MRCOOL Mini-Split Line Set Inside Wall

[ardpub]

I'm looking for some advice before starting my mini-split install. This is the MRCOOL 12k DIY model, which comes with a 25' pre-charged line set.

I think my only option is to place the condenser just opposite the wall the indoor evaporator unit will be mounted on because placing it further to use up more line set would require four to five 90 degree turns--probably not going to happen with precharged.

I'm penetrating the wall where there is currently space for a window AC (I'll be closing in soon) so I could try to hide some line set in the wall. I'm not sure about 20' though, and I'd be particularly nervous about the exterior wall termination and it's moisture seal, as opposed to a piece of PVC all the way through.

All the manual says is minimum bending radius is 4in. I've seen MRCOOL installation videos that suggest keeping the excess line coiled, so pooling doesn't seem to be a big issue.

Would I be better off just coiling the extra line behind the condenser? I'm in South Louisiana where we get very hot and humid Summers, so was thinking about better insulating lines as well as aesthetics.

This is the alternative install route that I think has too many 90degree turns

 

[BAM2875]

My condenser and evaporator are basically just on opposite sides of the wall from each other. I coiled up the whole lineset within one stud bay. This was almost 4 years ago. At the time, there was some information posted by Mr Cool I believe that this vertical coiling was fine. I read maybe a year ago that this vertical coiling may not be recommended by them now. I understand that generally there could be a concern with pooling for vertical coils. Other than the fact that I have a leak somewhere that I need to find, mine has been working great, and the install is very clean looking. I posted my install comments on the big Mr Cool thread, but my biggest worry with the install was bending the copper portion of the lineset at the back of the evaporator to get it to go into the wall so that it could be coiled up there without kinking it.

 

[ardpub]

My condenser and evaporator are basically just on opposite sides of the wall from each other. I coiled up the whole lineset within one stud bay. This was almost 4 years ago. At the time, there was some information posted by Mr Cool I believe that this vertical coiling was fine. I read maybe a year ago that this vertical coiling may not be recommended by them now. I understand that generally there could be a concern with pooling for vertical coils. Other than the fact that I have a leak somewhere that I need to find, mine has been working great, and the install is very clean looking. I posted my install comments on the big Mr Cool thread, but my biggest worry with the install was bending the copper portion of the lineset at the back of the evaporator to get it to go into the wall so that it could be coiled up there without kinking it.

Thanks for the reply. That was one of my biggest concerns--tight turns into and exiting the wall.

I've since had another idea to route all the lines except drain line through an interior wall, around the inside of my garage, and out opposite garage exterior wall. Will be far easier to seal the wall, use up all 25' of copper line set, and keep it in a little cooler environment. Condenser will be a little close to a picket fence (~60" while MRCOOL recommends 79") but I thinking there will still be adequate airflow given the location.

Any reason this is a bad idea?

 

[BAM2875]

Yes, seems fine. I think I found my leak at multiple u-bends on the inside coil. It's under warranty, but I'm going to have to remove the lineset in the wall because there is no flare connection as far as I remember on the DIY indoor unit. Glad I didn't patch the drywall yet, but now that the DIY is no longer DIY, I would really rather run a permanent lineset in the wall that is the right length in case repairs are needed again in the future or I just want to install something new. Something to consider when routing a lineset that can't be reused for a different unit

 

[ardpub]

Yes, seems fine. I think I found my leak at multiple u-bends on the inside coil. It's under warranty, but I'm going to have to remove the lineset in the wall because there is no flare connection as far as I remember on the DIY indoor unit. Glad I didn't patch the drywall yet, but now that the DIY is no longer DIY, I would really rather run a permanent lineset in the wall that is the right length in case repairs are needed again in the future or I just want to install something new. Something to consider when routing a lineset that can't be reused for a different unit

Good point. I think I'm convinced to avoid hiding in will. The route through the garage will have more turns but I'm hoping as long as I get the bends right the first time I'll be ok. Thanks.