What Size SlimDuct Do I Need for a 1/4″ x 3/8″ Line Set?

First Name: Joseph

Last Initial: E

Mitsubishi MXZ-4A36NA

36,000 btu. Heat Pump Mini Split

Problem:  What size SlimDuct line set cover do I need to hold a 1/4″ x 3/8″ refrigerant line set, wiring and condensation line?

Solution:  SlimDuct recommends that you use the SD-77 series for installation of line sets for single mini split systems.  The dimensions are 3″ x 2 1/2″ and is made for lines up to 3/8″ x 5/8″  

You can find SlimDuct equipment at the following link:

http://www.clearanceac.com/slimduct-line-set-covers/

Spacing of the Indoor Evaporator in Relation to the Ceiling

First Name: Joseph

Last Initial: E

Mitsubishi MXZ-4A36NA

36,000 btu. Heat Pump Mini Split

Problem:  What should the space between the indoor wall unit and the ceiling be?

Solution:  Ideally, you will want to leave approximately 10 inches between the ceiling and the indoor evaporator.  This leaves enough room for the indoor unit to draw in fresh air through the top and positions the unit high enough to maximize the cooling effectiveness throughout the room.  Cold air settles downward, so the higher the better.  You can mount the indoor evaporator at any level, but the best position is 10 inches below the ceiling. 

Dual Mini Split Air Conditioner Recommendation

First Name:  Vamsi

Last Initial:  O

Problem:  I don’t own any AC yet. I am planning to purchase one. I needed an advice on whether I can get any product that fits my requirement.  I have two rooms that need to be fitted with an AC. My initial analysis is that 1.5 ton would be sufficient for each. So I was wondering if I can purchase a split AC with one compressor (may be 2 tons or so) and two evaporators.  Is this possible? If so which is a good company to go with?  Are there any special considerations with such setup?

Solution:  You have a perfect scenario where a dual or multi split air conditioner should work great.  The ACDE12HP220 is a dual 12,000 btu. Inverter system with two indoor evaporators and one 2 ton condenser.  Each room can operate separately with its own remote controller.  Installation is the same as any other single wall mounted mini split air conditioner with the exception that you need to run two separate line sets to the indoor units instead of just one.  I would recommend either the ACDE12HP220 or the ACDE09HP220 which is a dual 9,000 btu. system.

You can view there specifications at ClearanceAC.com by clicking on this link:

http://www.clearanceac.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=35

Window Unit vs. Mini Split Efficiency

Written by:  Jackie S.

Problem:  Not a problem.  I have a Whirlpool 15,600 btu. window unit through the wall.  It cools to 70 degrees at a reasonable cost.  My question is can I expect an 18,000 btu. mini ductless to perform equally to my Whirlpool or better?  The sizing is right, I just don’t want to get too large or too small of a mini split air conditioner.

Solution: A mini split air conditioner will be a much more economical system than a window through the wall air conditioner.  Older window units are at or below 10 SEER.  Ductless mini split systems start at 13 SEER and at the 18,000 btu. size reach up to 16 SEER.  A 13 SEER unit will save over 30% on your utility bill versus a 10 SEER unit.  Also, mini split systems are much more quiet than a window unit.

Replacing Just the Evaporator of a Mini Split.

Written by Megan A:

Problem:

My inside evaporator will not come on.  I have checked the power, checked the fuses inside the cover, changed the batteries in the remote. Can I use the same compressor and just buy the inside unit or do I have to buy the compressor and evaporator. I have looked everywhere and can not find just the inside unit. I hate to throw away the compressor.

Solution:  After checking that power is indeed reaching the indoor evaporator and the fuse is still intact you most likely have a circuit board failure.  Many manufacturers call it a “PCB Board” and it is a relatively easy repair.  Call your manufacturer to purchase the correct part.  Most manufacturers will have a one year warranty on the circuit board.

If you need to purchase a new evaporator there should not be a problem swapping it with the older unit.  Make sure the model number of the new evaporator matches the old evaporator.  A HVAC installer will be needed to vacuum the line set and recharge the entire system’s refrigeration.  The only difficulty I see is if you have an older 10 SEER evaporator and the only thing available is the newer 13 SEER evaporators.  The two systems will not be compatible.  You will also have to find a distributor that will sell only the evaporator.

My Mini Split Air Conditioner Won’t Start

Written by Terry M:

Problem:  My mini split air conditioner worked great last year when I purchased it and had it installed.  This year I turned on the inside unit and it only blows room temperature air.

Solution:  This is a pretty standard complaint for Springtime consumers.  There are two different strategies to try to find the problem.

1.  Check Electrical Wiring:  Make sure the outdoor condenser is operating while the power is “ON” for the indoor evaporator.  If the outdoor condenser is not operating check the outdoor electrical disconnect.  If it is a fused box make sure the fuses are still operational and the circuit breaker in the electrical box is “ON”.

Check that power is reaching the condenser, either 110 volts or 220 volts depending on the size of your condenser.  There are stickers on the outside condenser that will tell you the proper voltage.

You can then check that the contactor is receiving power between the terminals C and Y.  This should read 24 volts.

If both of these check out properly then it is probably a refrigerant problem.  If the evaporator is calling for power and the unit is low on refrigerant, the low pressure control will prevent it from operating.

2.  Refrigerant:  In most cases a loose fitting or crack in the refrigerant line set will leak the refrigerant that will have an oily feel.  You should call a HVAC professional to check the system.  Most systems will need to have the line sets vacuumed to remove any contamination that may have entered a crack and re-charged to manufacture settings.  This takes a special set of gauges for either R22 or R410A.

Friedrich Window Air Conditioner Leaking Water

Greg, L. Writes:

Problem:

I have water leaking from the air conditioner on the floor in front of it.  Do you know what could be causing it?

Answer:

Most units have a drain pan. At time of installation a mini split air conditioner needs to be angled a ¼” down towards the drain line to help empty the drain pan. Window units need to angled a ¼” from front to back. Ductless systems use gravity to drain condensation, which is a byproduct of air conditioning. Make sure that the drain pan can properly empty by angling the unit.

Things to check if my unit is properly positioned:
A.  Check the drain line for blockage (dirt, leaves, etc.). If you have a blockage take the line off the unit and clean.
B.  Check to make sure drain line is connected to unit properly.
C.  Check for cracks or holes in the drain line.

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