http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/ Simple:Press Forum Version 3.1.3 http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-installation-discussion/installation-position-of-an-indoor-mini-split-air-conditioner/page-1/post-19/#p19 General installation discussion http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-installation-discussion/installation-position-of-an-indoor-mini-split-air-conditioner/page-1/post-19/#p19

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)

]]> Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:10:43 -0700 http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-technical-discussion/my-mini-split-unit-operates-but-will-not-cool-what-can-i-do-to-fix-this-problem/page-1/post-18/#p18 General technical discussion http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-technical-discussion/my-mini-split-unit-operates-but-will-not-cool-what-can-i-do-to-fix-this-problem/page-1/post-18/#p18 1. Suction pressure should range between 60 and 70 PSI 2. If pressures are too high, you will have to remove small amounts by evacuating lines until suction pressure is in range. 3. If pressure is too low. You will need to add refrigerant. If the mini split unit "RUN Load Amps" are more than two times the stated "RUN Load Amps" on the label of the outdoor unit label, replace capillary assembly. 4. The mini split unit will also not cool in low outdoor temperatures. There are low ambient kits to help run your air conditioner in temperatures below freezing. ]]> Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:03:34 -0700 http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-savings-discussion-forum/compare-mini-splits-and-central-air-conditioners/page-1/post-17/#p17 General savings discussion forum http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-savings-discussion-forum/compare-mini-splits-and-central-air-conditioners/page-1/post-17/#p17 Space Requirements: I am going to break this down into two sections: Square feet to be cooled and Ceiling Height. If you need an air conditioner to cool multiple rooms in a large area, I would recommend a central air conditioner. Mini split systems are great to cool areas and additions. They generally max out at 1,200 square feet. The cool air expelled by a mini split air conditioner can only reach areas of your home that are not closed off. If you have multiple rooms with doors, it will be very difficult for them to be cooled by a mini split system. You can purchase mini split systems with dual or multiple indoor evaporators, but the cost is driven up considerably. Single rooms and additions better suit mini split applications. Ceiling height is the other variable that you need to consider when choosing between the two styles of air conditioners. A central air conditioner requires ductwork to distribute the air to each desired area. Standard ductwork requires approximately 12” of height for installation. Many older homes and basements do not have enough ceiling height to comfortably fit the additional ductwork. In these cases a ductless mini split air conditioner would be ideal. Efficiency: Both the central air and mini split air conditioners have high-efficiency standards. In fact they were placed in the same split system certification. Make sure to check SEER ratings when purchasing your air conditioner. The higher the SEER the more efficient the unit. Currently 13 SEER is the minimum for the United States. Central air conditioners do efficiency by having long duct runs, leaks and extra registers. If you are trying to cool your sunroom to 72° F you may have to lower your thermostat for the whole house to 65° F. This is not a very efficient way to cool an area. In this case an additional mini split air conditioner would be an excellent solution. Price: Of course price is usually the biggest concern for consumers when deciding between a central air conditioner and a ductless mini split. Central air conditioners and large mini split air conditioners are very similar in price for the equipment. A major difference is that consumers can shop online for a ductless air conditioner, but by law they have to buy a central air conditioner from a contractor. This gives the consumer the ability to shop and save on equipment online. The addition of ductwork and the increased labor really adds to the central air conditioners final price. The more ductwork that needs to be run, the more money it will cost for installation. You save this money with the purchase of a ductless mini split air conditioner. Ductless air conditioners can be installed professionally between $300 and $900 (depending on how far the outdoor unit sits from the indoor unit), and if you are able to do some of the basic labor. Both units require the addition of electricity, so make sure to find an installer that can work with both HVAC and electricity. For more information on ductless mini split air conditioners, please check out our other articles online. ]]> Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:45:36 -0700 http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-technical-discussion/inverter-compressor-benefits-in-a-mini-split-air-conditioner/page-1/post-16/#p16 General technical discussion http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-technical-discussion/inverter-compressor-benefits-in-a-mini-split-air-conditioner/page-1/post-16/#p16 Shopping for a mini split air conditioner got a little more difficult in the past couple of years. With the new federal regulations on minimum SEER ratings in the United States, manufacturers have started using inverter compressors to obtain 13 SEER or higher. This has created exceptional efficiency in wall mounted air conditioners, but also has increased the consumer cost. The compressor is the heart and soul of every mini split air conditioner. It is the most essential component in an air conditioner and the most expensive. When purchasing a mini split air conditioner make sure to find a system with a solid warranty approximately 5 years in length. Also, make sure to purchase your mini split from a company that has parts available in the United States. Some companies can take up to three weeks to ship parts if they have to order them overseas. I have read many articles talking about inverter compressors versus standard rotary compressors, but I think this sums it up best. A standard rotary or scroll compressor operates like a light switch: either on or off and nothing in between. An inverter compressor operates like a water faucet: it only uses enough power to reach the desired setting. An inverter compressor is programmed to run at optimum speed, which is regulated by the input frequency as it varies between heat load requirements. Example: Your mini split is set at 72° F. The room becomes hot and the compressor needs to cool it by a couple of degrees. A standard compressor will turn “On” with full power, while an inverter compressor only uses enough resources (RPM) to reduce the room’s temperature to the desired setting. Over a full day of operation, a standard compressor will have to turn on and off a substantial number of times. An inverter compressor will turn on and reach the desired setting and then idle at that setting until needed further. By using different rotation speed, the inverter compressor is saving energy and operating more quietly than the standard compressor. Not having to constantly turn on and off at maximum RPM increases the lifespan of the inverter compressor. When a large temperature change is needed, the inverter compressor can operate at a much higher RPM speed than the standard compressor, reducing the amount of run time and reducing your energy costs. Some researchers show a reduced power consumption as much as 60% versus a fixed speed standard compressor. Inverter compressors offer a more precise temperature control for your mini split air conditioner. I hope this helps you understand how an inverter compressor operates and will help you make a decision with your ductless air conditioner purchase. ]]> Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:02:09 -0700 http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-technical-discussion/ductless-mini-split-preventative-maintenance/page-1/post-15/#p15 General technical discussion http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-technical-discussion/ductless-mini-split-preventative-maintenance/page-1/post-15/#p15 “If you must cover your air conditioner leave the side vents clear to let air circulate.” Preventative maintenance is an important factor to increase the life span of your ductless air conditioner and reduce break downs. Every year there are a few little things that you can do to make a big difference. Here are a few tips to increase the life of your air conditioner: The outdoor condenser should always remain clear of sticks, garbage or other debris that can fit through the protective grille and damage the fan or compressor. Most condenser fan blades are made of plastic and can easily be broken by items fitting through the grille. When mowing the lawn make a conscious effort to blow grass away from the condenser and cut back long weeds that grow around the unit. Once a year you should spray out the condenser with a hose or a bucket of water and let dry without use for at least 24 hours. I like to remove the few bolts on top of the condenser and remove top cover. When the cover is removed I can easily see any damage or debris inside the condenser. Check the copper piping inside the condenser and line set connections on the side of the condenser for any oily residue. Refrigerant leaks leave an oily residue and a quick check once a year can save you hundreds in repair costs. Manufacture warranties will not cover the air conditioners compressor if it is operated low on refrigerant. The last preventative maintenance I do on the condenser is to make sure the unit is still level. Over time condensers can sink and become uneven. Non-level condensers are a quick death for the units compressor. I also get questions from consumers about covering the condenser in the off-season in areas with snow fall or other unsightly weather. I do not agree with the idea that covering your condenser helps prevent rust. In fact, when condensers are covered moisture builds up inside the unit and fresh air doesn’t have a chance to dry the unit. If you must cover your air conditioner leave the side vents clear to let air circulate. Moisture = Rust We all rely on our air conditioners to come to life when the weather gets hot and unbearable, follow these few preventative maintenance tips and you will not be disappointed. ]]> Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:50:53 -0700 http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-savings-discussion-forum/benefits-of-ductless-mini-split-air-conditioners/page-1/post-14/#p14 General savings discussion forum http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-savings-discussion-forum/benefits-of-ductless-mini-split-air-conditioners/page-1/post-14/#p14 Following is a list of benefits for using ductless air conditioning equipment: Cost: A competitive United States ductless market has helped drive prices down and efficiency up. You can call your local contractor or go online and find excellent pricing on ductless equipment. You can find mini split units for less than $1,000.00 and many cities offer rebates for high-efficiency air conditioners. Installation: Installation of ductless equipment is very clean and easy. Most ductless mini split air conditioners only require a 3” hole in the wall to run all the needed refrigerant line sets and electrical wiring. Most contractors can fully complete the job in less than 4 hours, if the outdoor condenser shares the same wall with the indoor evaporator. Space Requirement: Many older homes, cabins and additions were not built with central air conditioning in mind and do not have adequate space for ductwork. Wall mounted mini split air conditioners negate the need for added ductwork. Refrigerant line sets and wiring can easily run through attics, walls and ceilings to connect with the outdoor condenser. Efficiency: Ductless split systems have become increasingly more efficient since United States minimum requirements rose to 13 SEER. It is not uncommon to find ductless equipment exceeding 20 SEER. Many ductwork systems lose more than 15% of the conditioned air through leaks and cracks. Zone Control: Many mini split owners already have an existing central air conditioner system in their home. Smaller central air conditioners and older equipment are expensive to replace and many consumers have purchased mini split air conditioners to cool areas that their existing systems can’t handle. Mini split air conditioners have the ability to cool any area or zone in a building. Why keep your central air conditioner at 65° F to cool your sunroom or upper level to 75°F? Installing a mini split unit in these areas is an efficient solution. Heating Capabilities: Many ductless mini split systems offer either heat pump or electric heat functions. This is an excellent added feature for areas that require heat during the year and either do not have a furnace or the furnace isn’t capable of adequately warming the area. ]]> Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:46:27 -0700 http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-technical-discussion/ductless-air-conditioners-noise-levels/page-1/post-13/#p13 General technical discussion http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-technical-discussion/ductless-air-conditioners-noise-levels/page-1/post-13/#p13 “Split systems, or ductless mini splits as they have been know to be called, are very quiet air conditioners.” How loud is a ductless air conditioner? Many consumers ask this question when shopping for an air conditioner for their home or office. Comfort while sleeping is very important in my life. A quiet dark room at a comfortable 70° F always does the trick for me. Most air conditioners on the market will get me to a comfortable temperature but what style will do the job with the least amount of noise? Air conditioner manufacturers measure the amount of noise a unit makes in decibels (dB). A decibel is a logarithmic unit of measurement that expresses the magnitude of a physical quantity (usually power or intensity) relative to a specified or implied reference level. In lemans terms how loud something is. For the purpose of comparing air conditioners let’s break them down into two categories: packaged air conditioners and split system air conditioner. A packaged air conditioner would consist of any system that has both the evaporator and condenser in one cased unit such as a window unit or packaged air conditioner (PTAC). Packaged unit will always be louder than a split system air conditioner because the compressor and other loud working components are protruding into your living environment. Not only are packaged air conditioners louder than split systems, window air conditioners usually have minimum insulation and sound proofing between the unit and the window casing. Outdoor noises in combination with a loud window air conditioner definitely will decrease sleep. Most window unit air conditioners and PTACs have an average decibel level of 48 to 60 dB. If you can afford a little more money I would recommend a split system air conditioner in your bedroom. Split system air conditioners get their name from having two separate main components: the outdoor condenser and the indoor evaporator. Split systems, or ductless mini splits as they have been know to be called, are very quiet air conditioners. The compressor and other loud working components are stored in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit is just used to expel the cool or hot air. If you would like to generate heat, as well as air conditioning, look to purchase a heat pump mini split. Mini split evaporators, on average, produce about 32 decibels. The condenser and evaporator are connected with a refrigerant line set that runs through a 3” hole in the wall. Ductless mini split air conditioners are the ideal solution to older louder air conditioners. Ductless air conditioners have come a long way in minimizing decibel noise over the past five years. If your existing air conditioner is more than 10 years old you will be surprised by the minimum amount of noise the new equipment creates. Comments on this article or others can be made in our forum. ]]> Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:42:53 -0700 http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-technical-discussion/sizing-a-ductless-air-conditioner/page-1/post-12/#p12 General technical discussion http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-technical-discussion/sizing-a-ductless-air-conditioner/page-1/post-12/#p12 6 Variables that Reduce an Air Conditioners Useful Area: 1. Climate: If you live in an area of the world that has seasonal temperatures in excess of 90° F. Increase 30% 2. Windows: If you have south facing windows in your designated area, or if you have large windows. Increase 20% 3. Ceiling Height: High ceilings increase a room’s size reducing the air conditioners effectiveness. Increase 20% 4. Appliances: Heavy kitchen appliances and electronics increase the heat created in an area. Increase 20% 5. People: The more people in the area the more heat produced. Increase 20% 6. Insulation: Poorly insulated homes are much more difficult to cool or heat. Increase 30% Taking into consideration the above variables we can form a good estimation on the size of air conditioner needed to do the job. We know that 12,000 btu.’s can cool 600 square feet or a room approximately 25’ x 25’. If any of the 6 variables from above are a factor we will not be able to maintain a comfortable environment for your area. So we need to move up to a higher btu. ductless air conditioner. If our area is a 16’ x 16’ room (256 sq. ft.) in Orlando, Florida (Increase 30%) with south facing windows (Increase 20%) you would need an air conditioner that can cool a 384 sq. ft. area. There are only a few basic sizes produced in the ductless air conditioning industry, so it makes it easier to find the unit that will work best for you. Standard Sizes of Ductless Air Conditioners: 1. 9,000 btu. Coverage area 450 sq. ft. 2. 12,000 btu. Coverage area 600 sq. ft. 3. 18,000 btu. Coverage area 900 sq. ft. 4. 24,000 btu. Coverage area 1,200 sq. ft. If you come close to the maximum square feet numbers listed above after adding in your variables make sure to bump up to the next higher btu. system. I have never seen a problem of over-sizing a ductless air conditioner. The thermostat is always in the area being cooled, so if you have a larger system expelling more cool air, the system will run less often. These numbers have worked great for me in the past, and I hope they help you find the right size air conditioner in the future. ]]> Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:38:32 -0700 http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-troubleshooting-discussion-forum/which-ductless-air-conditioner-style-is-right-for-you/page-1/post-11/#p11 General troubleshooting discussion forum http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-troubleshooting-discussion-forum/which-ductless-air-conditioner-style-is-right-for-you/page-1/post-11/#p11 “Mini split air conditioners have gained their popularity by their quiet operation and ascetic value.” So you decided to purchase a ductless air conditioning system, but which system fits your needs? In the United States there are varying styles and shapes of ductless air conditioners. Below I have listed the most popular styles. Window Air Conditioner: If you are over the age of 10 I’m sure you have seen this style of air conditioner sticking out of a window of your local apartment complex or main street store. There popularity comes from the inexpensive price and ease of installation. These are self-contained systems that just plug and go. Through Wall Air Conditioner: These air conditioners are usually higher quality than the window units mentioned above. They are manufactured with a metal casing around the unit so that it can be built into a new or existing wall. Many units are a chassis system that let the customer pull out the guts of the unit while leaving the case securely attached in the wall. Through wall units will usually be deeper in size so there is adequate venting outside the exterior of the building. A through wall unit will most likely be stronger than a window air conditioner and can still hang out a window if a customer wishes. Mini Split Wall Mounted: These air conditioners have been the bread and butter of the ductless revolution in the United States. Mini Split air conditioners consist of an outdoor unit (condenser), an indoor unit (evaporator), remote control and a refrigerant line-set. The indoor unit comes in many shapes and sizes, but the most popular size is an elongated rectangle. The outdoor unit of a mini split system resembles a medium size suitcase with a fan grille. The condenser and evaporator are connected with electrical wiring and insulated refrigerant line-sets. The outdoor condenser sits on a slab or plastic pad and the indoor evaporator mounts on an interior wall approximately 10 inches from the ceiling. Mini split air conditioners have gained their popularity by their quiet operation and ascetic value. Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner (PTAC): PTAC’s have gained their notoriety in the motel/hotel industry. If you have ever slept in a motel and enjoyed lovely hum of a PTAC you are not alone. These are self-contained air conditioners usually with large buttons or dials to either turn the temperature up or down, hot or cold. Through the years PTAC manufacturers have worked to lessen the decibel output of the units but self-contained air conditioners will always make noise because the compressor is working a few feet from your bed. Ceiling Cassette Air Conditioner: Cassettes have the same components and operate similar to mini split wall mounted units with one exception; cassettes mount in the ceiling. Many businesses and offices will use cassette air conditioners because they fit in between ceiling panels and force air out in four directions. While most ductless air conditioners have a maximum of 24,000 btu.’s, ceiling cassettes can be manufactured over 60,000 btu. With the addition of line-sets, a ceiling cassette air conditioner will require an installer. Ceiling Floor Air Conditioner: These ductless air conditioners haven’t had the success in the United States as the other units. Ceiling Floor units derive their name because they can be mounted horizontally hung from a ceiling or vertically against a wall near the floor. They are over twice as large as an indoor mini split system, but they can be manufactured at higher btu. sizes. The little popularity has been obtained from commercial applications. Ceiling Floor units will also require an installer. These are basic styles of ductless air conditioners. I tried not to go too deep into each unit to give you a general overview of what is available. If you have any additions or comments please leave them in the forum for others to enjoy. ]]> Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:31:40 -0700 http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-savings-discussion-forum/how-to-find-a-ductless-mini-split-installer/page-1/post-10/#p10 General savings discussion forum http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-savings-discussion-forum/how-to-find-a-ductless-mini-split-installer/page-1/post-10/#p10 “Many of the contractors that install mini split air conditioners will be able to do both the electrical and HVAC portions.” So you have made the decision to purchase a mini split air conditioner, and now it is time to figure out how to install the equipment. There is some basic information that you will need to know before you flop open the five pounds of yellow pages. First thing you should do is have a good idea of where you want to mount the evaporator or indoor portion of the ductless mini split. Wall mounted air conditioners attach to a bracket about 10” below the ceiling. This high installation lets the air flow downward in the room. All the wiring and lines will run out the back of the unit so find a place that has enough room to hold the minimum dimensions of the evaporator. Find a nice flat area near the exterior of the building to house the outdoor condenser. A cement slab is ideal for a mini split air conditioner or purchase a plastic pad approximately 24” x 36” to place on a level surface. Let’s keep it legal and make sure we pull the appropriate permits. Mini split air conditioners are hard wired into your fuse box, so you will need an Electrical Permit along with a HVAC Permit. Electrical permits on average are $40.00 and HVAC permits are approximately $75.00. Contact your local city hall for more information. Many times the installer you find will pull the permit for you, but to be safe I always pull them myself. Time to make the call to find your friendly local contractor to do the dirty work. I no longer receive the yellow pages which is a shame because it worked as a great booster chair for my daughter! The best way I have found is to go online and search the yellow pages. I use www.yellowbook.com but there are many directories to choose from online. Type in “Air Conditioner Contractors” into the Product / Service box and your city and state into the Location field. Most likely you won’t find anything that resembles the terms ductless air conditioner or wall mounted mini split air conditioner, but trust me 80% of all residential contractors have installed a mini split air conditioner. I like to use the “mom and pop” companies because it seems I receive better pricing from smaller companies; Jay’s Heating and Cooling and such. If you have already picked out the brand and style of wall mounted air conditioner, you will have to supply the contractor with some basic information before they come to your home. 5 things to know before contacting a contractor: 1. Brand: They usually like to know the brand of the equipment but it doesn’t really matter because 99% of the equipment is installed the same way. 2. Size: Speak in btu. (British Thermal Units) to help them understand how large the unit will be. Example: 12,000 btu. or 1 ton. 3. Power Requirement: Does your unit require a 110 volt line or 220 volt line. Make sure to read the specifications beforehand or have them handy. 4. Type of Refrigerant: Does the unit use R22 or R410A refrigerant? They will need to know this to have extra refrigerant on hand when charging your system. 5. Length of the Run: Have a general idea of how far the indoor evaporator will be from the outdoor condenser. The farther away the two units are, the more expensive it will be to install, because of longer refrigerant line-sets and added refrigerant. Many of the contractors that install mini split air conditioners will be able to do both the electrical and HVAC portions. Make sure to have a spot available for a dual pole circuit breaker in your electrical box. I ran into this problem when I was installing my own ductless air conditioner. Check the breaker size in the specifications of your mini split air conditioner to find out the amp size needed to run the equipment. Most single mini split systems use a 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker. Make sure that the new air conditioner runs on its own circuit breaker. I hope this information gets you on the right path to work with a qualified HVAC installer, and you can enjoy your ductless mini split system as much as I do. If you have any additions or comments feel free to share. ]]> Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:25:28 -0700 http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-technical-discussion/what-is-a-heat-pump-wall-mounted-mini-split/page-1/post-9/#p9 General technical discussion http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-technical-discussion/what-is-a-heat-pump-wall-mounted-mini-split/page-1/post-9/#p9 “There are no added expenses when installing a heat pump air conditioner making them a perfect solution for room additions that require both heating and cooling.” There are two ways for ductless equipment to produce heat in addition to air conditioning: heat pump and electric heat. For years now consumers have used heat pumps in mini split air conditioners for warmth. Electric heat is relatively new in the mini split industry. While most people grasp the concept behind electric heat, many people don’t understand how a heat pump air conditioner functions. The only difference between a mini split air conditioner and a heat pump is a small valve called a reversing valve. When shopping for ductless air conditioners remember that if the unit is described as a heat pump that it produces heat and cool air. So how does a heat pump mini split operate? Heat pump ductless equipment use a reversing valve that changes the refrigerant's direction of flow, allowing the heat pump to switch from cooling to heating or vise versa. The reversing valve is a heat pump's sole way of switching between heating and cooling modes. That’s all there is to it. Heat pumps are a very efficient means to create heat in the mini split air conditioning industry. The power consumption of the air conditioner in heat mode is very similar to the consumption in cool mode. Electric heat units require more power to operate and usually supply less heat as the outcome. There are no added expenses when installing a heat pump air conditioner making them a perfect solution for room additions that require both heating and cooling. The one draw back of a heat pump air conditioner is that their operation temperature usually bottoms out around 19°F. Heat pumps use the compressor located in the outdoor condenser to create heat, and when a condenser is sitting outside in very cold temperatures the refrigeration in the compressor can freeze. Operating a heat pump below recommended minimum temperatures can cause damage to the compressor. Some consumers have used crank case heaters and other warming devices to keep their compressor warm in the colder months allowing them to use their heat pump system. I hope this helps explain the function of the heat pump mini split air conditioner. Feel free to leave comments on this article. ]]> Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:21:02 -0700 http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-technical-discussion/mini-split-condensation-pumps/page-1/post-8/#p8 General technical discussion http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-technical-discussion/mini-split-condensation-pumps/page-1/post-8/#p8 A mini split condensation pump is a small pump that is used to pump the condensation, or water, out of the reservoir of your indoor evaporators drain pan. The basic function of an air conditioner is to remove moisture, or humidity, from the air creating a cooler environment. As moisture is removed it is deposited in the evaporators drain pan at the bottom of the unit. When a wall mounted mini split is installed properly, the drain pan can empty its contents out the back of the unit through a plastic drain line outdoors. Most mini split air conditioners have a ½” drain line. All condensate water will drain, with the assistance of gravity, outdoors or to an interior drain below the unit. Most condensation pumps use a float switch to activate the pump when water reaches a designed level. Condensation pumps require either 110 volt or 220 volt electricity for operation. Make sure to purchase a pump that will operate with your existing power configuration. Mini split condensation pumps are ideal to use when the evaporator is installed in a basement or area that is below the outdoor drain level. Condensation pumps can help drain water up to 30 feet above the pumps location. Condensation pumps are self-priming, water-cooled and water lubricated. All mini split condensation pumps have two components: The Pump Body: This includes an electronic circuit board and the pump motor. The Reservoir: This contains the switching mechanism to activate the pump and the filter. Make sure to occasionally check the filter to make sure that it is clean and the float switch is operational. Dirty filters can clog the float switch and water may overflow the drain pan. The reservoir must remain level to operate effectively. Please check out the article ‘Condensation Pump Installation Styles” for more information on types of installation for condensation pumps. As always please feel free to leave comments on this article. ]]> Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:32:21 -0700 http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-technical-discussion/purpose-of-a-mini-split-low-ambient-kit/page-1/post-7/#p7 General technical discussion http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-technical-discussion/purpose-of-a-mini-split-low-ambient-kit/page-1/post-7/#p7 “A low ambient kit is only used to continue creating air conditioning in temperatures below 55°F.” Most consumers use their ductless mini split for air conditioning in warmer months of the year. Some consumers need air conditioning year round and at temperatures well below freezing. In general, air conditioners should not be operated in temperatures below 55°F. Server rooms, meeting halls and restaurants are just a few examples of cases when air conditioning is needed when the outdoor temperature is below freezing. Not to mention the poor guy in the warehouse with his office next to the boiler! Anytime air conditioning is needed below 55°F a low ambient kit is required. A low ambient kit is an electrical accessory that can be added to your ductless mini split. The low ambient kit works by slowing the fan speed to maintain higher head pressure in the condensers compressor and prevent freezing. The fan speed is controlled by the low ambient kit that is connected to the fan motor on the condenser. Many people see the term “low ambient kit” and think that it can be used to continue the operation of their heat pump in the cooler months. This is not true. A low ambient kit is only used to continue creating air conditioning in temperatures below 55°F. When looking for a low ambient kit make sure you find one that is compatible with your mini split air conditioner brand and voltage. Low ambient kits are easy to install and will come with directions for connecting to the fan motor. ]]> Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:19:04 -0700 http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-technical-discussion/r22-versus-r410-refrigerant/page-1/post-6/#p6 General technical discussion http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-technical-discussion/r22-versus-r410-refrigerant/page-1/post-6/#p6 “9 out of 10 contractors I spoke with would rather repair and install R22 air conditioners.” The great refrigerant debate continues. Well, it’s not so great anymore. R22 refrigerant is dead -all hale R410A! In 1992, the international environmental agreement named Montreal Protocol amended its worldwide phase-out of to include ozone-depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC). There’s a triple score scrabble word for you! R22 is a greenhouse gas and the manufacturing of it results in the by-product HFC23 that is a contributor to global warming. On January 1st, 2010 manufacturers will not be able to manufacture air conditioners using R22 refrigerant. In preparation, air conditioner manufacturers have started supplementing other refrigerants in place of R22 like the new and improved R410A. R410 refrigerant is a combination to two gases that does not contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, but like R22 still contributes to global warming. We’re making some progress. If I am looking for a new ductless air conditioner which refrigerant do I choose? It’s obvious, isn’t it? R410A. Not so fast, 90% of the window and through wall air conditioners are only available in R22. R410A still doesn’t have the excellent track record that R22 has and is proven to be less efficient at higher temperatures. R22 will be around for a very long time. It will still be manufactured for the replacement and repair market until 2020. After 2020, manufacturing of R22 will be finished, but recycled refrigerants will still be around to service your air conditioner. If I was purchasing a window unit I would still purchase a R22 unit. There is a minimum of 15 years of life for R22 and I’m pretty sure R22 will out live my air conditioner. 9 out of 10 contractors I spoke with would rather repair and install R22 air conditioners. They have worked with it longer and they do not have to mix chemicals to create the R410A. If there is a leak in a R22 air conditioners contractors add refrigerant. If there is a leak in a R410A air conditioner they have to vacuum the system and re-pressurize with new refrigeration at the correct mixture. I’m sure R22 refrigerant will increase in price little by little as manufacturing is reduced but most R410A window air conditioners are more expensive than R22 air conditioners. If I am purchasing a ductless mini split air conditioner I would lean towards the R410A unit. There are enough contractors who have worked with it over the past few years installing mini split systems that I feel comfortable recommending it for split system air conditioners. Both refrigerants have positives and negatives for ductless air conditioners consumers and all indications show that R410A will be the next generation of R22. Let’s hope it has the consumer life span of R22. Feel free to leave questions or comments about this article. ]]> Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:14:33 -0700 http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-installation-discussion/saving-money-on-mini-split-installations/page-1/post-5/#p5 General installation discussion http://www.ductlessguide.com/forum/general-installation-discussion/saving-money-on-mini-split-installations/page-1/post-5/#p5 “If you have any technical ability and some extra time, you can complete most of the installation of the mini split air conditioner yourself.” Air conditioning installations can be expensive, but there are a few things you can do to help save money. First, I would make sure you shop around for a brand of ductless mini split air conditioner that fits your budget. When shopping always contact the seller to make sure adequate technical support is available for the product being sold. There are many different brands of mini split air conditioners. Make sure warranties are available for the air conditioner you purchase. Most warranties should be approximately five years on the compressor and one year for parts and labor. If you are purchasing a wall mounted mini split online make sure the seller uses trucking companies for delivery. Companies like UPS, FedEx and DHL are well known for their destructive habits delivering heavy and awkward sized equipment. Truck-line companies deliver everything on pallets and you must be home at arrival to inspect the equipment. If you have a residential address shipping companies will require a lift gate to lower the pallet to the ground. Lift gate service is usually an additional fee approximately $30.00. Finding a commercial address will save you that additional expense. It is always good to open the boxes at the time of delivery to make sure nothing is damaged. If products are damaged, the truck line will take responsibility for returns. If you wait three weeks to open your mini split boxes, they could have been damaged during shipment with no recourse. If you have any technical ability and some extra time, you can complete most of the installation of the mini split air conditioner yourself. Many people choose to let the professional HVAC installer handle the whole job, but most of the mini split installation cost is labor intensive. First thing I would do is to locate a place you would like to hang the indoor evaporator. The installation manual will be supplied with the equipment. Evaporators should be hung approximately 10” from the ceiling. Next, I would remove all of the equipment from its packaging and check that everything was shipped properly and nothing is missing. There is nothing worse than having the installer show up and a main component is missing for the installation. More time, more money. Follow the directions to properly mount the metal bracket that holds the indoor evaporator. You will need to drill a hole through the wall to fit the refrigerant line set, wiring and condensation tube. Usually, it will take a 3” hole, but check with the installation instructions. Make sure you are not drilling through a stud or other electrical wiring, or you may make a shocking discovery! Find a hard flat surface outside to place the condenser. Try to keep the outdoor condenser near the position where you will install the indoor evaporator. The longer the distance between the two will add refrigerant, line set and wiring costs. A concrete slab or plastic air conditioner pad is ideal for the condenser. Make sure the area is level and place the condenser on the chosen area. If you have the wiring and refrigerant line set you can run them through the wall. Fill the hole you made for the line set and wiring with some socks or insulation until final charging takes place. The outdoor condenser will need power so make sure an electrical disconnect is located next to the condenser. At this point I would call your certified HVAC installer to come vacuum the line sets and charge your mini split air conditioner to the proper pressures. When the HVAC installer finishes charging the system you can fill the 3” hole around the line set and wiring with silicone to prevent moisture within the wall. By completing these few easy steps you can save yourself hundreds of dollars in basic labor costs. I hope this article can save you money on your mini split installation. Your comments and installation stories are always welcome. ]]> Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:07:19 -0700