Split unit air on DIY install

1) you don't need a dedicated breaker, that's up to you if you want that as extra
2) you need an isolator within 1m of the unit, give or take
3) to drill a hole around 60mm at least through the wall the drill bit alone is going to set you back like R500 at minimum
4) the units are pre charged with gas

If you mess up the pipe connection and the gas comes out, which it could and you won't even know, because you need to double check the pressurisation of the system (so no leaks) well that'll cost you like R1,000 to refill it lol.

An installation costs around R1,500 - R2,000 at most unless you're 30m up in the air. It's really not worth the hassle of doing that all. Just install the isolator and let them do the rest...
 
Wrath of Khan MD said:
1) you don't need a dedicated breaker, that's up to you if you want that as extra
2) you need an isolator within 1m of the unit, give or take
3) to drill a hole around 60mm at least through the wall the drill bit alone is going to set you back like R500 at minimum
4) the units are pre charged with gas

If you mess up the pipe connection and the gas comes out, which it could and you won't even know, because you need to double check the pressurisation of the system (so no leaks) well that'll cost you like R1,000 to refill it lol.

An installation costs around R1,500 - R2,000 at most unless you're 30m up in the air. It's really not worth the hassle of doing that all. Just install the isolator and let them do the rest...
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I echo this, I think you also void warrenty if you do it and are not qualified. Simply not worth "saving 2k"
 
If you need to shorten the tubing you will need a copper tube flaring kit.

Compressor to check for leaks after installing the tubing.

You need a vacuum pump to pull a vacuum in the tube / indoor evaporator unit before releasing the gas into the system.

Not really feasible if you are not going to do more than one.

Doing the electrical part may save a few rand but overall they seem very reasonable with the install cost considering the amount of crappy work.
 
To check for leaks some soapy water in a spray bottle.. the only hassle here is checking the connection of the piping kit where it connects to the indoor unit, as the piping on the indoor unit isn't generally long enough to have both connections reach through the wall..

make sure the unit comes supplied with a piping kit in the box..
 
Willie Trombone said:
Thanks

Yeah - I imagine this could be an issue... a grand or two seems worthwhile for me but not sure about getting a compressor that will sit in the garage for 90% of it's life. Maybe I could rent one...

Hmmm... so more involved than I anticipated.

Definitely doing 3 but yeh.... I wonder if I can get an installer around if I can tell them it's all mounted and just needs to be connected. They can bill me the same.

Sounds like it... just a PITA to find an installer to come out.
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You don't need a vacuum pump for 9 or 12 btu units.. it's definitely best practice but my 9 and 12 btu units were connected with no vacuum pump and they have been running fine for 2 years now..
 
Willie Trombone said:
Thanks

Yeah - I imagine this could be an issue... a grand or two seems worthwhile for me but not sure about getting a compressor that will sit in the garage for 90% of it's life. Maybe I could rent one...

Hmmm... so more involved than I anticipated.

Definitely doing 3 but yeh.... I wonder if I can get an installer around if I can tell them it's all mounted and just needs to be connected. They can bill me the same.

Sounds like it... just a PITA to find an installer to come out.
Click to expand...

For the leak test you don't need anything fancy. Can use a bicycle pump or electric pump with adapter. (Solder a Schrader valve to a flare fitting) Just put some pressure in the system and then use soapy water to look for leaks.

The flaring kit you should be able to get for R300 ish.

The vacuum pump and gauges is the main one although I've seen some guys online use hand pumps meant for a cars brake systems. But if you are doing 3 its probably worth buying/renting.
 
just check on youtube about how to install a split unit, these new units are fully charged, so should be straight forward.. unless you **** it up :ROFL: that bit and extension rod could be expensive. Look I don't think it's too complicated, I mean it's an aircon, not a nuclear sub

I'm sure you could find an installer, offer him an extra R500 to come quick... bribery works wonders! Phone Hirsch they have a few installers on their books, mine came in like 2 days (albeit I am close)
 
Willie Trombone said:
Can anyone tell me what tools are required and what I should look out for when ordering and installing a split unit aircon myself? I’m looking at a 12000 btu inverter type.

So far I’m good with mounting the brackets for the outside unit and mounting the inside unit and coring through the brick wall to get the pipes outside. I’m also good with supplying a dedicated circuit and 25A breaker at the DB.

What I’m not sure about are the tools and method for connecting the pipes to the outside and inside units. What about gas, do they come gassed? Sorry for the noob question.
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Actually seems very simple.. I skipped the video forward, I didn't see any leak test or any fancy equipment. If you are happy for the warranty then I'd give it a go.

As long as you are half decent at DIY and use good equipment, then you're good to go
 
you don't need to cut any copper pipe, just leave it the length they give you (much easier) he checks for leaks with soapy water, I use dishwashing liquid on my gas bottle so same principal
 
The core drills make a ton of dust. My guys used normal bits. I think they drilled a few holes close to each other or something to open for the pipes.
 
Thanks for info so far since I was also thinking installing one.
As I mentioned in one of previous threads I can buy unit for R8k to R10k but each quote that I go was around R17k when they install and supply unit.

IF anybody has guy that installs for R2500 in northern suburbs CT please pm me.
 
W@P said:
The core drills make a ton of dust. My guys used normal bits. I think they drilled a few holes close to each other or something to open for the pipes.
Click to expand...

drill a small pilot hole right the way through, then drill just a small depth from the inside with the core bit (minimises dust) then follow up with a 60mm core bit from the outside as your main drilling, should be a clean cut hole with almost no dust. Never drill from the inside :sick: :sick: :sick:
 
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