How to Install a Mini-Split Air Conditioner

with plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, This Old House television

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. Mini-split air conditioner

2. Ground pad, for supporting condenser unit

3. 1-inch-diameter PVC pipe and assorted fittings, used as condensate drain line

4. PVC primer and cement, used to join together PVC drain line

5. Armor-sheathed electrical cable, provides line-voltage power to the air conditioner

6. Low-voltage wire, sends signal from air conditioner to condenser

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Drill/driver
- 1 ½-inch hole saw
  to make hole for refrigerant lines
- Level
  used to level pad that supports condenser unit
- Drywall saw or jigsaw
  used to cut hole in interior wall
- Hammer
- Pliers
- Wire strippers
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In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains how to install a mini-split air conditioner.

Steps:

1. Lay pad on ground, check for level, then set condenser unit on top of pad.
2. Use 1 ½-inch hole saw to drill hole through house for refrigerant line.
3. Feed refrigerant line through hole and into basement.
4. Open up wall in room where air conditioner will be located.
5. Run refrigerant line from condenser up to room.
6. Assemble PVC drain line and run it to room.
7. Pull electrical cable and low-voltage wire from condenser to room.
8. Screw metal mounting bracket to wall at manufacturer's recommended height.
9. Hang the air conditioner unit on the bracket.
10. Make final connections, including refrigerant line, PVC drain and electrical wires.
11. Install the air conditioner's cover.

Helpful Info

Ask This Old House: Ductless Air Conditioning

6 to 8 hours

Difficulty: Moderate to hard You can install the ground pad, bore holes and run drain and electrical lines, but leave the final mechanical hookups to the pros