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I don't think we have the needed "install expertise" but maybe we can assist.
You'd be surprised just how easy they are to install, especially if you buy ready to attach lines. They are designed to be installed in places that do not have HVAC companies to perform the installation. If you can drill holes, connect a few wires and work a wrench, you can handle it. I also just noticed that Pioneer is now selling kits with ready made lines so you may not even need to learn how to solder and flare the copper lines, which is really the only thing you can mess up, IMO. You can even buy the vacuum pump and manifold gauges for the final evacuation and testing at Harbor Freight -- probably for less than the HVAC tech service call. Pioneer and MrCool have installation manuals online. You can read through them and there are videos on YT that go step by step through the installation including showing how to evacuate and test that the lines are airtight.
Steps as I remember them using ready made lines:
- Identify where you want the outside and inside units. Hanging the inside units on an outside wall will simplify the installation. If you choose an inside wall, you may have to run condensation drain lines either to a sink or to an outside wall and you may need longer control wires and copper lines. To simplify and minimize cost, find a location where you can easily run electrical service outside.
- Get your electrical connection to the location outside the wall. If you are not familiar or comfortable with electrical requirements, hire an electrician.
- Make a pad or buy a wall hanging kit for the compressor unit. The wall kit is recommended if you live somewhere that gets deep snow to maximize heating. I used large concrete pavers so I didn't even need to make forms or mix concrete.
- Drill holes for lines. For outside walls, a ~4" hole where the inside unit will be installed is best. The units come with a template to help with hole location. Unless you have stone or brick, a hole saw works great.
- Mount the compressor on the pad or wall kit.
- Mount the hanging plate to the inside wall. This is basically a French cleat.
- Mount the inside unit on the cleat while feeding the short attached lines, wires and drain through the 4" hole. This is the only part where two sets of hands was needed for me.
- Attach the lines between the short lines and the compressor.
- Connect control wires between the inside and outside unit.
- Connect the power lines.
- Evacuate and test (not necessary with the MrCool DIY)
- Open the valves on the inside and outside unit to fully charge the system
- Pretty it up and protect the lines by installing line set covers.
- Turn it on.
- You just saved a couple thousand dollars at least so go buy more tools.
Steps as I remember them using ready made lines:
- Identify where you want the outside and inside units. Hanging the inside units on an outside wall will simplify the installation. If you choose an inside wall, you may have to run condensation drain lines either to a sink or to an outside wall and you may need longer control wires and copper lines. To simplify and minimize cost, find a location where you can easily run electrical service outside.
- Get your electrical connection to the location outside the wall. If you are not familiar or comfortable with electrical requirements, hire an electrician.
- Make a pad or buy a wall hanging kit for the compressor unit. The wall kit is recommended if you live somewhere that gets deep snow to maximize heating. I used large concrete pavers so I didn't even need to make forms or mix concrete.
- Drill holes for lines. For outside walls, a ~4" hole where the inside unit will be installed is best. The units come with a template to help with hole location. Unless you have stone or brick, a hole saw works great.
- Mount the compressor on the pad or wall kit.
- Mount the hanging plate to the inside wall. This is basically a French cleat.
- Mount the inside unit on the cleat while feeding the short attached lines, wires and drain through the 4" hole. This is the only part where two sets of hands was needed for me.
- Attach the lines between the short lines and the compressor.
- Connect control wires between the inside and outside unit.
- Connect the power lines.
- Evacuate and test (not necessary with the MrCool DIY)
- Open the valves on the inside and outside unit to fully charge the system
- Pretty it up and protect the lines by installing line set covers.
- Turn it on.
- You just saved a couple thousand dollars at least so go buy more tools.
--Nathan, TX. Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way.
