Ductless Guide - Ductless Air Conditioners, Mini Split, Window Units

New Do It Yourself Air Conditioner Wiring Guide

Shawn Mack — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:01:42 +0000

After a few telephone calls from concerned customers having difficulty with wiring information for the AmericAire DIY air conditioner, we have published a wiring guide with pictures to answer future questions. The AmericAire do-it-yourself air conditioner is the only mini split air conditioner in the United States with the capability of connecting the evaporator to the condenser and having the system automatically charge. This has been an exceptional feature for customers with limited access to qualified air conditioner installers. All wiring included with the AmericAire ACEDIY12HP110/ACCDIY12HP110 is 14 gauge. The electrical thermostat comes standard with the new DIY air conditioner, but does not have to be installed for operation. Make sure to connect the quick connection electrical plug if using the thermostat. Remember too that a dedicated 20 amp circuit breaker is required to operate the AmericAire DIY air conditioner.

Here is a link to the new wiring guide for the AmericAire DIY air conditioner:

http://www.clearanceac.com/PDF/diy_wiring_guide.pdf

For more information on the AmericAire DIY mini split air conditioner please follow this link:

http://www.clearanceac.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=96

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Mini split auto restart and connecting an additional thermostat

Shawn Mack — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:24:52 +0000

First Name: Don

Last Initial: M

Problem: Our split system is controlled by a remote. Every time the power goes out the system has to be manually turned on.This is a problem because our power goes out quite frequently and we have pets and are not always home to turn the unit back on.Can a thermostat be hard wired or is there some other solution? Thanks

Solution: Most mini split air conditioners have an “auto restart” function that turns the evaporator back on after a power failure. When power returns the indoor evaporator’s electric circuit board will restart the system to the last setting before the power failure. If you had the unit set at 77 degrees before the power failure it will return to 77 degrees at restart. Make sure your equipment has the “auto restart” feature. If it does you probably need the indoor evaporator circuit board replaced.

Mini split air conditioners are not built to have an external thermostat. In order to attach a thermostat they would need to have an extra wire built into the circuit board. They do not, therefore it is not possible..

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Can you convert a single mini split air conditioner to a dual air conditioner?

Shawn Mack — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:00:49 +0000

From: Chris M

Problem: Hi. Is it possible to add indoor units to a compressor initially set up for only one indoor unit? Or put a different way: Could I install a compressor with the capacity for more indoor units than initially installed? Thanks.

Solution: I get asked this question on a weekly basis so it is probably a good idea to address it to the public. Mini split air conditioner are manufactured as either a singe (1 evaporator to 1 condenser) or multi-head systems (1-4 evaporators to one condenser). When a multi-head system is manufactured it is built with a larger compressor that can handle multiple evaporators. Trying to add a second evaporator to a single condenser would drastically effect the output size. An even larger problem with trying to add an extra evaporator is that all the wiring and circuit boards are only installed for a single system. There is no place to wire in a second evaporator. And lastly, you would have to add two more copper line sets into the condenser which it is not set up for. In short, there is no way to add more evaporators to an existing single mini split air conditioner.

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Mini Split Air Conditioner Remote Not Working.

Shawn Mack — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:03:25 +0000

First Name: Phyllis

Last Initial: B

Equipment Type: Samsung AM18B109 KCV

Problem: The remote control will not operate the unit. The battery has been checked and the unit was shut off to try and reset. I suspect lightning. Can the sensor in the unit react this way and can it be reset?

Solution: Usually with remote control problems it stems from a broken controller. The mini split remotes just don’t hold up to a lot of abuse. I would think that a new remote would be the first step in problem solving. If that does not work than I would have the sensor replaced. The sensor is the device that receives the remote control signal. Also, make sure that all the wires are connected to the control board (circuit board). Evaporator circuit boards are usually located under the cover below the temperature display. Sometimes they are behind a separate panel. Check this first.

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Pre-charged mini split air conditioners

Shawn Mack — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:39:34 +0000

Don’t get fooled by companies selling pre-charged air conditioners. Over the past few years I have received many questions about purchasing pre-charged mini split air conditioners. There are some companies that advertise that their compressors within the condenser are pre-charged with refrigerant. This is a true statement. Every manufacturer I know installs compressors that are pre-charged with refrigerant. This does not mean that you can hook up a copper line set and the equipment will operate properly. Pre-charged compressors usually have approximately 13 to 16 feet of refrigerant. No matter what length line set you use, the refrigerant amount will have to be regulated and charged to ensure proper pressure settings. A professional HVAC installer will have to hook up gauges and increase or reduce refrigerant for proper operation. If refrigerant pressures are not within recommended levels, problems will ensue. Also, before a refrigerant line set is charged, it will need to be vacuumed of any contamination that may have entered. This is also done by a professional HVAC installer. Finally, remember that warranties are void if mini split air conditioners are not charged by a HVAC professional. To date there is only one system that is pre-charged with refrigerant and can be connected without the use of a HVAC professional, AmericAire’s DIY system.

The AmericAire ACEDIY12HP110/ACCDIY12HP110 has a pre-charged compressor and line set that is already connected to the indoor evaporator. The system is vacuumed and charged at the warehouse and built with special quick-lock connecting fittings. This fitting locks into place at the outdoor condenser and charges the entire unit for 25 feet of stainless steel line set. The special stainless steel line set is made special to help prevent leaks that can occur with copper lines. If you need to have a line set longer than 25 feet, the AmericAire DIY system is not recommended. It is a great system and you can check out its specifications at this link.

http://www.clearanceac.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=23

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High Efficient Ceiling Cassette Air Conditioner

Shawn Mack — Tue, 19 May 2009 17:36:06 +0000

Problem: I have a 3 season porch that is glass from ceiling to floor and is constructed with double pane low E glass windows. I live in the Kansas City area. It has a northern exposure and is 14 X 20 sq.ft.with 9.5 ceilings. My goal is to install a heat pump with the evaporator section recessed into the ceiling. I do currently have a gas fire place that is rated for 30,000 btu/hr and I am able to heat the space, but would like to consider a heat pump if possible. I would be willing to pass on the heat pump if a cool only system would qualify for the energy credit. Is there a manufacturer who makes a ceiling cassette model that qualifies for the energy tax credit? I understand that the SEER must be a minimum of 15, the EER must meet 12.5 and the HSPS 8.5. Do all three efficiency ratings need to be met in order to qualify for the 30 credit? Thanks–Mark

Solution: Hello Mark, searching around I see Friedrich has a 15 SEER cassette air conditioner with an HSPF of 8.5. I am sure that other brands as well will follow with the inverter compressor ceiling cassette units. Prices seem to start around $3100.00 for an 18,000 btu. ceiling cassette system. You can probably find a lesser SEER rated unit for much less money. Make sure to contact the manufacturer to make sure their system qualifies for the 30% tax credit. Remember all three numbers must be obtained for the tax credit. 15 SEER, 12.5 EER, and 8.5 HSPF.

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Installation Position of an Indoor Mini Split Air Conditioner

Shawn Mack — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:10:43 +0000

Installation position for a ductless mini split is important buy not mandatory. Off course, height is the most important factor when considering the performance of your air conditioner. Ductless mini split air conditioners should be installed 4-10 inches from the ceiling. This lets the cool air flow outwards through the risen warm air and descend towards the floor. I have had people ask if it is alright to install the indoor evaporator air conditioner lower down the wall? Yes, you can install them anywhere, but the best performance will be obtained with a higher install. Below are a few other factors to consider when installing your ductless mini split air conditioner.

To be installed at the position where the air delivered from the unit can reach every corner of the room
To avoid being affected by the outdoor air
To avoid too much oil, smoke or steam
To avoid where acid solutions are frequently used
Not to install on top of musical instruments, TV’s, computers or valuable appliances
Not to install near fire alarming devices (the warm air from the unit could erroneously trigger alarms)

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Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts

Replacing and Sizing an Air Conditioner for a Sunroom

Shawn Mack — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:29:25 +0000

First Name: Chuck

Last Initial: H

Friedrich 12,000 Through The Wall

Problem: We have a 21′ x 14′ sunroom addition that sits between our basement and the first floor. A few years ago we had a Unico a/c system installed in our first floor. When they did it, they ran 3 outlets through the garage window into the sunroom. The 3 outlets don’t help much in the intense afternoon sun. The room is poorly insulated with big windows. My wife wants to tear it down completely and re-build, but I don’t think we can do that for another 5-7 years. The room also has an older model Freidrich through the wall air conditioner (12,000 BTUs). Of course more insulation would help, but for the next 5-7 years is it worth getting a split a/c system, replacing the Freidrich wall unit with another, more efficient through-the-wall unit, or just leave it alone until we do the room.

Answer: Chuck you have a bad case scenario for an air conditioner. A 300 square foot room with lots of windows and poor insulation will need an air conditioner with approximately 18,000 btu.’s. I would recommend replacing the Freidrich 12,000 with a Unionaire 20,000 btu. through the wall air conditioner. You will be able to use approximately the same size hole and reduce your utility cost with a 220 volt air conditioner. A mini split air conditioner, although very efficient, will cost much more to install and purchase. Here is a link to view the Unionaire specifications:

http://www.clearanceac.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=16

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

Shawn Mack — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:14:32 +0000

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/

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Spacing of the Indoor Evaporator in Relation to the Ceiling

Shawn Mack — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:05:49 +0000

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.

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