Can I Install a Mini Split Myself?
Mini Split Installation: Can An Aveage Joe do it?
Nowadays, everyone is trying to save some extra cash, and a mini split installation is no exception. That leads many homeowners to ask, “Can I install a mini split myself?”
The answer is, yes, you can—but maybe the better question is, should you?
Can I Install a Mini Split Myself?
Yes, you can do a DIY mini split install for your home. However, installing a ductless mini split isn’t as easy as drilling a hole or two in your wall.
It requires skill and knowledge. Also, whether or not you should install a mini split depends on the unit type you want.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Mini Split
Like all good homeowners, you’re probably researching how much a mini split install costs. The answer is typically around $4,500, with equipment and labor included. Here again, the cost correlates with the type of device you buy.
Installing a mini split DIY style comes with fewer upfront costs, but you should account for the type of unit you buy, unexpected costs, and, of course, the time you invest in the project.
Choosing The Right Mini Split for DIY
Choosing the right mini split to install yourself comes down to a few factors:
- Your skills with a toolbelt
- How much you know about HVAC systems
- The size of the space you need to heat or cool
Our recommendation for the best mini split for self-installation is the MRCOOL DIY Mini Split.
As the name suggests, the MRCOOL DIY unit is designed for Do-It-Yourself installations. Most homeowners can install it on a weekend or a few days.
A few of our favorite options include the 33,000 BTU 3 Zone Ductless system for multi-zoned homes and the 24,000 BTU 2 Zone Ductless system for smaller rooms.
Tips for How to Do A DIY Mini Split Installation
If you’re dead set on installing your Mini Split, here are a few great resources to bookmark.
- Great video on YouTube How to Install a Mini Split
- Reddit Forum for Details on What NOT to Do
- Government Info About Mini Split Heating Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it hard to install a mini-split yourself?
You can install a mini split independently but don’t expect it to be easy. You’ll need technical knowledge, particularly regarding the refrigerant line on the unit. Hire a pro for less hassle and anxiety.
Can mini splits be self-installed?
The answer is that it depends.
If you’re used to handling projects around your home, you might not find installing a mini split difficult. But if you’re unfamiliar with larger DIY projects like working with HVAC units, it could potentially be risky.
Some risks to DIYing your new AC/Heating unit include:
- Property Damage
- Reduced Performance
- Increased Costs
Do I need a permit to install a DIY mini-split?
The answer is maybe. Ductless mini split systems come with complicated refrigerant lines and high-voltage electrical connections. Some states require this to be handled by a licensed professional. Check your official local code to find out.
Do mini splits devalue a house?
The National Association of Realtors claims that HVAC upgrades come up to a 71% ROI. So, if you spend thousands of dollars on a mini split, you can expect to enjoy about the same in a home value jump.
Where not to install mini-split?
- Interior walls
- Near TVs, computers, fireplaces, or light fixtures
- Near shelving and furniture
- In direct sunlight areas
- On angled walls
Are DIY mini splits really DIY?
DIY mini splits are “easier to install” than built to be do-it-yourself projects.
What are the disadvantages of a mini-split system?
They are bulky, making them less aesthetic than you would imagine, and they come with higher upfront costs than other options.
How much does it cost to have someone install a mini-split?
A mini split installation will cost you from $2,000 to $14,500.
Why are mini splits so expensive to install?
Mini split systems cost so much because their design demands specialized labor. Additionally, potential electrical upgrades increase costs.
Leave a comment