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Newbie DIY mini split install questions

eljay

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Joined
Mar 14, 2014
Messages
208
I am about to embark on installing a single zone mini split in my house and I have some very dumb/silly questions that will make you pros laugh and then, hopefullly, answer. ;)
I just want to prepare all the "little bits" and avoid running to the store 20 times. I am installing the units and then I'm getting AC pro to connect the lines for me.

1. What length screws do I need to attach the exterior line set cover to the house?
I have standard OSB walls, 2" insulation sheets and standard vinyl siding. Do I need to reach and screw into the OSB wall board (so, 3.5" screws) or just attach the cover to the vinyl siding (1/2" screws)?

2. I am installing the indoor unit on an interior wall with a condensate pump. The condensate line will be exiting the house close to the ceiling on the 2nd second floor. The house is on a slab. The condensate line from the pump is very slim. Do I need to attach it to a larger diameter hose (5/8" is the drain hose size from the unit) and exit that out of the house? And once the condensate/drain hose is outside, do I need to get a long one to run it all the way down the house inside the line set cover and drain it at the bottom? Or do I cut into the line set cover where it exits the house and guide the drain hose so it drip on the side of the house?

3. For the house wall penetration (2.5" diameter), do I need to get a piece of pipe to create a sleeve to guide the lines through or just go through the wall and seal the outside? I plan to spray insulation foam into the opening (with or without pipe lining it) once the lines and cables are in place.

Thanks and watch out for more questions as I realize what I got myself into! ;)
 
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Phuckin' Jim

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May 16, 2009
Messages
235
Location
North of the Peg
1) 3-1/2" screws.
2) Run the condensate line inside the cover and let it exit down low.
3) The sleeve you are referring to generally comes with the installation kit included with the mini split. 😁
 

Jinks

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Aug 28, 2012
Messages
2,885
Location
Daytona Beach
Screws long enough to bite into the OSB. You don't need to run through the OSB, just anchor into it. The condensate line can run anywhere, but you don't want the condensate running down the side of the house 'cause it'll stain. Run the line inside the line cover & let it drain down low.
Sleeve, no sleeve, either is fine. Be careful with spray foam, it will expand & crush things. Most likely your condensate drain. All you need to do is seal the opening. Best at the outside, but inside won't hurt either...
 
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eljay

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Mar 14, 2014
Messages
208
Thank you very much!
Unfortunately, I don't have any "installation kit" with my heat pump. I bought a Samsung unit - not exactly DIY market oriented.

My next challenge will be to drill the hole to the outside and somehow pray that I miss the siding rail on the outside! I will be drilling the hole from the inside out. Any tips on avoiding the rail?
It's 18' high on the outside, so I don't know how to perfectly measure the opening from there and go in.
 

Fatboyslim

Active member
Joined
Aug 24, 2014
Messages
26
Buy a long very small diameter bit and drill a test hole to see if it’s in the correct location on the outside
 
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