Ductless Mini Split Installation: Not for Amateurs, but You Can Do Some Pre-Installation Work Yourself

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Many homeowners love the idea of saving a buck with do-it-yourself projects. In many cases, the results are just as good as a professional contractor’s work. When it comes to installing a ductless mini split, it’s possible to get the project started on your own, but it’s important to have a trained HVAC technician do the “heavy lifting.”

Ductless mini splits are essentially heat pumps that warm or cool your home by quietly blowing the conditioned or heated air directly into a room. Mini splits are the perfect solution for retrofitting a historic home without the cost and hassle of installing intrusive ductwork. In fact, many new homes are being built with ductless technology, thanks to the energy efficiency, convenience and savings associated with it.

What Does Installing a Ductless Mini Split Entail?

Fully installing a mini split system requires specific tools and knowledge that are nearly impossible for a layperson to acquire. In addition, in most areas, one must be certified to work with the gas, refrigerant and electrical connections needed to complete installation.

It is possible, though, to do some pre-installation work on your own before your trusted contractor finishes the job. Homeowners with some construction experience and basic tools should be able to:

  • Drill the three-inch hole in the wall where the unit will be placed
  • Run the copper tubing and connections outside
  • Hang or install the indoor air handling unit
  • Unpack the compressor from the box
  • Prepare a concrete pad or other flat surface
  • Place the outdoor compressor unit on the flat surface

To ensure proper installation, leave at least the following jobs for a professional contractor:

  • Setting gauges
  • Completing the couplings
  • Vacuuming the lines
  • Testing for leaks in the tubing
  • Releasing the refrigerant

To learn more about ductless mini splits, how they’re installed and how they can fulfill your home comfort needs, please contact Apollo Home Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. Our team of HVAC pros has been serving the greater Cincinnati area for over 100 years.

"Ernie & Mike did a superb job on my new furnace and A/C installation. Despite having more than a day’s work to do, they came in and stayed until the job was done. They were organized, efficient, and protected the rest of the house well. Got both furnace and A/C installed the same day. Ernie was courteous, informative, and clearly knew his job better than anyone I’ve encountered before. The units look so good guests now get The Tour of our new system. Apollo is clearly not a fly-by-night company. I would recommend them to anyone in need of a new furnace and/or A/C."
- Jerry A.
"I called Apollo because of a water leak I thought I had in our upstairs shower going into the kitchen. Robbie came and assured me everything was fine & looked at all the other plumbing. He ended up changing a few pipes for our washer & clearing a drain. He was very nice & knowledgeable with all my questions. I ended up signing up for the care plan & was very happy with my service."
- Cassandra B.
"The team at Apollo exceeded my expectations. As a business owner, my attention to the details and commitment to providing excellent service is high. From the sales rep. to the installation team, everyone’s performance was outstanding. For example, the installation team went to great lengths to protect our floors, placing floor runners and across the wood floors and up the stairs. They even were spot washing walls upon their departure. I highly recommend this company."
- Randy B.
"We scheduled an estimate AND a tune-up. We knew something was wrong with our furnace, but hoped we could make it through the rest of the season. Upon telling Bill what our furnace was doing, he warned us immediately what the possible outcome was going to be; a cracked heat exchanger. He watched the flames roll backward, tested carbon monoxide levels, which were so high they meter’s last reading was 5,600 before saying “high”. He immediately shut it down, tagged it, and explained that with levels that high and children in our home he wanted off right away. He continued his inspection and showed us via a camera that not only was it cracked in multiple places, but had holes all over it. He gave us a few options for repairing it; his knowledge as well as genuine concern was beneficial and refreshing. Luckily we also scheduled an estimator, Micah, to come too and we were able to get costs between repairing and replacing (with several options). We decided to replace with a much higher efficiency furnace and one sized properly to our home. Hands down, not only did they both provide us great service and knowledge, but without sounding dramatic, they may have saved our lives. This was our first time calling Apollo, but it won’t be our last."
- Sarah B.
"Apollo is an excellent company. I always receive great service. Alex A. was professional and friendly. He kept me informed during the process of checking my furnace and heat pump to make sure they were working properly. The company makes sure you are notified who is coming and when they are on the way. All my interactions with the company have been wonderful."
- Beverly S.
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