Install Mini Split Without Vacuum Pump
You probably already know that you need a vacuum pump to do the purge. The Yellow Jacket (brand) pump ( they come in sizes rated from.hmmm.I think around 4cfm is good for you) with the psi gauge manifold would cost you around $700 new. You most probably have everything stealth and don't want to call an HVAC guy. You're best bet is to ebay a good used Yellow Jacket 4 cfm vacuum pump with the manifold.
Mini Split Install Cost
I would imagine there's a video online of how to do the purge once you have you vacuum pump rig. Heck, you probably already knew everything I just wrote so now I feel like an idiot! You'll also need nitrogen to charge the system and check for leaks before filling with refrigerant, this prevents you from leaking out the pre-charged refrigerant in the condenser (usually good for 10ft of lineset). You use a set of gauges to test it out(follow a video or tutorial to do all this crap) and like said above to do everything youll need a flaring block, set of gauges, nitrogen tank with regulator, 4cfm+vacuum pump, schrader tool (for the condenser), silicone (plug hole from hole saw), hole saw (for lines to go outside),pad for condenser(prevents rain from backsplashing dirt into coils of condenser ) electrical whip + tools, and a good knowledge or following of DIY tutorials. Insulate the bigger refrigerant line and be sure not to hurt yourself! Outside electrical should be waterproof and rated for outdoor weather make friends with an a/c guy the cool ones usually smoke.
Oct 07, 2012 Ok so long story short, my dad (old guy) installed a cheap mini split system a couple days ago and basically just hooked everything up, opened the valves.
Then just crack open the low side but just a quater turn,to let the refrigerant equalize slowly so the oil in the compressor does not saturate the line,after a min or 2 just open them all the way, but dont crank on it when you feel the oring seat just go a touch more.then put your caps back on and you are ready. Remove duplicate music/ photo files software. This is PURGING Not evacuating (vacum pump) the system. 2 diff things.
The refrigerant lines are made very clean from the manufacturer,they are either put in a vacum or nitrogen charged already that is why they are rubber corked at both ends,this is what keeps them steril till ready for use. I forgot to mention, I live on a hill so I was going to use the installation bracket on the side of the house to put in the outside unit. When I fasten the bracket to the house the best I can get behind the unit will be 10 1/4 to 10 1/2 inches but I see the specs call for 11 4/5 inches. Am I going to have enough clearence behind the unit? I have all kinds of clearence to the side of the unit.
Self Install Mini Split
Mini Split Without Heat Pump
Also the installation bracket I am using was sent with the system but it does not seem like the strongest set of brackets I have ever seen. The unit weighs about 110 pounds. Do brackets have to be overly strong to support these units?
Yes those specs are min requirement most time its 12' min,yes bracket will hold by design but needs to be lagged to your framing, PIA to install and set condenser in, I would just go buy some 3/4 clean size stone,its cheep,then level the whole area out 2x the condenser size,and bring the stone 3 to 4 inches above your final grade then level, place condenser 18' off house this gives good service room, snow and debre clearance,also better air flow to condenser, no pad needed stone has good drainage so condenser wont rot out.