A DIY Journey: Installing the Mr. Cool Heat Pump
Introduction
Hey y’all, welcome back to the channel! I’m Mike from Fowler Family Farm, and today’s video has been a long time coming. I’m thrilled to finally share with you the process of installing our Mr. Cool heat pump. As some of you might know, we’ve been relying on window units for the past three summers, and they just haven’t been cutting it. But all that changes today. Let’s jump right into it, and I’ll walk you through every step of this exciting DIY project.
The Arrival and Unboxing
After ordering the Mr. Cool heat pump about a month ago, we’re excited that it’s finally here. It’s a 27,000 BTU unit that comes with two air handlers – a 12,000 BTU unit and a 9,000 BTU unit. We plan to add another 9,000 BTU unit down the road for a different area of the house. Watching the delivery truck pull up today was like Christmas morning; I couldn’t wait to get started.
Getting Started: Electrical Preparations
The first step in our installation journey is setting up the electrical connections. This part of the project involves installing a quick disconnect near the air unit’s intended location. Having decent window units in the past meant we weren’t entirely without air conditioning, but they couldn’t keep up with our needs. Today, we make a significant upgrade.
Tools and Materials Needed
- 3/8-inch drill bit
- Quick disconnect box
- 35-amp breakers
- 60-amp non-fusible quick disconnect
- Number 8 wire
- Half-inch number 10 wire (whip)
I avoided diving into detailed electrical work in this video because I’m not a professional electrician. There are too many risks involved in improper electrical work, so it’s always best to consult a professional if you’re unsure of what you’re doing. For our setup, we used 35-amp breakers, a 60-amp non-fusible quick disconnect, and both number 8 and number 10 wire for the connections.
Securing the Outdoor Unit
With the electrical work sorted, we turned our attention to securing the outdoor unit. The process involved drilling anchor bolt holes into the concrete pad where the unit would sit. We used a 3/8-inch drill bit and drilled two inches deep to ensure a secure fit for the anchor bolts.
Materials Used
- Anchor bolts
- Rubber feet (for vibration dampening)
- Washers and nuts
We installed rubber feet on the bolts to help with vibration dampening. Surprisingly, the instructions did not explicitly mention installing these feet, but common sense suggested they were necessary. After ensuring the feet were properly placed, we fastened the unit down with washers and nuts.
Installing the Indoor Air Handlers
The next challenge was installing the indoor air handlers, beginning with positioning the brackets on the wall. Placement was crucial, especially considering the layout of our rooms and the location of studs and external sheet metal.
Steps to Install Brackets and Drill Holes
- Position the template on the wall to ensure level placement.
- Mark where the screws and line set hole will go.
- Use a hole saw to drill a 3.5-inch hole through the sheetrock and external sheet metal. We used a 10-inch extension due to the thickness of the walls.
Drilling the hole for the line set was more complex than expected. The extension made the process a bit wobbly, so I switched to a regular drill to ensure accuracy. This hole had to be slightly angled downward to ensure proper drainage of the condensate.
Wrapping the Pipe and Lines
According to the instructions, we wrapped the condensate drain line, communication line, and refrigerant pipes together with vinyl tape. Ensuring that the condensate line was on the bottom when mounted was critical for proper drainage.
Mounting the Air Handlers
With everything prepped, the actual mounting began. I climbed up the ladder with one air handler while Tanya, my partner, helped feed the lines through the hole in the wall. The air handler clicked into place on the bracket, marking a significant milestone in our project.
Connecting Line Sets and Drain Lines
The next step was connecting the 16-foot line set to the indoor units and running them to the outdoor unit. Unfortunately, due to inventory issues, we had to use two 16-foot lines instead of the more ideal 25-foot ones, leading to some extra line coiling.
Materials and Tools
- Line set
- Drain lines
- Zip ties (temporary securing)
The drain line was connected next. Although the external covers hadn’t arrived yet, we used zip ties to loosely secure the lines until the covers could be installed. Once everything was connected, the final step with the line sets was to release the refrigerant into the lines using an Allen wrench.
Checking for Leaks
To ensure everything was properly sealed, we performed the soapy water test on all connections. This simple yet effective method confirmed there were no leaks, indicating a successful and secure installation.
Final Electrical Connections
After testing for leaks, it was time to address the final electrical connections. While I refrained from filming this part, I followed the necessary steps to safely connect the system to the power source. With all connections made, we were ready to test our new unit.
First Impressions and Performance
Upon powering up the Mr. Cool heat pump, we initially noted how quietly it operated. However, after about 30 minutes, the unit started making more noise, which I suspect could be an issue with balance. Despite this, the unit effectively cooled our home, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature of 70°F.
Observations
- Noise Level: Initially quiet, but increased in volume after some time.
- Effectiveness: The unit successfully maintained a cool temperature and dehumidified the air, making it feel cooler than the thermostat indicated.
Future Adjustments and Plans
Reflecting on the installation, there are some things I might have done differently. For instance, the placement of the air handlers could have been more strategically thought out for optimal airflow throughout the house. However, the current setup works well, and we’re satisfied with the outcome.
Next Steps
- Receive and Install Covers: We’re awaiting the arrival of the external covers to protect the lines and complete the aesthetic aspect of the installation.
- Cosmetic Finishing Touches: Texturing, painting, and adding trim to integrate the units seamlessly into our home’s interior design.
- Future Additions: Planning the installation of an additional 9,000 BTU air handler for another area of the house.
Conclusion
Wrapping up this exhaustive DIY project brings a sense of accomplishment. Although I’m not a professional HVAC technician, this experience proved rewarding and educational. For anyone considering a similar project, I encourage thorough research and readiness to troubleshoot unexpected hurdles.
Concluding the video, I reminded viewers to like, subscribe, and leave feedback. Sharing our journey not only documents our progress but hopefully inspires and assists others embarking on similar DIY undertakings.
Thank you for joining me on this installation journey. Your support keeps us motivated and striving for better content and more projects. Until our next update, God bless and happy DIY-ing!
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