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Any HVAC techs willing to serve as a mentor for mini-split install?

W

weimer222

Member
I would like to install a mini-split, at least up to vacuuming the lineset, pressure checking, and adding/reclaiming refrigerant. That is, I want to install the indoor/outdoor units and lineset and attach the flare fittings.

Although I've never done this before, I only had a basic understanding of electricity before I built a 100amp brewer with controllers. I just did a lot of research, took my time, and asked questions of those who know more than me.

I have several questions about the install and wanted to correspond with someone via email. I have the manual for the unit I am considering, Fujitsu 9rls, and have read it several times. I am in no hurry. The install will not occur until next spring. I've asked on a couple boards, including the Michigan Medical Marijuana forums, and have gotten people to say they would help, but never really follow through.

Is there anyone that would be willing to help me out via email? I just need answers to several questions. If willing, could you send me an email at wwraski1@gmail.com. I don't have a big enough post count to send/receive private messages.

Thanks much.
 
the Rock

the Rock

Active member
what exactly do you need to know thats not in the manual. I have installed a couple of these systems
 
G

Guest 18340

While actually vacuuming the lines is straight forward, you need the vacuum pump and you need to know how much vacuum to pull and for how long etc, all the technical stuff.
Most units come precharged with enough refrigerant to suit the line set they come with. Unless some leaks out somehow, you or the tech won't have to add any.
Mini split distributors do not sell replacement parts to the general public, they won't even talk to you unless your an ac contractor, so if you're not 100% sure about installing one just let a contractor do it, that way you're covered under warranty.
I did everything myself except vacuuming the lines. Cost me $100 to have the lines vacuumed. The room was just four wood walls so I didnt have to explain shit.
Make sure you buy a name brand unit (I wouldnt buy anything but a Mr.Slim) and get one that uses inverter.
I don't know where youre from but here in the US mini splits are only now catching on so they're arent many contractors that even know how to install one. Mitsubishi's are the most popular and seem to have alot of service support.
I've also heard good things about LG and Sanyo.
Goodluck.

PS, I dont know that I would post my email addy.
 
Last edited:
the Rock

the Rock

Active member
I dont generally vacuum the lines if no brazing has been done. I just purge them with nitrogen (or freon if handy) NEVER had any problems
 
the Rock

the Rock

Active member
alot of growers who need these its an afterthought so its hard to bring a contractor into a growhouse
Most distributors will sell to the general public(economic crisis) for cash, at least I have had no problems/.
 
O

ogatec

no brazing is necessary on these things, just buy the pre manufactured line sets, they screw on with a wrench.

the vacuumeing out of the lines is important unless you want to fry the compressor, its important to get out ALL the moisture because its not compressable & will cause problems. its an easy task you just need the equipment.

the manifold- you need a special one that can handle the refrigerant(r410?) these run about $200, the vacuum pump ($100), and usually a special adaptor to fit the manifold for the r410($15).all these things can be bought online (www.grainger.com) if your local supply store is giving you problems.(they shouldnt as long as you pay cash & you dont ask questions.)

beyond the equipment its pretty easy, there should be a diagram in the instructions for the unit on how to fit everything together. i know the manifold had one too. i dindnt do this part, a more experienced friend did it for me on both occasions, but after seeing it done + the diagrams i think i could have done it myself.

on most units you shouldnt have to add/remove any refrigerant, unless you have a long run of copper. my freidrich had enough for 45 ft, & the lg had enough for 25ft. both times we stayed within those limits and had no problems.


for the how long to vacuum-this part is easy too the instructions will tell you to vacuum to a certain number on the manifold dial,and/or for atleast 15 min. that number was reached within 5 sec. so we just let the vacuum run for atleast 15 min and everything worked fine. we then turned the vacuum of & waited to 30 min to see if the vac. holds(no leaks) i dont really think you can over vacuum, the point of this step is to remove the moisture..

hope this helps!
 
O

ogatec

lol, it would have been cheaper & easier to have someone come out & do it now that i think about it...
 
the Rock

the Rock

Active member
weimer222 said:
I would like to install a mini-split, at least up to vacuuming the lineset, pressure checking, and adding/reclaiming refrigerant. That is, I want to install the indoor/outdoor units and lineset and attach the flare fittings.

Although I've never done this before, I only had a basic understanding of electricity before I built a 100amp brewer with controllers. I just did a lot of research, took my time, and asked questions of those who know more than me.

I have several questions about the install and wanted to correspond with someone via email. I have the manual for the unit I am considering, Fujitsu 9rls, and have read it several times. I am in no hurry. The install will not occur until next spring. I've asked on a couple boards, including the Michigan Medical Marijuana forums, and have gotten people to say they would help, but never really follow through.

Is there anyone that would be willing to help me out via email? I just need answers to several questions. If willing, could you send me an email at wwraski1@gmail.com. I don't have a big enough post count to send/receive private messages.

Thanks much.
Click to expand...

are you in CA.
 
Seed Buyer

Seed Buyer

Member
I would talk to the manufacturer. With my units the tech support said vacuuming wasn't really needed. He basically had me "bleed" out some air and that was that. My units have been running strong fro a few yrs. When in doubt call thier tech support.
 
G

Guest 18340

Seed Buyer said:
I would talk to the manufacturer. With my units the tech support said vacuuming wasn't really needed. He basically had me "bleed" out some air and that was that. My units have been running strong fro a few yrs. When in doubt call thier tech support.
Click to expand...

Are you a license hvac tech? What brand unit is it? I find it very hard to believe that any tech support would instruct an average joe calling in to just "bleed out some air".
Every mini split manual I've read, with the exceptions of the mini splits that come with line sets that just click into place, tells you that you have to have the lines vacuumed by a licensed tech so as to keep your warranty valid.
 
Seed Buyer

Seed Buyer

Member
No I am not an hvac tech. Having an hvac tech come to the grow was out of the question. I called the companies tech support, told them I was in the sticks and a hvac tech to vacuum the system was not possible. This was over 2yrs ago so I do not remember the conversation verbatim but basically he said the pre charged lines were good to go. While on the phone he told me to bleed the system for 30-40 seconds hook it up and go. No problems to date. I have money, I don't have time. So my mind set was if I get a couple crops and the system fails just buy another unit. I understand all people don't have this liberty. My point was I would at least call the companies tech support and get their thoughts. Whats up w/ your seed company?
 
G

Guest 18340

http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=106100
It's a long thread with a lot of amazing shots and it can better explain what is currently going on with the breeder/owner of Are 51 seeds. He and his wife are super people and from what I can see, the man has a knack for breeding. Worth checking out imo.
 
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