The Family Handyman – September 2019

FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM SEPTEMBER 2019 47

REMOTE CONTROL

A handheld controller is

used to adjust the room

temperature. Some

mini-splits offer Wi-Fi

and Bluetooth control.

way to turn off power when servicing
the unit.) Power then runs from the dis-
connect to the condenser. Cable run-
ning alongside the line set powers the
evaporator. Our bill for electrical sup-
plies was about $160. A local electri-
cian estimated that work at about $500.
If you have some electrical know-
how but need extra guidance, don’t
forget your local electrical inspector.
It’s not an inspector’s job to act as a
consultant, but most will give you
some advice and outline code require-
ments. Expert help and certainty that
the job is done right—not bad for the
cost of an electrical permit.

Other materials

The condenser needs a level surface
to rest on. You could pour a concrete
pad, but a plastic condenser pad
($50 and up online) is instant and easy.
We mounted ours on condenser wall
brackets ($60 online).
The fabric sleeve covering the line
set isn’t attractive or easy to keep clean.
The solution is a plastic line set cover
kit, which costs about $50 online.

HOW IT WORKS

A mini-split system has two main

components: an indoor EVAPORATOR,

which cools the air, and an outdoor

CONDENSER, which dissipates heat.

They’re connected by a LINE SET,

tubing that passes through a baseball-

size hole in the wall, carrying hot

refrigerant outside and cold refrigerant

in. Our line set also included cable to

power the evaporator and a drain line

to carry condensation outside.

Condenser

Evaporator

Line set

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Wall brackets

Disconnect box

Condenser

Line set

Line set cover