summer. I will either spring for a mini (which would pick up some of the heat load in Winter) or a through the wall unit. It would be nice to know some options that does not include spending a fortune.

 

[James-W]

Since he didn't come back and tell us how it turned out I am not sure what to think about it. I suspect it didn't turn out so well or else he would have come back and told us how great it was working. Or it could be that his computer broke and he hasn't gotten a new one yet, although that is rather doubtful.

 

[AZpilot]

I don't think he is a bot with 118 posts. The one with 4 yes.

 

[Spdstr280Z]

Like many I would like a good answer to this. My little quart jar shop currently has a a portable unit and I know that isn't going to cut it in the Summer. I will either spring for a mini (which would pick up some of the heat load in Winter) or a through the wall unit. It would be nice to know some options that does not include spending a fortune.

Maybe I'm an optimist, but people like to complain, ***** and moan. If there aren't a lot of negative reviews, they MAY be OK. But it would be great to see some good reviews before I spend a grand....

Jason

 

[JCSWFL]

Haha, I see that there are quite a few on here that think all Mr. Cool owners are bots. I assume that both rebelranger and AZpilot are referring to me as I only have a few posts (I think this is my 6th). I'm not a bot. You can msg me and I'll share my contact info so you can personally talk to me about it. Or next time you are in FL let me know and I'll make you a margarita! You can read my thread on my DIY install. I just updated. I don't frequent these forums but for some reason decided to come back and browse through. Maybe my review will help someone else out.

My Mr. Cool unit is the best value I could have hoped for...not much more I can say about it besides it has been working great and has exceeded my expectations so far. I'll be buying another for my guest cottage in the near future. You can see my cottage on Flipkey by searching for p455003 in case you still think I'm a bot.

Anyway, enough ranting. My Mr. Cool is awesome and I'm not a bot nor a paid spokesman...just a savvy consumer that found a way to save a few thousand dollars and wanted to share my experience with others.

 

[fatTony]

I just installed the MrCool 24K DIY unit in my garage about 2 weeks ago. While I was doing my research in this system I saw that there was little feedback from those who have pulled the trigger. I bought mine from Ingram's and posted a review there. But, I will save you the hassle of looking there and post a copy here:

This unit has been A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! It wasn't the easiest thing in the world to install as I wanted to install the air handler on one wall of my 800 sqft garage and the compressor on a adjacent wall. However, with a little time it wasn't too hard. To get this right (since I had a bit of a complicated install) it simply took some planning. The unit has been running for two weeks and I have not had any problems at all. My unit does not freeze up at all. If I could change one of my decisions during the install it would be to use a 4" line-hide kit. I used a 3" SpeediChannel line set cover. While 3" did fit, it was very difficult around the 90 degree bends as I had 3 of them.

I deviated from the installation instructions just a little bit.

First, I did not use any of the corrugated drain line. I used a dishwasher/garbage disposal drain adaptor and connected the units short 4 ft drain line straight to 1/2" PVC line. Doing this method I will ensure that I get no leaks and I have my drain connected neatly into my downspout with goes underground to a french drain.

And second, the unit comes with a very handy 3 piece connector that allows you to connect the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. The problem with this connector is that it will not fit through 1/2" watertight conduit. I doubt it would fit through any 1/2" conduit. In order to make the electrical panel water tight, I decided to cut the connector about 2 inches down. This then allowed me place some bullet connectors on each wire. With each wire separated, I could then feed the conduit over the connectors and reconnect the wires to the "connector leads" and make everything water tight.

I have had the unit up and running for two weeks now and I am nothing but thrilled. I was quoted $8,000 by a local company to install an AC unit in my garage in this manner. I did it myself for $1600. A no brainer if you ask me.

Attached are some photos of my install and the connector rewiring I described earlier.

 

[fatTony]

All the Mr. Cool folks always have really low post counts. I think are bots.

Oh, and I'm not a bot. Not that you're calling ME one. I just registered on this site to give you some of the feedback those on this thread were asking about.

 

[Jo Diesel]

Usually you can use a paper clip or small pocket screw driver and get the wires out of the plug.
Nice write up, thanks for sharing

 

[SALIV8]

thanks fat Tony. Awesome install and appreciate the pics and write up!!

 

[Oldgloryfirearms]

Fat Tony- I couldnt tell from the pics but did you wire the unit to a cut off switch mounted outside than from there to your panel? I am assuming its breakerd at 20 amp

 

[Spdstr280Z]

The 18K unit I received today specifies a 20 amp breaker.

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[fatTony]

Usually you can use a paper clip or small pocket screw driver and get the wires out of the plug.
Nice write up, thanks for sharing

I agree that usually you can get then out pretty easily using this method. However, I tried for about an hour with no luck. In fact I found myself starting to bend one of the leads inside the connector so that is when I decided to stop.

 

[fatTony]

Fat Tony- I couldnt tell from the pics but did you wire the unit to a cut off switch mounted outside than from there to your panel? I am assuming its breakerd at 20 amp

Correct. There is an air conditioning disconnect switch to the left in that picture on the adjacent exterior wall. It is a typical 60A non-fused disconnect switch. WRT the circuit breaker, they specify a 25A circuit for the 24K unit. Finding one of those at the box stores is like trying to find a football bat. I just used a 30A breaker. It won't damage anything.

 

[Oldgloryfirearms]

Correct. There is an air conditioning disconnect switch to the left in that picture on the adjacent exterior wall. It is a typical 60A non-fused disconnect switch. WRT the circuit breaker, they specify a 25A circuit for the 24K unit. Finding one of those at the box stores is like trying to find a football bat. I just used a 30A breaker. It won't damage anything.

I am looking at the 18 k myself so i will be fine with a 20 in the panel . unfortunately it wont happen till next year but i am starting to hoard cash now for it

 

[TTTTTT]

Looking as well to put a mini split. For any you who have done the install or professional installers. Is there any reason why the line set on the outside cannot be fed through a insulated stud cavity in wall and then come out where the connection to the compressor is or does it have to be on the outside. A typical forced air unit would have it going to the furnace direct anyway. I would like to put a 10-12' run in a wall cavity?

Thx

 

[Spdstr280Z]

Many do exactly that, and I am wishing I could right now. At this point many mini splits seem to be put in existing construction, and it is generally far easier to run an outside wall than open up a wall. The only down side that I can think of to being in a wall is access if there is a problem later. Well, that or putting a hole in it when hanging something...

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[SALIV8]

Looking as well to put a mini split. For any you who have done the install or professional installers. Is there any reason why the line set on the outside cannot be fed through a insulated stud cavity in wall and then come out where the connection to the compressor is or does it have to be on the outside. A typical forced air unit would have it going to the furnace direct anyway. I would like to put a 10-12' run in a wall cavity?

Thx

I dont have a mini split myself, and have only been researching so far, so my repsonse is only to what I have seen. But yes, many mini split owners run the linesets hidden in the wall.

 

[TTTTTT]

That would be my concern as well. I guess you could put it in a flexible conduit and then be easier to replace them line if needed any the wall is finished.
Dave

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[TTTTTT]

I dont have a mini split myself, and have only been researching so far, so my repsonse is only to what I have seen. But yes, many mini split owners run the linesets hidden in the wall.

Great. I won't love to do it this way. Thx

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[TTTTTT]

Would!

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[jeopardy98]

I bought one of these a year ago for a 1000 sq ft garage under my house. It's been amazing. Install wasn't terrible. I hid my line set in the wall but be warned the DIY kit is only offered with a 26' lineset and bending that and going through studs with 16" joists was quite tricky. If I had to do it again I would run it outside and cover it with vinyl and be done.

The new units now come with wifi and can be controlled with your smartphone. I didn't get that option when I bought mine.

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[TTTTTT]

Thx. Great info. I would have a short run. Was that through a 2 x4 or 2x6 studs. Mine will be through 2x6 studs giving a little more room. What size unit did you use? I also have about 1000 sq '

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[jeopardy98]

I went through 2x6 studs. Remember the lineset is precharged and you can't cut it so if you have a short run you will have to find somewhere to hide all the extra. 26' is a ton of copper.

I went with the 24k unit which is really like a 22k unit.

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[TTTTTT]

Thx true. The unit I'm looking at has a 16' lineset with an option for a 26'. The 16 should work. I'll just position the compressor on wall brackets at the right location to make it work. I have the option of putting it at various heights.

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[jeopardy98]

Which unit are you looking at? I couldn't find any with a different length lineset.

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[TTTTTT]

It's not a Mr Cool unit. I'm in Ontario. There's a company in Quebec that distributes similar units. I can post the link. 21 SEER units.

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